Seek First His Kingdom & His R.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read on BibleGatewaySEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
Matthew 6:1-34
Key Verse: 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Read verses 1-18. What are the acts of righteousness which Jesus mentions here? How can we avoid self-righteousness and seek God’s righteousness? How should we pray? Think about each petition in Jesus’ prayer. (Ro 1:16-17; 5:1) (Mt 6:1, 9-15)
Read verses 19-21. What is the advantage of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth? How do people store up treasures on earth? What is God’s great concern? (21)
Read verses 22-24. What does it mean that the eye is the lamp of the body? How do healthy eyes help us store up treasures in heaven? Read verse 24 again. How does this verse fit the flow of the previous verses? Who are the two masters between whom we must choose? Why can’t we serve two masters?
Read verses 25-30. What are the most common things people worry about? How does God show his faithfulness to provide for those who depend only on him? (28-30) What can be accomplished by worrying? What is the difference in what is temporal and what is eternal? Why do people worry? (30b)
Read verses 31-34. What are some basic things that both pagans–the unbelieving world–and Christians need? How do the pagans seek? How must Christians seek? What are all of these things that God gives? What do you think is most important?
Read verses 33-34 again. What does it mean to you and me to seek God’s kingdom first? To seek his righteousness? (Ro 3:20-25; Gen 22:18; Ro 4:20-25) Why should we not worry about tomorrow? Have you ever claimed this verse and experienced God’s faithfulness to keep his promises?