Seeking the Kingdom
Matthew 6:25-34
Introduction
In life's struggles, we often focus so much on our problems that we lose sight of the One who guides us.
Story: Laura lost her job and was consumed with worry until she saw her baby brother, Justin, sleeping peacefully.
She realized she also has a Heavenly Father who cares for her completely.
Her focus shifted from worry -> worship.
Real-Life Uncertainty
The Reality
Many face stress from economic and political instability.
Worry keeps us from resting in God's promises.
Objective:
- Recognize that worry blinds us.
Learn to trust God and focus on His Kingdom.
Key Verse
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
God's order: Seek first -> Receive later
Provision follows priority.
What's Keeping You Up at Night?
- The Daily Grind Work, home, church balance feels impossible. Overconnected = overstressed.
- Financial Pressure Rising costs, debt, unstable jobs create fear of the future.
- Family Stress Worries over kids, marriage, parents, or relationships.
Stop Freaking Out (v.25)
Matthew 6:25
"Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"
Ditch the stress over stuff.
Life is more than possessions or image.
Being responsible does not mean living in fear.
God's Kingdom > temporary comfort.
You have a bigger purpose
- don't let worry distract you.
Why Freaking Out Is Pointless (v.26-30)
- Look at the Birds (v26):
God feeds them; He'll care for you.
You are more valuable than a bird.
- Worry Is a Waste (v.27):
"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
Worry shortens life - it never helps.
3.- Consider the Flowers (v.28-30):
- God clothes the fields with beauty.
- If He cares for grass, He'll care for you.
- Faith unlocks peace; worry shuts it out.
The Father Knows Your Needs (v.31-32)
"For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."
Believers live differently: not chasing stuff, but trusting a Provider.
- God already knows your needs before you ask.
Replace anxiety with gratitude.
Summary: Put God's Kingdom First (v.33)
"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness."
The Supreme Priority:
Seeking God first in every part of life.
Replace worry with purpose.
Jesus doesn't just say "Don't worry" - He says "Replace worry with purpose."
When God's Kingdom is first:
- Needs are met.
- Peace replaces panic.
- Faith grows deeper.
Prayer: A Simple Turn to Faith
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything... but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
- Life is messy, but prayer turns fear into faith.
- When you worry - pause and pray.
- Nighttime worry? Pray for rest.
- Feeling overwhelmed? Pray for clarity.
- Caught in anxiety's storm? Pray for calm.
- Feeling stuck? Pray for strength to take one step at a time.
- Faith doesn't remove the storm - it brings calm within it.
Conclusion
Matthew 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
- Jesus' mic-drop moment on anxiety.
- He's not saying don't plan - He's saying don't panic.
- Worrying about tomorrow = paying for a meal you haven't ordered yet.
- Focus on today's grace and today's strength.
- Future problems will come with future grace.
Live in the Moment
Lamentations 3:22-23
"His compassions never fail; they are new every morning."
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart... and He will make your paths straight."
Psalm 55:22
"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you."
Takeaway: Don't waste today worrying about tomorrow.
Live with faith, gratitude, and focus on God's Kingdom.
The same God who holds today already holds tomorrow.
Seek First His Kingdom
Matthew 6:33
