Luke 12:29-34
Introduction
God instructs us to seek His Kingdom. This means believers serious about their relationship with God should pursue His divine jurisdiction over every area of their lives. The Word encourages us to do this first (Matthew 6:33) to align our perspective to His, prioritize His Kingdom over all earthly matters and seek the Kingdom with passion. What we treasure, we will prioritize. When we live as though we put the Kingdom of God first, we show God how important He is to us! Suppose we prioritize earthly pleasures like earning more money or purchasing new cars. In that case, it shows that our hearts are not turned toward pursuing God’s Kingdom. Seeking God and His Kingdom enables us to store up “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” (Matthew 6:20).
As believers, our pursuit of the Kingdom of God enables us to live righteously, better understand life, and receive God’s divine provision. Without a Kingdom perspective, we are prone to worry about the many issues of life, like what we will eat or what we will drink (Luke 12:29). God warns us against worrying and reminds us in the Word that the spiritual should take precedence over the physical. When we pursue a Kingdom perspective, we invite the power of God to enter our physical world and address the matters that cause us to worry. But we actively have to choose the pursuit of God over worry.
Kingdom pursuit recognizes the rule of God, the pleasure of God and the standards of God. Some benefits can only be experienced when we intentionally prioritize our pursuit of God’s Kingdom. No matter how dire our earthly circumstances are, God has the last say and is in complete control. It is His pleasure to give us the Kingdom and bless us as a result of our pursuit of Him. If we do not do our part, then His Kingdom rule may not be manifested in our circumstances.
Getting Started
- Think about what’s in your home, garage or storage. What do you possess that shows you what you have “treasured” in the past?
- People often make more money simply so they can spend more money. Do you see pursuing money and things as distracting people from spiritual things?
Let’s Get Personal
- What are some examples of your current earthly pursuits? What are examples of your Kingdom pursuits?
- What are some things you worry about? How does worrying benefit you? Would you say that worry controls you?
- How have you sought God and His Kingdom regarding these worries? How has He led you to surrender?
- Have you ever experienced God’s divine provision? How has he provided for you or for your necessities?
Take the Next Step
- What steps can you practically take this week to prioritize God and His Kingdom first in your life?
- Take some time as a group to pray for one another. Ask God for strength and desire to prioritize pursuing a Kingdom perspective.
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Matthew 6:25-34; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalm 42:1-11; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; Isaiah 26:3-4; Philippians 4:6-9; Mark 4:35-41
Renew Your Mind
“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:33-34
