Understanding 'God's Kingdom and Righteousness' in Matthew 6:33

The Bible, particularly Matthew 6:33, emphasizes the importance of seeking 'God’s Kingdom and Righteousness' as a primary concern in life. Let's delve deeper into these concepts to understand their significance.

The Context of Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33 states, 'But seek the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.' This verse is part of a broader discussion in which Jesus teaches about true spiritual pursuits and the importance of living for God's purposes rather than for personal gain or the approval of others.

Continuous Pursuit

The Greek verb 'seek' in this verse is translated as 'προσε?χεσθε' (proseuchesthe), which suggests a continuous and persistent action. This means that true followers of Christ should seek the kingdom and righteousness as a permanent lifestyle, not just for a moment or for a specific goal, but as a way of life.

Essence of God's Kingdom and Righteousness

Seeking God's kingdom involves seeking God itself, as affirmed in Matthew 6:32, where Jesus implies that God the Father provides everything we need. In simpler terms, the kingdom of God is the realm where God’s will is done, and His righteousness prevails. Those who seek God’s righteousness readily do his will and conform to his standards, making them divine conformity seekers.

Historical and Scriptural Background

The historical context of Jesus’ ministry, as described in the Acts of the Apostles and the 4 Gospels, reveals that Jesus was focused on deliverance and cleansing, as were later prophets such as Derek Prince, Win Worley, John H. Charlton, and Geri McGhee. Their focus on deliverance from demonic influence and spiritual cleansing resonates with the teachings of Jesus.

Salvation and Sanctification

The concepts of salvation and redemption, sanctification, and justification in biblical terms are closely tied to seeking 'God’s Kingdom and Righteousness.' Salvation is not just about escaping judgment but about being restored to a state of right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, growing in personal righteousness, and being set apart for His service.

Religious and Ethical Implications

Matthew 6:33 challenges the idea that salvation is only about personal religious observances and regular church attendance. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of living a life that aligns with God’s will and righteousness, even if that means radical personal transformation. The works of the flesh, as described in Galatians 5, are a hindrance to inheriting the kingdom of God.

The Presence of God's Kingdom on Earth

Although the kingdom of God is heavenly, Jesus brought it to earth during His ministry. The kingdom was a present reality with Him, and when John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask if Jesus was the Christ, Jesus answered by showing the works He was doing: healing the sick, raising the dead, and proclaiming the good news to the poor (Luke 7:22). Thus, the kingdom was not just a future event, but an present and active reality.

The Kingdom of Enoch

In the biblical narrative, there is a reference to a kingdom of Enoch, which is described as a place where people were so pure in heart and had such strong faith that their state of being was a foretaste of heaven. This speaks to the idea that true righteousness and devotion to God can create a holy community on earth.

The Necessity for True Kingdom Living

The teachings of Jesus, particularly the emphasis on seeking the kingdom of God and righteousness, challenge us to live with a perspective that transcends temporal concerns. The phrase 'plucking out one’s eye' in Matthew 5:29 (though grammatically challenged, it’s a common reference) serves as a metaphor for radical personal transformation, indicating that the pursuit of the kingdom requires a complete commitment that may involve life-altering changes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible encourages us to seek 'God's Kingdom and Righteousness' as our primary focus in life. This pursuit is not about mere adherence to religious practices but about a deep and abiding relationship with God, leading to a transformed life that aligns with His will. By living this way, we not only seek the kingdom on earth but also prepare for eternal life in heaven.