Priorities (Matt.6:3134)

What are the Priorities in our Christian lives? 

There are two statements in v33. 

1. Seek first. What does it mean? Put the Kingdom of God first. It is not a casual look but a determined search-Jer.29:13. Seek His righteousness. What really satisfies us? Christ or the world, material things, family, friendships?

What is the Kingdom? The place where God rules and has total control of His subjects-the Redeemed.

To be in the Kingdom means to come under God's authority. His Word and Law come first. Jesus said, The Kingdom of God is within you-Luk.17:20-21.

When we submit our lives to the Lord Jesus, God's Kingdom and rule are established in our hearts. The Kingdom is restored in us. As subjects of the King we benefit from from His wealth and protection. His promise is,' I will never leave you nor forsake you' When Jesus was on this earth He had nothing, yet enriched multitudes.

Paul the Apostle in 1 Tim.6:8 encourages us to ' be content having food and clothes.....'

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus laid the foundation for a proper Christian life, not a philosophical talk.

When we apply these principles in  our lives we will turn into wholesome beings, enriched by the Word of God.

2. All these things shall be added' What things? What we need in life-legitimate needs. We need three parts to care for- Body soul and Spirit.

Why are so many Christians impoverished in their lives? Because they do not claim the promises of God for their lives, through disobedience or unbelief, perhaps even through ignorance or apathy.

Holiness

What is it? A strong desire to be clean in the sight of God, to be free from sin.

Is Holiness an option? No. It is God's command for the believer-1 Pet.1:15-26.

Holiness usually frightens believers as something impossible. If God commands us to be Holy, we can believe it, we can BE.

Why is it so necessary? Heb. 12:14. Without it we cannot know God Sin shall hinder us. Job had this experience when freed from unrighteousness, Job 42:5.

God called His people Israel to Holiness, and the Church too-Deut.14:12. Holiness is an absolute must if we are to see God's presence and cover in our midst- Deut.23.12-14.

The Mercy seat was in the Holy of Holies where God dwelled.

To live a holy  life is not to have a saintly look on you like a guru. It is to have no earthly character, but to have God's character. He commands the same from us-John 17:16-18. Holiness separates us from the world and its sin.

What is the affect of God's holiness upon our lives? Is.6:1-5. Like Isaiah, God calls holy people to serve Him. Peter confirmed this in 2 Pet.1:21.

We must not confuse Holiness and perfection however, God demands both.