Month: September 2026

Supporting Text: 2 Peter 1:5–8; Galatians 5:22–25; Matthew 6:33

Central Truth: Before Kingdom priorities can be manifested through us, the character and values of the King must increasingly be formed within us.

INTRODUCTION

Our journey this month has moved from understanding the Kingdom to understanding its priorities. Last Sunday, 2 Peter 1:5–8 showed us some of the qualities that should characterize God’s children—faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Peter said these things must be “in you, and abound” (v.8).

Today we take the next step: How do we manifest these Kingdom priorities?

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 gives us the starting point. Before He says, “Ye are the salt of the earth” and “Ye are the light of the world,” He first describes the character of Kingdom people (Matthew 5:3–12). The order is important: before manifestation comes formation. What God wants to reveal through us, He first desires to form within us.

I. KINGDOM MANIFESTATION BEGINS WITH WHO WE ARE BECOMING

In Matthew 5:3–12, Jesus describes people whose lives are being shaped by the rule of God. They are poor in spirit; conscious of their dependence upon God. They hunger and thirst after righteousness; they desire what pleases God.

They are merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers. And when following Christ becomes costly, they remain faithful.

Jesus is not merely giving us a list of admirable behaviours.

He is describing Kingdom character: what begins to happen within people who are genuinely living under the rule of the King.

This connects directly with 2 Peter 1:8: “If these things be in you, and abound…” Before faith, virtue, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love can consistently appear through us, they must increasingly become realities within us.

That is why Kingdom manifestation cannot simply be external performance.

We may learn Christian vocabulary, church behaviour and even public expressions of spirituality while the heart remains largely unchanged. But Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things” (Matthew 12:35). What is being formed within will eventually affect what comes out.

The Holy Spirit therefore does not merely empower us to do things for God; He produces the character of Christ within us.

Galatians 5:22–23 calls love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance “the fruit of the Spirit.” Fruit grows from life within before it becomes visible outside.

If love is growing within, it will eventually affect how we treat difficult people. If self-control is within, it will appear when we are provoked or tempted. If mercy is within, it will affect how we respond when somebody fails. If godliness is within, it will govern us even when nobody is watching.

Therefore, the first question in manifesting Kingdom priorities is not, “What am I showing people?” It is, “What is Christ forming in me?”

Kingdom Truth: We cannot consistently manifest through our lives what we are refusing to allow Christ to form within our hearts.

II. KINGDOM CHARACTER MUST MAKE US DISTINCT WHERE GOD HAS PLACED US

After describing Kingdom character, Jesus says, “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).

Notice that Jesus says “Ye are.” Salt first speaks about identity before influence.

Salt makes a difference because of its distinctive quality. That is why Jesus immediately warns about salt losing its savour. The issue is whether Kingdom people will retain the distinctiveness that belongs to people under God’s rule.

We live in the world, but the world must not determine our values. Paul says, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

The pressure around us is toward conformity; God’s work within us is toward transformation.

Therefore, when dishonesty becomes normal, Kingdom righteousness should make us truthful.

When corruption becomes profitable, Kingdom virtue should produce integrity.

When uncontrolled desires are celebrated, Kingdom self-control should distinguish us.

When bitterness seems justified, Kingdom mercy should shape our response. When greed defines success,

Kingdom priorities should govern our attitude toward money. When hatred divides people, the love and peace of Christ should become evident through us.

Joseph demonstrates this beautifully. He was living in Egypt when Potiphar’s wife tempted him, but his response was, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). Egypt was around Joseph, but his consciousness of God governed what was within Joseph.

Daniel likewise lived and served in Babylon, yet his enemies could find no occasion against him because he was faithful (Daniel 6:4).

This is what Kingdom distinctiveness means. We can live in Babylon without allowing Babylon to determine what lives in us.

And this must go beyond Sunday worship. Jesus did not say, “Ye are the salt of the church.” He said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” The Kingdom character formed within us must travel with us into our homes, businesses, offices, schools, relationships and communities.

A Christian businessperson manifests Kingdom priorities through integrity. A worker manifests them through faithfulness even when nobody is supervising. A young person manifests them by maintaining godly convictions under peer pressure.

A husband or wife manifests them through faithfulness, patience, love and forgiveness. Wherever God places us, the priorities of our King should go with us.

This does not mean becoming self-righteous or withdrawing from people. Salt cannot influence what it never touches. Jesus Himself lived among sinners without becoming governed by their sin. Kingdom distinctiveness is therefore not isolation from people; it is Christlike presence without conformity to ungodly values.

The question becomes very practical: What difference does my presence make in the environment where God has placed me?

Kingdom Truth: We manifest the Kingdom when the values of our King remain visible in us even where those values are unpopular, inconvenient or costly.

CONCLUSION

Manifesting Kingdom priorities begins from within. Jesus first describes Kingdom character, then He declares, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Therefore, the King must rule within us, His character must be formed in us, and His values must distinguish us wherever He places us.

Before we move next to “Ye are the light of the world,” let us ask ourselves:

What is Christ forming within me? And in what area am I becoming more influenced by the values around me than by the priorities of my King?

