If you seek first the kingdom of God all these things shall be added to you (Luke 12:31)
What Does Seeking The Kingdom Of God Mean?
Seek
- To seek in order to find – by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into.
- Desire – aim at, strive after
- Crave – do we hunger and thirst after righteousness?
Kingdom of God
- The territory subject to the rule of a king. Therefore Jesus.
- Royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
- The realm of God
What Things Shall Be Added Unto You?
- Food
- Drink
- Clothing
- A worry-free life
In Mat 6:25-34 and in Luke 12:22-34 seeking the Kingdom of God is our priority. Along with being provided with the necessities of life by doing so we are told we don’t have to worry about these things. We can be anxious for nothing. Phil 4:6
Take no thought for your life. Stop worrying.
Therefore take no thought, saying:
- What shall we eat?
- What shall we drink?
- Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
…for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Problems and situations are always going to arise. But if we are seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteous we have no need to be anxious.
Are Seeking the Kingdom of God and Delighting in the Lord the Same Thing?
Seeking the Kingdom of God and delighting in the Lord are closely linked but not exactly the same. While seeking the Kingdom involves pursuing God’s rule and reign, delighting in the Lord refers to finding joy and contentment in Him. Both activities have their own benefits of delighting in the Lord.
Similar Verses:
1: Matthew 6:20-21 (KJV):
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
This teaching emphasizes the importance of valuing heavenly over earthly treasures, aligning with the concept of seeking God’s kingdom first.
2: Proverbs 3:6 (KJV):
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
This verse encourages believers to recognize God in all aspects of their lives, which is a way of seeking His kingdom and righteousness by acknowledging His sovereignty and guidance.
3: Colossians 3:1-2 (KJV):
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
This passage directs believers to focus on heavenly, eternal matters rather than earthly concerns, echoing the principle of seeking God’s kingdom first.
4: Psalm 27:4 (KJV):
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
King David expresses his singular desire to be in God’s presence, which is a form of seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness.
5: Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV):
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul speaks about focusing on the spiritual goal set before him, which is aligned with the idea of seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else.