Leveraging Your Life “Seek First The Kingdom” Matthew 6:33

Leveraging Your Life: Week 1 “Leveraging Your Life”

Matthew 6:33

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

Intro:

• In our series Leverage Your Life
• We continue to examine together
• How God has used and continues to use ordinary people to turn the world upside down.
• This 6-week study explores how to:
  • Leverage Your Life
  • Seek First The Kingdom
  • Deepen Devotion
  • Stick Together
  • Think Multiplication
  • Engage Our City
• Last week we looked at how to Leverage our lives
• Based on the way Jesus Defined the purpose of life through the apostle Paul
• In 1 Corinthians 15…That “whatever we do we do for the Glory of God.”
• We were challenged to leverage our “whatever’s” Big or Small for the benefit of others Coming to know Jesus

Today, let’s look at the second priority:

“Seek First the Kingdom”

• “What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?”
• Many people pursue personal success, financial security, or earthly pleasures as their primary goal,
• Only to find that these things fail to satisfy.
• Similar to what we learned last week
• Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 offer an alternative—
• A focus on eternal priorities that provide both purpose and peace.
• Matthew 6:33 is part of the Sermon on the Mount,
• Where Jesus addresses the worries of daily life, such as food, clothing, and shelter (Matthew 6:25-32).
• Jesus redirects His audience’s focus away from worldly concerns
• And on to eternal truths, reminding them of God’s faithful provision.
• Seeking the kingdom of God first is not just a command but a promise:
• “All these things will be provided for you” (Matthew 6:33).
• This Morning I want to:
  • Define what the kingdom of God is and why it’s worth seeking above all else.
  • Provide us with practical steps for living in alignment with this eternal priority.
  • And inspire a deeper trust in God’s provision and a commitment to His purposes.

Story of David Livingstone:

One powerful real-life example of prioritizing the kingdom of God comes from the life of David Livingstone,

David Livingstone (1813–1873), born in a poor working-class family in Scotland, began his career as a physician. While studying medicine and theology in London, he felt a deep conviction to bring both physical healing and the gospel to the unreached. His calling led him to Africa, a continent he described as “the open sore of the world” due to the devastating effects of the slave trade.

Livingstone’s life was marked by profound sacrifices. He left behind the comforts of Britain and faced harsh conditions, including illness, hostile environments, and loneliness. Over his 30 years in Africa, he traveled over 29,000 miles, often on foot, and suffered from recurring bouts of malaria and other tropical diseases. Despite the hardships, he refused to return home, saying,
“I place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of Christ. If anything will advance the interests of the kingdom, it shall be given away or kept, only as by giving or keeping it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time and eternity.”

One of Livingstone’s greatest passions was to combat the slave trade, which he witnessed firsthand. He dedicated his life to exposing its atrocities to the world. His detailed letters and journals highlighted the suffering of enslaved Africans, leading to greater awareness and action in Britain against the trade.

Throughout his travels, Livingstone prioritized sharing the gospel. He often established relationships with local chiefs and communities, earning their trust and respect. Although he saw few immediate converts during his lifetime, his work laid the foundation for future missionaries who would build on his efforts, leading to significant spiritual and social transformations in Africa.

In his later years, Livingstone’s health deteriorated, but his determination never wavered. He famously wrote:
“If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?”

In 1873, Livingstone died on his knees in prayer in a small village in Zambia. The locals, who deeply respected him, carried his body over 1,500 miles to the coast so it could be returned to Britain. His heart, however, was buried in Africa, symbolizing his deep love and commitment to the people he served.

Livingstone’s legacy endures. His life inspired countless others to become missionaries, and his tireless efforts against the slave trade helped ignite a global movement. He demonstrated what it means to seek first the kingdom of God—valuing eternal impact over personal comfort and trusting in God’s provision even in the face of great challenges.
Livingstone’s story is a powerful reminder that seeking God’s kingdom requires selflessness, perseverance, and faith. His unwavering commitment inspires us to prioritize the gospel, even when it demands personal sacrifice. Just as Livingstone trusted God to use his efforts for eternal purposes, we too can trust that our acts of faith—no matter how small—can make a lasting impact for God’s kingdom.