Let the King rule within you, let His character be formed in you, and wherever He places you, remain distinctly His.

KINGDOM WITHIN → CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER → DISTINCTIVE LIVING

Central Truth

Kingdom life is God’s rule becoming visible in His children. God has given us in Christ what we need for this life; therefore, we must know His priorities, diligently pursue them, and allow them to become increasingly evident in the way we live.

INTRODUCTION — THE KINGDOM MUST BECOME OUR WAY OF LIFE

Last Sunday, we established that the Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign through Christ. Therefore, the Kingdom is not merely something we are waiting to enter someday; it is God’s rule shaping the lives of His children now.

Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). But we cannot deliberately pursue what we do not know. If we are to seek the Kingdom, we must know what the King values and the kind of life He desires from us.

In 2 Peter 1:3–8, Peter shows us three important truths: God has provided what we need for Kingdom living; we must diligently pursue the qualities He values; and these qualities must increasingly become part of who we are.

Simply put:  KNOW THE KING’S PRIORITIES → PURSUE THEM → LIVE THEM.

Let us therefore consider what Kingdom living requires of us.

I. GOD HAS GIVEN US WHAT WE NEED FOR KINGDOM LIVING- 2 Peter 1:3–4

Peter begins with a remarkable statement:

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (v.3).

Notice that Peter does not begin with our ability. He begins with “His divine power.”

Before verse 5 tells us what we must pursue, verse 3 tells us what God has provided.

Kingdom living is not simply a human attempt to become morally better. God does not call His children to live the life of Christ and then leave them without divine provision for that life.

Peter says He has given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” Paul expresses a similar truth when he says that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Our sufficiency is found in Christ.

Christ is not merely the example standing before us; Christ is also the life dwelling within us. Paul speaks of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27; cf. Romans 8:9–10).

Therefore, if Christ is in us, the expected life is increasingly the life of Christ expressed through us.

PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE

Verse 4 takes us further. Peter says that through God’s precious promises we become “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

This does not mean that Christians become God or share God’s divine essence. Rather, through our new life in Christ, we participate in the life God gives, so that His moral character is increasingly reflected in us- II Cor.5:17

Notice Peter’s contrast:

ESCAPING THE CORRUPTION OF THE WORLD → PARTICIPATING IN THE LIFE THAT COMES FROM GOD.

Colossians 1:13 says God has “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”

We have crossed over. Our spiritual position has changed; therefore, our pattern of life should increasingly change.

The world may be ruled by lust, pride, selfishness, greed, hatred and uncontrolled desires, but these must no longer define those who have come under the rule of Christ.

KINGDOM TRUTH: God has not only brought us into His Kingdom; He has given us in Christ what we need to live as people of His Kingdom.

II. WE MUST KNOW AND DILIGENTLY PURSUE THE KING’S PRIORITIES-2 Peter 1:5–7

Having established divine provision, Peter now introduces human responsibility:

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith…” (v.5).

Here is the balance: VERSE 3 — GOD HAS GIVEN.VERSE 5 — WE GIVE ALL DILIGENCE.

Grace does not produce carelessness. Divine provision does not cancel human responsibility.

We do not pursue these virtues in order to become God’s children. We pursue them because we are God’s children.

Philippians 2:12–13 holds these truths together: God works in us, and we respond to His working.

So when Jesus says, “Seek ye first” (Matthew 6:33), and Peter says, “giving all diligence,” Scripture teaches us that Kingdom living requires intentional pursuit.

But what exactly should we pursue? Peter identifies the priorities.

• FAITH — CONFIDENCE IN AND DEPENDENCE UPON GOD

Faith is foundational. We come to God through faith, and “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Faith says, “I trust God, I trust His Word, and I order my life on the basis of that trust.”

But faith must not remain barren, it must keep growing.

• VIRTUE — MORAL EXCELLENCE

Virtue is the commitment to what is morally excellent and pleasing to God. Because I belong to Christ, my conduct should increasingly reflect Christ.

When Faith asks, “Do I believe Christ?”; Virtue asks, “Is my life becoming consistent with the Christ I believe?”

• KNOWLEDGE — UNDERSTANDING GOD’S TRUTH AND WILL

We cannot intentionally pursue God’s will while remaining ignorant of God’s truth. Kingdom people must know what pleases the King.

But Peter immediately follows knowledge with self-control.

• SELF-CONTROL — BRINGING OUR DESIRES UNDER GOD’S RULE

Knowledge alone does not produce maturity. Paul warns that “knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (1 Corinthians 8:1).

We can know Scripture and still have an uncontrolled tongue, temper, appetite, sexuality, pride or emotions.

Therefore, Kingdom knowledge must become governed living. What I know about God must begin to control how I live before God.

• PERSEVERANCE — REMAINING FAITHFUL UNDER PRESSURE

This is more than passive waiting. It is steadfast endurance—continuing with God when obedience becomes difficult (James 1:2–4).

Self-control helps me say NO to what pulls me away from God’s will.

Perseverance helps me keep saying YES to God when faithfulness becomes difficult.

