But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
To truly experience God's blessings, we must seek Him first and prioritize His will and glory above all else.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Kingdom of God above all else, warning that even good desires can distract us from our true purpose in Him. He encourages believers to commit their desires to God while maintaining a focus on His will and glory, rather than seeking blessings for selfish reasons. By delighting in the Lord, we can trust that He will fulfill our heart's desires as we align them with His purpose. Simpson reminds us that all things will be added to us when we seek God first, reinforcing the idea that true fulfillment comes from being in Christ. He concludes with a prayer for a heart that seeks to please God above all other blessings.
Text
For every heart that is seeking anything from the Lord this is a good watchword. That very thing, or the desire for it, may unconsciously separate us from the Lord or at least from the singleness of our purpose toward Him. The thing we desire may be a right thing, but we may desire it in a distrustful and selfish spirit. Let us commit to Him and believe for it; but let us, at the same time, keep our purpose fixed on His will and glory. Let us claim even His promised blessings, not for themselves or ourselves, but for Him. Then shall it be true, Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalm 37:4).
All other things but Himself God will "add." But they must always be added, never first.
Then shall we be able to believe for them without doubt, when we claim them for Him and not for ourselves. It is only when we are Christ's that all things are ours. Lord, help me this day to seek Thee first, and be more desirous to please Thee and have Thy will than to possess any other blessing.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Seeking God First
- The Right Way to Seek God's Blessings
- The Promise of God's Provision
- God will add all things but Himself
- Believe for God's blessings without doubt
Key Quotes
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalm 37:4)” — A.B. Simpson
“It is only when we are Christ's that all things are ours.” — A.B. Simpson
“Lord, help me this day to seek Thee first, and be more desirous to please Thee and have Thy will than to possess any other blessing.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to prioritize God's will and glory above your desires and needs.
- Claim God's promised blessings for Him, not for yourself, to experience true faith and trust.
- Cultivate a deeper relationship with God by delighting in Him and seeking His presence above all else.