Understanding the Kingdom

Today’s Reading from God’s Word

Matthew 6:33 CSB

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Introduction

This verse will serve as the foundational passage for our Vision 2025 theme.

Through the years, many of us may have committed it to memory.

It is really a summary of the entire sermon on the mount up to this point.

Jesus began with the beatitudes … revealing the character of those who are in the kingdom.

Matthew 5:3–12 CSB

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

He then proceeded to proclaim the law of the kingdom — which demands holiness before God rather than projecting external righteousness.

We are a people who are defined by loving our enemies and forgiving others.

And beginning in 6:19, he directly appeals to us to lay aside the care for earthly things and to set our minds on the heavenly. We seek righteousness over worldly success.

Matthew 6:19–21 CSB

19 “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

And if our treasure is truly in heaven, it will free us from the worry and anxiety that so often characterizes the world.

And that is the point of his teaching in 6:22-35.

I think the fullest expression is found in 6:33:

Matthew 6:33 CSB

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

This verse really encapsulates the entire sermon and in a few words contrasts the two cares which press upon us: … the two things we can seek in this life.

One thing is banned. The other thing is commended.

We do not seek worldly ease and its goods and advantages.

We seek heavenly things.

Our chief purpose is not to gain earthly things — but heavenly.

Verse 33 is really an appeal to make God’s kingdom and righteousness the primary objects of our life.

And that really is the focus for the upcoming year.

We often hold back our spiritual progress and maturity by being distracted by the things of this world.

Sadly, many of us don’t look much different from the world when it comes to worry and anxiety.

We’re distracted by temporal things and it can really hold back our spiritual development from where it needs to be.

And so, we really need to see the importance of this … and grab on to the incredible promise here in v. 33.

As we make God’s kingdom and righteousness our chief concern, we will secure the earthly things we need.

We have the choice.

We can pursue life without God.

Or we can pursue it in and of God. And in doing so, we reap the blessings in this life and in the life to come.

Today, we’ll talk about:

Understanding the Kingdom

Why We Need to Understand the Kingdom

Why It All Matters

Understanding the Kingdom

First of all, when we speak of the kingdom, we speak to God’s sovereign rule over all creation.

It is God’s eternal rule and authority — transcending both physical and spiritual realms.

The kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope.

A Present Reality

Mark 1:15 (CSB)

15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

The kingdom is present in the lives of those who submit to God’s reign through Christ.

We experience his reign by following Jesus, accepting His lordship, and living according to the principles of the kingdom.

It is a present spiritual reality:

Luke 17:20–21 (CSB)

20 When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable;

21 no one will say, ‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

It has been established on earth in the person of Jesus and in the hearts of his followers.

A Future Hope

The kingdom is also something that will be fully realized in the future, when Jesus returns and takes us home to be with Him forever.

This is the “already but not yet” aspect of the kingdom.

It is already here, but not yet fully realized in its entirety.

Let’s look at what Jesus said in Matthew 25:

Matthew 25:34 (CSB)

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

We live in anticipation of hearing Jesus say these words to us.

Revelation 21-22 describes the full realization of the kingdom — when God dwells with His people in a new heaven and new earth — where there is no more sin, suffering, or death.

What does the Kingdom Involve?

The Rule and Reign of Jesus.

When we speak of God’s kingdom, we are talking about His rule in the hearts of His people and his ultimate control over creation.

Psalm 103:19 (CSB)

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

In fact, Jesus’ kingdom is not a political or earthly realm — it is a spiritual and eternal reign that transcends the systems of this world.

John 18:36 (CSB)

36 “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

The Kingdom’s Citizens

Citizens of the kingdom are those who are saved through Jesus Christ.

They willingly submit to His leadership and follow His commands.

These are those who have been called to live according to the values of the kingdom.

Romans 14:17 CSB

17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We operate under different principles than the world.

For us, life is not about power or wealth, but about humility, service, love, and righteousness.

Why We Need to Understand the Kingdom

It Clarifies Our Identity and Purpose

Understanding the Kingdom of God helps us understand who we are as Christians.

We are citizens of a different Kingdom, not of this world.

Philippians 3:20–21 (CSB)

20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.

When we understand that we are citizens of God’s Kingdom, it radically shifts how we view our lives.