• The truth is that misplaced priorities can lead to anxiety, frustration, and a lack of purpose,
• While kingdom-focused living brings peace and significance no matter what it cost.
• So, this morning as we
  • Define what the kingdom of God is and why it is worth seeking above all else.
  • Provide practical steps for living in alignment with this eternal priority.
  • And inspire a deeper trust in God’s provision and a commitment to His purposes.
• I want to do so by exploring three key aspects that we must have if we are to seek first the kingdom:

1. See The Kingdom

2. Share the Kingdom

3. Speak the Kingdom

1. See The Kingdom-

• The first step we need to take today is understanding “what do mean when we say “the Kingdom”?
• The kingdom of God is defined as “God’s rule and reign in the lives of His people.”

Psalm 103:9

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

• The Kingdom is both present (in the hearts and lives of believers) and future (culminating in Christ’s eternal reign).
• Jesus Said it like this

Luke 17:20-21

“…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.”

• Revelation 5:9-10 also tells us that The kingdom is made up of people redeemed by Jesus’ blood from every tribe, language, and nation who serve God and reign with Him.
• Jesus also tells us that the Kingdom has Value

Matthew 13:44-46

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

⁴⁶ When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.

• The kingdom is like a hidden treasure or a pearl of great price.
• It is worth sacrificing everything to obtain because it surpasses all earthly riches.
• Imagine a man who finds a winning lottery ticket worth billions
• But must sell everything he owns to claim it.
• The kingdom is infinitely more valuable than any earthly possession.
• The kingdom of God calls for worship, surrender, and service
• To Jesus as King for those who have been redeemed by him.
• Living for Jesus means aligning our daily actions, decisions, and values with His purposes.
• How do you know if you are living out the kingdom as Jesus defined it?
• Do you prioritize time for worship, serving others, and giving sacrificially to reflect kingdom living?
• Reflect on your life: Are you seeking this kind of kingdom in your relationships, work, and decisions?
• I challenge you to Pray and ask God to help you treasure His kingdom above all else and live as a faithful citizen of heaven.
• Once we understand what the Kingdom of God is and that we are called to live it out
• Then, our next step in “seeking first the kingdom” is to:

1. Share the Kingdom:

Matthew 24:14

¹⁴ This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

• What is the good news of the Kingdom?
• It is the Gospel!
• What is The Gospel? (1 Cor. 15:1-4; The Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus for the punishment of our sins)
• The Good News of the Kingdom Offers Grace

Matthew 20:1-16:

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.

² After agreeing with the workers on one denarius, he sent them into his vineyard for the day.

³ When he went out about nine in the morning, he saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing.

⁴ He said to them, ‘You also go into my vineyard, and I’ll give you whatever is right.’ So off they went.

⁵ About noon and about three, he went out again and did the same thing.

⁶ Then about five he went and found others standing around and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day doing nothing?’

⁷ “‘Because no one hired us,’ they said to him.“‘You also go into my vineyard,’ he told them.

⁸ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard told his foreman, ‘Call the workers and give them their pay, starting with the last and ending with the first.’

⁹ “When those who were hired about five came, they each received one denarius.

¹⁰ So when the first ones came, they assumed they would get more, but they also received a denarius each.

¹¹ When they received it, they began to complain to the landowner:

¹² ‘These last men put in one hour, and you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day’s work and the burning heat.’

¹³ “He replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I’m doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me on a denarius?

¹⁴ Take what’s yours and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you.

¹⁵ Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what is mine? Are you jealous because I’m generous?’

¹⁶ “So the last will be first, and the first last.”

• Jesus’ parable of the vineyard workers illustrates the grace of the kingdom.
• Entry into the kingdom is based on God’s generosity, not human merit.
• Whether you come early or late to faith,
• God’s grace is sufficient to bring you into His kingdom.
• At the same time those already in the Kingdom need to Avoid pride or comparison in their spiritual journey.
• Instead, Celebrate God’s grace extended to all.
• Ultimately the Good News of the Kingdom is an Invitation

Matthew 22:1-14:

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables:

² “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.

³ He sent his servants to summon those invited to the banquet, but they didn’t want to come.

⁴ Again, he sent out other servants and said, ‘Tell those who are invited: See, I’ve prepared my dinner; my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

⁵ “But they paid no attention and went away, one to his own farm, another to his business,

⁶ while the rest seized his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

⁷ The king was enraged, and he sent out his troops, killed those murderers, and burned down their city.

⁸ “Then he told his servants, ‘The banquet is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.

⁹ Go then to where the roads exit the city and invite everyone you find to the banquet.’

¹⁰ So those servants went out on the roads and gathered everyone they found, both evil and good. The wedding banquet was filled with guests.

¹¹ When the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed for a wedding.

¹² So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.

