PRIORITIES - PUTTING FIRST THINGS FIRST
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INTRODUCTION
There are priorities that must be set in the affairs of life.
There are priorities that must be set in the affairs of life.
Earning a living takes precedence over recreation.
Schoolwork takes precedence over sports.
In dispensing medical treatment in a disaster or battlefield situation, those with the most serious injuries that can be treated are given priority.
As we shall see, there are certain priorities which apply in the spiritual arena of life.
As we shall see, there are certain priorities which apply in the spiritual arena of life.
DISCUSSION
33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
This is the key verse in the context of Matthew 6. If one wants to have the essentials just named in the above verses, let him meet the requirements of this verse.
This is the key verse in the context of Matthew 6. If one wants to have the essentials just named in the above verses, let him meet the requirements of this verse.
“Seek” denotes an active, diligent search and inquiry, which is required of both alien and saint.
“Seek” denotes an active, diligent search and inquiry, which is required of both alien and saint.
This disposition and commitment characterized our Lord.
39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
4 We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Christianity is a taught religion
Christianity is a taught religion
One cannot be born by the natural birth into it
A process of teaching and learning is necessary in order for one to become a Christian.
18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.
To practice the religion of Christ, one must put forth diligent effort… as seen in the word “Seek”
To practice the religion of Christ, one must put forth diligent effort… as seen in the word “Seek”
58 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.
The effort of living the Christian life is illustrated by several well-known activities.
The effort of living the Christian life is illustrated by several well-known activities.
It is depicted as waging a spiritual war.
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
It is pictured as running in a foot-race.
25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Determination is required to live the Christian life successfully.
Determination is required to live the Christian life successfully.
24 Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
23 And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
The object of our search is plainly stated.
The object of our search is plainly stated.
Many seek for the wrong things - money, material goods, fame, position, worldly honor.
Many seek for the wrong things - money, material goods, fame, position, worldly honor.
We are told to seek the kingdom of God.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
No one can stumble into the kingdom; it must be sought…
8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein.
We are to seek to obtain the benefits the Kingdom offers and for the privileges it bestows
We are told to seek the righteousness of God.
172 Let my tongue sing of thy word;
For all thy commandments are righteousness.
13 This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
7 My little children, let no man lead you astray: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous:
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
We obtain the righteousness which God bestows on us when we obey the Gospel of Christ!
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith.
The order of our search is stated: we are to seek the God’s kingdom and righteousness First.
The order of our search is stated: we are to seek the God’s kingdom and righteousness First.
Nothing is to equal or to surpass their importance
Nothing is to equal or to surpass their importance
The kingdom of God is the church of Christ (Matt. 16:16-19; Dan. 2:44; Isa. 2:2-3; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 2; Col. 1:13-14; Eph. 1:3).
The kingdom of God is the church of Christ (Matt. 16:16-19; Dan. 2:44; Isa. 2:2-3; 1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 2; Col. 1:13-14; Eph. 1:3).
The common notion of modern religious men is that the church is unimportant.
They fail to see that the church and the kingdom are one and the same.
If they could learn this truth, then the Lord's statement would become as meaningful to them as it is to us.
The church [the kingdom] is of such great importance that it must be placed first in our priorities.
If one puts the church first:
Will he stay away from the assemblies?
Will he refuse to give as he has prospered?
Will he work for the church?
God's righteousness is placed on the same plane as the kingdom.
God's righteousness is placed on the same plane as the kingdom.
They are joined by the conjunction - “and”
It is in the church that we are able to work righteousness and be fully obedient to the will of God.
To seek righteousness is to do those things which result in obtaining the righteousness of God.
In cases where we have a choice between an act of obedience [worship or service] or some worldly entertainment, which is more important to us?
In cases where we have a choice between an act of obedience [worship or service] or some worldly entertainment, which is more important to us?
If we could be in a Wednesday night Bible class, but we choose to attend a ball game or go fishing, which have we shown is more important to us? Which have we placed first?
If we could attend a service in a gospel meeting being conducted by the local congregation, but we choose to go camping, or attend some secular function, or take a trip, which have we shown is more important to us? Which have we placed first?
Many attend only one service weekly, when it would be possible for them to attend all of them.
Many attend only one service weekly, when it would be possible for them to attend all of them.
If every other member attended only once weekly, what would become of the local congregation?
If all attended every service possible, how greatly would the church prosper!
Some give only a token amount to the Lord, while spending a great portion of their income on their selfish pleasures. If all did that, what would become of the local congregation?
Some give only a token amount to the Lord, while spending a great portion of their income on their selfish pleasures. If all did that, what would become of the local congregation?
If we put the kingdom and righteousness of God first, then all these things (food, clothing, etc.) will be thrown in as an added blessing. The primary blessings are spiritual; these material essentials are given to boot.
If we put the kingdom and righteousness of God first, then all these things (food, clothing, etc.) will be thrown in as an added blessing. The primary blessings are spiritual; these material essentials are given to boot.
ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE REQUIRED BY THE GOSPEL?
ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE REQUIRED BY THE GOSPEL?
The price for pardon was great.
The price for pardon was great.
Although salvation is free to us (Rev. 22:17), yet it cost the Father, the Son, the Lord’s apostles, and our first century brethren more than can be estimated.
To receive pardon brings upon us a heavy price; it might cost us some of our family and friends; it will cost us a great deal of our time and effort.
The price for knowledge is great.
The price for knowledge is great.
Ecclesiastes 12:12: “...Much study is a weariness of the flesh.”
Much effort is required to learn, but the reward is greater!
The price for spiritual strength is great.
The price for spiritual strength is great.
As physical strength requires exercise and time, so spiritual strength demands time, effort and activity.
1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;
The price of reaching Heaven is great.
The price of reaching Heaven is great.
We are required to imitate the life of our Lord - not an easy prospect (1 Cor. 11:1)
We are to abide in Christ (John 15:6).
We are to die in Christ (Rev. 14:13).
To obtain Heaven, we must give up the world; to have the world, we forfeit Heaven.
ARE YOU READY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD?
ARE YOU READY TO DO THE WILL OF GOD?
Are you ready and able to give a reason for your hope?
15 but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:
Are you ready and able to teach the lost and weak brethren?
19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
1 Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Are you ready and able to support every good work?
1 Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
Are you ready and willing into die for the Lord?
6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.
Are you ready for the Lord’s return?
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. 44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 But at midnight there is a cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.
ARE YOU CONTINUING STEADFASTLY?
ARE YOU CONTINUING STEADFASTLY?
Are you steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine? (Acts 2:42).
Are you steadfast in the fellowship of the saints? (Acts 2:42).
Are you steadfast in the breaking of bread? (Worship - Lord’s Supper: Acts 2:42)
Are you steadfast in prayer? (Acts 2:42)
IF ANY MAN WILL, HE CAN PARTAKE OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY
IF ANY MAN WILL, HE CAN PARTAKE OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.
The final choice is up to the individual (Luke 9:23; Rev. 22:17).
Are you following Christ?
Are you exercising self-denial?
Do you daily bear his cross?
CONCLUSION
We are now living in the time of probation.
We are now living in the time of probation.
We can pick and choose what we wish to do.
We are free to exercise our free moral agency; God respects our right to choose; He gave us this right.
Will you elect this day to seek first the kingdom and righteousness of God?
If you have not, will you begin now to put the Lord FIRST?
How much does the Lord mean to you?
How much does the Lord mean to you?
With your life providing the answer, what is most important to you?
Do you love him with the entirety of your heart, soul, mind, and strength?