Seek First
As we celebrated the graduates this past Sunday, Pastor Len taught out of Matthew 6:25-34 as we examined what Jesus meant when he said “Seek First.” Jesus stands in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount and names the fork in the road: “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added.” The passage frames life’s anxieties about food, drink, clothing, and tomorrow, then insists that the Father knows what is needed. Matthew 6:33 lands like a command, not a suggestion. The call is not casual. “Seek” carries the weight of desire, aim and pursuit. It is intentional, purposeful and continual. Like a parent who drops everything to find a hidden child, this seek goes all in, with all that someone is and has.
Key Takeaways
– Seek is all-in and continual
This seek is not casual or once-and-done. It is an intentional, purposeful, ongoing pursuit that reorders attention, energy, and desire. Like a parent scouring a store for a child, the heart drops everything to find the King. The pursuit engages all that someone is and has.
– Kingdom means God’s rule and reign
The kingdom is not mainly a location but the King’s reign touching every part of life. Thoughts, desires, speech, actions, and resources all come under his authority. This is comprehensive, not compartmentalized, and it is meant to reshape ordinary days.
– Righteousness changes us from within
God’s righteousness is not behavior polish. It is holiness taking root inside so that an outward life begins to look like Jesus for real. Transformation replaces mere imitation as sanctification moves from inner renewal to visible fruit.
– Pursue the Giver, not the gifts
“All these things” are real needs, but they are not the center. When blessings become the aim and God the means, the soul thins and the order breaks. Desire must settle on Jesus himself, trusting the Father to handle the rest in his time and way.
– Persistence, not perfection, guides obedience
Failure will happen, but it is not final. Confession and repentance dethrone the self and welcome the King’s reign again. Most growth comes through small, repeated yeses that train the heart to be ruled by God.
Reflection Questions
- What is one area of your life (thoughts, desires, habits, possessions) where you resist God’s rule? How could you intentionally surrender that area this week?
- When you pray for needs or blessings, how can you discern whether your heart is focused on the Giver or the gifts? What practical step could help refocus your desires on Jesus Himself?
- Identify one “small obedience” (e.g., a daily prayer habit, serving someone anonymously, pausing before reacting in anger) to practice this week. How might this strengthen your pursuit of God’s kingdom?
- Len mentioned that failure is inevitable but not final. How will you respond the next time you realize you’ve prioritized your own desires over God’s reign?
- What would it look like to “seek purely” in a current situation causing anxiety (e.g., finances, relationships, health)? How can you actively trust God’s care while surrendering outcomes to Him?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from May 24
- “Reign Above It All”
- “All Hail King Jesus”
- “Goodness Of God”
- “My King Forever”
Listen to the songs we play on Sundays by clicking the image below to access our Spotify playlist!