¹³ “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him up hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

¹⁴ “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

• The kingdom is like a wedding banquet, open to all who respond.
• However, only those clothed in Christ’s righteousness can enter.
• Just like a wedding, guests must wear the proper attire to attend.
• Similarly, we must be clothed in Christ’s righteousness, not our works.
• What does it mean to be clothed in Christ’s righteousness

Romans 10:9

⁹ If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

• It’s acknowledging that you don’t have what it takes to be Lord of your own life
• You can’t do enough right on your own to cover your sin
• You need Jesus and What he did for you to cloth you
• To do what we call “Justify” you
• Just as if I never sinned! (we get his record)
• Have you accepted God’s invitation?
• Are you prepared for His kingdom?
• Once we see what the Kingdom is
• And we either share or receive the Good News of The Kingdom
• Then we are ready to

1. Speak the Kingdom-

• This goes back to our A.S.K. Principle
• Meaning to Speak the Kingdom is to pray for the Kingdom to come.
• When Jesus taught his disciples to Pray
• He prayed this:

Matthew 6:10

Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

• This Prayer is a foundational prayer
• Aligning our hearts with God’s purposes and asking for His sovereign rule to take hold in every area of life.
• Seeking the kingdom in prayer means asking for God’s reign to transform our personal lives, relationships, and communities.
• Even if it is not convenient for our earthly lives
• Kingdom-Focused Prayer is done in two parts:
• First “Your Kingdom Come”: for example
  • For Salvation of Others:
• Pray for specific individuals by name who have yet to place their trust in Jesus.
  • For Bold Witness:
• Pray for the courage to share the gospel in your daily life and for opportunities
• Pray God gives you opportunities to engage others with the Good News of the kingdom.
• Example: “Holy Spirit, give me the words to speak and the love to share Your message with those around me.”
• Second “Your will be done.”
• If Jesus is really the Lord of your life
• Then it does not matter what he asks of Us!
  • For God’s Justice and Mercy:
• Pray for God’s righteousness to shape our world, addressing injustices and bringing healing to broken systems.
• Not fighting in Human strength but battling on our knees
  • Gods Call on my life
• What has God called you to do?
• Not just your everyday Job
• But with your life
• Let me make it Practical:
  • Make Kingdom-Focused Prayers a Habit:
• Dedicate a portion of your daily prayer time to intercede for God’s kingdom.
• Use a prayer journal to stay intentional about praying for specific people and issues.
  • Pray with Others:
• Join a prayer group or organize one within your community to pray collectively for God’s work to advance in your church, city, and the world.

• • Align Your Desires with God’s Purposes:
• Regularly examine your own heart in prayer, asking God to reshape your priorities to align with His kingdom values.

Conclusion:

• As we conclude this week’s focus on “Seek First the Kingdom” from Matthew 6:33,
• Let’s reflect on what it truly means to live with kingdom priorities.

Key Takeaways:

• • See the Kingdom:
• Understand that the kingdom of God is about His rule and reign in the lives of His people—
• Redeemed by Jesus, worshiping Him, and living for His purposes.
  • Share the Kingdom:
• The gospel is the good news of the kingdom.
• As citizens of the kingdom, we are called to share this message with boldness and grace,
• Inviting others to experience the life-transforming love of Christ.
  • Speak the Kingdom:
• In our prayers, we align our hearts with God’s eternal purposes,
• Asking Him to bring His reign into our lives, our communities, and the world.
• Examine Your Priorities:
• What comes first in your life?
• Are you consumed with earthly pursuits,
• Or are you focused on seeking God’s kingdom above all else?
• Reflect on how your time, resources, and energy are being used.
• Are they invested in eternal purposes?
• Take Action:
• Commit this week to one specific way you can prioritize the kingdom of God—whether through sharing the gospel, engaging in prayer, or serving others sacrificially. (Text somebody what you will do)
• Encouragement and Hope:
• Jesus’ promise in Matthew 6:33 reminds us that when we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, “all these things will be provided for you.”
• Trust that God knows your needs and will supply them as you prioritize Him.
• Kingdom-focused living is not just about sacrifice; it’s about finding true satisfaction and joy in God’s eternal plan.
• Do you want that today?
• Then Seek First the Kingdom

PRAYER

“Father, we acknowledge Your reign in our lives and commit to seeking Your kingdom above all else. Help us to see Your kingdom at work, share the good news of Your salvation, and speak boldly of Your purposes in our prayers. Transform our lives, align our priorities with Yours, and empower us to live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”