Kingdom First: Living in Divine Priorities

Introduction

Importance of priorities in life.

Highlight Jesus' teaching on seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness above all else.

Automation (the promise): "All these things will be provided for you."

1. What Does It Mean to Seek?

Definition: Searching, desiring, requiring, or demanding—an active and continuous pursuit.

Key Scriptures:

Matthew 7:7-8 (AMP 7, ESV 8): Asking, seeking, and knocking as a persistent process.

The difference between asking (prayer), seeking (active pursuit), and knocking (persistent action).

Application: Let’s actively seek God daily in prayer, study, and worship.

2. What Does "First" Mean?

Priority and Intentionality:

Seeking God before and above everything else.

Shift from worldly concerns to Kingdom values.

Mindset Shift:

Jesus calls for a Kingdom mindset, unlike the Gentiles who focus on worldly needs.

Illustration: Share the story about focusing on God instead of my business during COVID-19.

3. Understanding the Kingdom of God

Definition:

Not a religious term;

it refers to the King’s dominion—His rule and authority.

The Kingdom is both present (within us) and eternal.

1 Corinthians 3:16: We are God’s temple, carrying His presence.

Practical Application:

Living as citizens of the Kingdom means reflecting Jesus’ rule in our lives and choices.

Illustration: Isaiah 9:6 – The authority of God’s Kingdom rests on Christ. Highlight the attributes of Jesus as King.

4. The Role of Righteousness

Definition:

Aligning our lives with God’s standards and character.

It is the "law" of God’s Kingdom

Foundation scripture: Genesis 1:26:

Image: Character/ Nature(Natural)

• The Nature is what is natural to a creature. We are created to act just like our Father

• Image is the essence of God. In the essence, we enter into the God-class. When Satan sees you, He is supposed to see the Essence of the Father.

• Likeness: Function or operate like God

• How does God function?? Faith! Believing something before you see it!

• Worrying is not in our Nature, Stop worrying!

Worry and fear are not part of our God-given nature.

Faith over Worry: Believing in God’s provision before seeing it.

5. Trusting God’s Provision

Matthew 6:31: “So don’t worry...”The King knows your needs for food, drink, and clothing.

Key Point: Trusting God’s Kingdom provision frees us to focus on living out His righteousness.

Conclusion

Call to Action:

It’s time to re-center our priorities: Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first.

Trust in the promise that "all these things" will be added to them.

Final Encouragement:

God's Kingdom is present, powerful, and active in their lives.

God wants the Church to live out their Kingdom citizenship daily.