Seek the Kingdom FIRST Matthew 6:33 I. Introduction. A. Jesus taught that material items--including assets and ambitions--had a proper place in the life of a Christ. 1. After all: physical blessings come from God. 2. Most, if not all, of us have seen the reality of Matthew 6:33. 3. With such realization, one can comprehend the meaning of: Matthew 6:25. 4. The lord is not promising an unlimited abundance--but--conditions even the promise to provide. B. "Misplaced emphasis" is a common mistake of most people. 1. One acts on what he/she values. 2. These values(items loved) control ones choices, behaviors, and attitudes. C. Jesus outlined the proper emphasis in one's life: Seek the kingdom first(Matthew 6:33). 1. From protos: opposite of last; opposite of second. 2. Literally: "first of all." III. Body. A. One is to seek kingdom and his righteousness before material gains. 1. That is the subject of Matthew 6:19-34. 2. This will take away the anxiety(to have a dis- tracting care). a. One's interest is replaced by something important. b. Lord is not saying "don't earn money"--but --there is something of greater value. 3. This includes: righteousness in home, training children, seeking future happiness, etc. 4. How many today are lost because they did not possess the proper attitude? 5. One who does not plan the future with kingdom and eternity in mind--may become materially wealthy but is "not rich toward God." B. One is to seek the solution to personal problems first before continuing in worship. 1. Jesus was specific: Matthew 5:23-24. 2. When an evil disposition overrules, one is out of order: Ephesians 4:31-32. 3. The correct order: James 3:17-18. 4. Consider how easy this can be accomplished. 5. But--one must have love before this can be done: Matthew 22:37-40. C. Seeking kingdom and righteousness involves first cleaning the inside before polishing the outside. 1. The illustration: Matthew 23:25-26. 2. Inward cleanliness brings outward cleanliness: II Corinthians 7:1. 3. You know people at work(and other places) who are "spic and span" outwardly--but committ adultery, become drunk, etc.--yet there are some who say what a "good" person that is. 4. "I am going to dress up to go to church." D. One is to practice righteousness first before demanding such of others. 1. Ever hear: "Why--you are a preacher(or elder or deacon)--you are not supposed to do that."? 2. Jesus attitude: Matthew 7:3-5. 3. Too often: the sins of others are worse than my own. 4. Even if some do not live right: does not ease my own responsibility! 5. Imagine in life: a. Many do not obey law...so I do not. b. Many do not pay taxes...so neither do I. c. Many commit adultery...so I do. d. Many murder others...so I hate. 6. Yet...I am to practice righteousness if I expect such of others. E. Seeking kingdom and righteousness first involves much more than feeling good about ourselves. 1. We live in a "feel good"("positive attitude") society. a. But why do so many feel so bad? b. Think of books, tapes, workshops, seminars --on the market--perhaps makes some feel so good because they market them! c. How to feel good: Luke 17:10. d. Duty is an unpleasant 4-letter word to many people. e. Did these saints "feel good?": Romans 15:26-27. 2. Our age seeks a "support group" to help them "feel good about themselves." a. Adulterers seek congregations & preachers to approve their misconduct and permit them to remain in sin. b. Homosexuals seek the support of society. c. Some will approve others because of their own ungodliness or unscriptural practices: they can feel good because they are supported. d. Remember: "Birds of a feather flock together." e. Paul said: I Corinthians 15:33-34. 3. The proper support group is the church of Jesus Christ. a. Support(edify) those who live right: I Thessalonians 5:11. b. Support one in sin by teaching to turn from sin: II Timothy 4:2. c. Support a guilty one by convincing one of guilt(see I Corinthians 5). III. Conclusion. A. Recognize there are many things God expects us to put first in our lives. 1. Worship, obedience, kingdom, righteousness--- all actions toward God: please God FIRST. 2. Call it values--priorities--good feelings--or any currently used term: it all points to proper order. B. Do not emphasize the lesser to the neglect of the first. 1. These did: Luke 9:59-62. 2. The Lord does not want me to neglect my earthly duties. 3. The Lord knows we can do His will--why he said FIRST. C. Discipline our lives to actively practice putting kingdom and righteousness FIRST. 1. Our age has almost lost this word. 2. Note: II Timothy 1:7.("a sound mind") 3. Literally: Saving the mind(good attitude) D. Encourage others to place the kingdom and his righteousness FIRST. 1. It is difficult to persuade others to act when I do not act. 2. This kind of support group is needed. 3. You can feel good(possess a proper attitude) when helping others. FIRST: YOU MUST SEEK THE KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS--THEN ALL THINGS WILL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.-jy *Some ideas borrowed from Thompson's book on attitudes.