SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD: MATTHEW 6:33 – 34 ; ECCLESIASTES 2: 1 -11
• Introduction : What does “Seek ” mean? – to look for, go after, or search for, to strive after, to aim at.
• To seek something first – means to make something a priority – that thing is more important than anything else.
• In this passage, Jesus was addressing what most people worry about –this life – what to eat/drink, what to wear, the future of our children, production, achievement and the like.
• In contrast Jesus tells them that the most important thing they need is the kingdom of God.
In relation to the subject of seeking first the kingdom of God, king Solomon gives us a reflection of his own life, how he spent most of his time, resources, wisdom, knowledge and skills investing in this kingdom and the demands of this life.
At the end of his life he realizes that the wholepurpose of man’s existence is to “Fear God and keep His Commandments.”
Lessons: why should we seek first the kingdom of God?
1. The Kingdom of God is Eternal 2: 4 – 9;18 – 19
•This kingdom and its Achievement is Temporary Ecclesiastes
• your life is temporary
•Your achievement is temporary
•Everything you are worried about is temporary.
•The things that you are busy with – just as Solomon was are temporary.
Solomon’s earthly achievements Eccl. 2: 4 – 9
• A. Solomon’s Projects
He accomplished great projects, he built houses using gold, planted vineyards, he made gardens, parks, he had great farms with all kinds of fruits, he made reservoirs of water (artificial lakes).
• He built a palace with gold
b. He acquired wealth
• He had slaves
• He owned herds, flocks, than anyone before.
• He accumulated gold and silver.
• He acquired singers.
• He had a harem/a campus for wives and concubines 700+300
• Every article in his house was pure gold.
• To show that this kingdom is temporary, he realized he had to leave his kingdom soon.
Eccl. 2: 18 – 19 Solomon says: I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave themto the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless.
•Invest in God, and his kingdom, invest in worship, Bible study, prayers, service to God, giving towards the work of God and helping the needy.
Matthew 6: 19 – 21 Jesus says: 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
2. In the Kingdom of God there is Fulfillment Eccl.1:14; 2:10 – 11
The Achievement in this Kingdom will never Satisfy your Heart
•True satisfaction is found in God alone
•The meaning of life is found in our relationship with God.
•Solomon had acquired more than he needed, yet he felt empty.
Eccl. 1:14 says: I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless,(pointless) a chasing after the wind – (appears 34 times)
•The pleasure of this world too cannot satisfy your heart – Only God can satisfy your heart.
Eccl. 2:10 – 11 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
• Possession, pleasure, power, position, cannot satisfy your heart
Solomon’s foolishness – pleasure
He provided everything that his eyes desired and everything that his heart wanted.
Yet he was never satisfied.
Solomon’s wisdom – position
He had wisdom, knowledge and skills than anyone before him. Yet he was never satisfied.
In Solomon’s madness to seek pleasure:
• 700 wives, 300 concubines – he gained nothing, only to be led astray.
•Solomon’s daily provision for his family: 10 cattle, 100 sheep, 100 goats, 100 deer and, 100 gazelles all from his park plus other things. 1King 4:22
• Nothing was lacking in his home (1King 4:27)
• Yet he felt no satisfaction.
Eccl. 2:11 Solomon says: “When I surveyed all that … everything was meaningless, a chase after wind.”
•We can learn from Solomon’s conclusion: Eccl. 12:13 – 14
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
•The only important thing we can do in this world is to fear the Lord!
CONCLUSION
Do a reflection of your life. What is your priority – this temporary kingdom or the Kingdom of God?
• Are you real committed to God or you are overwhelmed by the demands of this life?
• Remember this life is too short, and you will never achieve it all.
• Rededicate your life to seek first the kingdom of God and all other things shall be added to you.
• Commit your life to love God and serve him with all your heart.
