Seek Him First

In this week's message, Martin O’Brien continued our exploration of Matthew 6, building on the theme of whether we are living for heaven or for earth. He emphasised the importance of focusing on the Kingdom of God rather than earthly worries, challenging us to evaluate if we truly seek and live for God first.

Key Scripture: Matthew 6:31-33

"So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Contrasts Highlighted:

- Heaven vs. Earth

- Unbelievers vs. Disciples

- Enough vs. More Than

Main Points:

1. Focus on Heaven and God's Kingdom:

- Earthly worries (food, clothes, shelter) should not dominate a disciple's thoughts.

- The Kingdom of God should be our top priority and sole purpose.

2. Alternative to Worrying:

- The NIV Study Bible describes these verses as advocating for a single-minded commitment to God as the alternative to worrying.

- Seeking God first is an ongoing lifestyle marked by determination to prioritize Christ’s teachings.

Practical Ways to Live in the “More Than”:

1. Pray:

- Scripture: Matthew 6:32, 6:8-13

- Point: Prayer shifts our focus from earthly worries to God and His Kingdom. It is a powerful tool that transforms our thinking and brings us into a heavenly mindset.

2. Seek:

- Meaning: The Greek term implies a continuous effort to prioritize God in every aspect of life.

- Application: Conduct a self-audit to assess how and if we are truly seeking Him first.

3. Live Righteously:

- Definition: Living in a way that is acceptable to God, marked by integrity, virtue, and correctness in thinking and acting.

- Challenge: As we seek God first, living righteously becomes more natural, shifting our focus from earthly concerns to heavenly matters.

Conclusion:

Martin reminded us that we are much more than enough when our lives are focused on God and His Kingdom. By transforming our thinking through prayer, seeking, and righteous living, we move from a state of worry to a state of divine abundance. Let us strive to live with a heavenly mindset, continually seeking and prioritising God in all we do.