Seek First ... and Find
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and trusting in God's care and provision.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness as outlined in Matthew 6:33. He explains that God's kingdom is where He reigns as Lord, and His righteousness reflects His ways. Stegen encourages believers not to worry about earthly needs, as God cares for them just as He does for the birds and flowers. He highlights the necessity of actively seeking God's will and living according to His principles, including loving one's enemies and maintaining purity of heart. Ultimately, he reassures that those who surrender to God will find His provision and care in their lives.
Text
Matthew 6: 33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
In Matthew 6 v 33 there are two main issues that stand out: the kingdom of God and His righteousness. It is important that we seek both. His kingdom refers to where He is Lord and king over all. His righteousness is His way of doing things. This verse is right after the sermon on the Mount which speaks about God's kingdom and the way He rules. Matthew 11 v7 says nobody knows the Father but the Son and those to whom He reveals the Father. Jesus is the only one who knows God's personality and character and the way He does things and He reveals God to us so that we can get to know Him.
We shouldn't be worried like the heathen. They worry about what they will eat and wear and about tomorrow. The Lord Jesus gives a picture about how God cares for us when He says we should look at the birds of the air. If He cares for them, how much more won't He care for us? The Bible says that Solomon in his glory wasn't clothed as well as the flowers that God clothes. This reveals God's heart and what He feels for us and that we can trust Him fully. We don't need to be concerned because He says that He will never leave or forsake us.
It also says that we must seek and we need to seek until we find it; not just look around. We need to seek what is right in His eyes. For example, He says you mustn't only love those who love you but also those who are your enemies. God sends rain and sunshine on everyone. It says you are blessed if you are gentle and if you are poor in Spirit; meaning of a humble spirit and not seeking your own. It also says blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God even here on earth. Paul told Timothy to be an example to the believers and unbelievers in purity. The Lord Jesus tells us the rules that apply in God's kingdom.
We need to shut the distraction of the world and pray, seek God and read His word. It doesn't mean that you must just sit back and do nothing. There is no blessing on a sluggard but don't carry worry; rather cast it on the Lord Jesus. People are worried about getting married. Often it is those who surrender to God, that do get married. Seek His kingdom and don't be concerned because He'll take care of you.
Sermon Outline
- I. Seek the Kingdom of God
- A. The kingdom refers to where God is Lord and king over all
- B. Jesus reveals God's personality and character
- II. Seek God's Righteousness
- A. God's righteousness is His way of doing things
- B. We must seek what is right in God's eyes
- III. Don't Worry Like the Heathen
- A. God cares for us and will provide for our needs
- B. We can trust God fully
- IV. Seek Until We Find
- A. We need to seek with persistence and diligence
- B. We must seek what is right in God's eyes
Key Quotes
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Erlo Stegen
“If He cares for them, how much more won't He care for us?” — Erlo Stegen
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God even here on earth.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- We should seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else.
- We can trust God fully and not worry about our needs.
- We must seek what is right in God's eyes and not just look around.