No longer are we just aimlessly going through the motions.

We are part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are co-heirs with Christ, belonging to a Kingdom that cannot be shaken or destroyed.

The worries of this world—our jobs, our success, our failures—these are all temporary.

But in God’s Kingdom, we are secure, valued, and loved.

We are children of the King, and that identity shapes everything about us.

Understanding this gives us a sense of purpose and direction in life.

Our lives are not meaningless or random; we have a purpose!

We are called to seek His will, to share the good news of His Kingdom with others, and to live as reflections of His love.

When we live for the Kingdom, everything we do matters—whether it’s caring for our families, serving our community, or simply being kind to those around us.

We are part of God’s redemptive plan for this world.

It Guides How We Live

Knowing what the Kingdom is shapes how we live daily.

Matthew 5:13–16 (CSB)

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Our actions, attitudes, and choices should reflect the Kingdom of God, not the values of the world.

Romans 14:17 CSB

17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, our King, calls us to live differently—to live out love, peace, forgiveness, humility, and righteousness.

These aren’t just moral ideals—they’re the very fabric of the Kingdom.

The Kingdom isn’t about power or wealth, but about serving others, caring for the broken, and living with a heart of compassion.

Think about it: when we live as Kingdom citizens, we reflect the love and grace of God to those around us.

We are His hands and feet in this broken world, showing people what it looks like when God’s Kingdom breaks through into their lives.

It’s the beauty of a life transformed by the King who loves us and calls us to bring that same love to others.

It Provides Hope and Encouragement

Understanding the Kingdom provides hope for the future.

While we may face trials, suffering, and uncertainty in this world, knowing that God’s Kingdom will ultimately prevail gives us perseverance and encouragement.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (CSB)

16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.

17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.

18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

The brokenness we experience will not last forever.

Understanding the Kingdom gives us hope that goes beyond anything this world can offer.

In this world, we face hardships, pain, and loss—but the Kingdom of God is our hope that one day, all things will be made right.

In the Kingdom, there is no more pain, no more suffering, no more tears.

Revelation 21:3–4 CSB

3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.

The hope of the Kingdom is what carries us through the darkest times, reminding us that God’s reign will one day be fully realized, and we will be with Him forever in a place of perfect peace and joy.

Evangelism and Mission:

When we understand the Kingdom, we recognize the urgency of sharing the message of salvation with others.

The Kingdom is both a present reality and a future promise.

Jesus came proclaiming the arrival of God’s Kingdom, and He calls us to do the same.

Mark 1:15 CSB

15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Matthew 28:18–20 (CSB)

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Understanding the Kingdom motivates us to invite others to become part of it through faith in Christ.

It Aligns Our Priorities

As we seek God’s Kingdom first, we are reminded that our lives are not about accumulating earthly wealth, power, or status, but about living in obedience to God’s will and spreading His love.

Jesus calls us to focus on heavenly rewards, not earthly ones.

As We Close…

The Kingdom is not just a place or a set of rules—it’s a relationship.

God, the King, invites us into His presence.

He wants to rule not just over the world, but over our hearts.

Jesus calls us to follow Him, to trust Him, to live in step with Him.

The Kingdom is about living in a daily relationship with the King, where He leads, we follow, and we experience His love, grace, and peace.

Why does this matter?

Because God isn’t just a distant King far away.

He is near.

He wants to be present in your life, ready to rule, to lead, to heal, and to restore.

The Kingdom of God is where you belong, not just someday in the future, but right now.

It’s where your deepest needs are met, your greatest longings are fulfilled, and your purpose is found.

Understanding the Kingdom isn’t about religious duty—it’s about invitation.

Jesus is inviting you to enter into a relationship with Him, to experience His reign in your life, and to be a part of the work He’s doing in the world.

It’s a Kingdom where there is no condemnation, no shame, only love and grace.

So, the question is: will you enter?

Will you live as a citizen of this Kingdom, under the rule of a loving King who desires the best for you?

Will you let God’s Kingdom shape your life, give you hope, and transform you from the inside out?

This is not just theology; this is life-changing truth.

You are invited into the Kingdom of God, today.

And when you step into that Kingdom, you step into the embrace of a King who loves you with an everlasting love.