• GODLINESS — LIVING WITH REVERENCE TOWARD GOD

Godliness is a life consciously oriented toward God.

Its governing question is: “Does this please my King?”

That question begins to shape our choices, relationships, ambitions and conduct.

• BROTHERLY KINDNESS — GENUINE AFFECTION AND CARE FOR OTHERS

True godliness cannot leave us harsh and indifferent toward people.

Brotherly kindness expresses itself through compassion, mercy, patience, forgiveness and practical care for one another (1 John 4:20; Colossians 3:12–13).

• LOVE — SEEKING GOD’S GLORY AND THE TRUE GOOD OF OTHERS

Love brings the qualities together.

Jesus identified loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbour as ourselves as the great commandments (Matthew 22:37–40). Paul says, “the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Look again at what the King values:

FAITH → VIRTUE → KNOWLEDGE → SELF-CONTROL → PERSEVERANCE → GODLINESS → BROTHERLY KINDNESS → LOVE.

We should not force Peter’s list into a rigid staircase, but its order is instructive.

Faith is foundational. Knowledge must be governed by self-control. Self-control must endure under pressure. Perseverance must remain God-centred. Genuine godliness must affect how we treat one another. And everything finds its fullest expression in love.

These are not decorations for exceptional Christians. They are Kingdom priorities expected in the lives of God’s children.

III. THE KING’S PRIORITIES MUST BE IN US AND INCREASING IN US- 2 Peter 1:8

Peter now gives us an important test of Kingdom living:

“For if these things be in you, and abound…”

Notice two expressions:  “IN YOU.”  VS  “ABOUND.”

• THEY MUST BE “IN YOU” — INWARD REALITY

Peter does not say these virtues should merely be around us.

Church may be around us. Scripture may be around us. Christian language and Christian activities may surround us.

But Peter says, “If these things be IN YOU…”

Kingdom life is an inside-out life, inward-outward

Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). Peter himself speaks about “the hidden man of the heart” rather than merely outward adornment (1 Peter 3:3–4).

Outward behaviour without inward transformation can become religious showmanship.

But what is genuinely formed within us will naturally begin to express itself through us.

• If love is within, it will appear in how we treat people.
• If self-control is within, it will appear when we are provoked.
• If brotherly kindness is within, it will appear when somebody needs mercy.
• If godliness is within, it will affect what we do even when nobody is watching.
• If perseverance is within, difficulty will not easily drive us away from Christ.

INSIDE PREDICTS OUTSIDE IN KINGDOM LIVING.

God does not merely want us to look like Kingdom people. He wants His character formed within us.

KINGDOM TRUTH: Kingdom virtues are not costumes we wear before people; they are qualities Christ forms within us that become visible through us.

• 2. THEY MUST “ABOUND” — INCREASING GROWTH

Peter does not stop with presence:

“…if these things be in you, AND ABOUND…”

God desires progress, not mere presence.

Our love should grow.

Our knowledge should deepen.

Our self-control should strengthen.

Our perseverance should develop.

Our godliness should become more evident.

Our kindness should increase.

Peter later commands: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Also, Paul similarly acknowledged that he had not already attained perfection but continued pressing forward (Philippians 3:12–14).

Therefore, the question is not merely: “Are these qualities present in my life?”

It is also:  “Are they increasing in my life?”

Being a Christian for many years does not automatically equal spiritual maturity. We must ask: How much of Christ is increasingly being formed and expressed in me?

• 3. INWARD GROWTH MUST PRODUCE OUTWARD FRUITFULNESS

Peter says that if these things are in us and abound, they keep us from being “barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.8).

Here Kingdom priorities connect with divine fulfillment.

A fulfilled Christian life is not merely a life with more possessions, achievements or favourable circumstances.

A FULFILLED KINGDOM LIFE IS A FRUITFUL KINGDOM LIFE.

Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:8).

The movement is therefore:

CHRIST WITHIN → KINGDOM CHARACTER WITHIN → INCREASING GROWTH → OUTWARD FRUITFULNESS.

This is Kingdom living.

CONCLUSION — KNOW, PURSUE AND LIVE THE KING’S PRIORITIES

II Peter 1:3–8 has shown us three things:

1. God has PROVIDED what we need for Kingdom living.
2. We must DILIGENTLY PURSUE the qualities the King values—faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.
3. And these qualities must be IN US, ABOUND IN US, and produce FRUIT THROUGH US.

This is what it means for God’s Kingdom to rule our lives.

Therefore, our prayer should be:

“Lord, let Your Kingdom rule in me. Let what You value become what I value, what You desire become what I pursue, and the character of Christ become increasingly visible in the life I live.”

Central Truth for Learning

We cannot rightly pursue a Kingdom we do not understand. To seek God’s Kingdom first is to bring our lives under His rule and make His will, His righteousness, and His priorities our governing pursuit.

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INTRODUCTION — FROM EMPOWERMENT TO KINGDOM PURSUIT

Throughout August, we emphasized, “Empowered for Divine Fulfilment.” We learned from Acts 1:8 that God’s work requires God’s power. Last Sunday, as we considered Acts 1:8 alongside 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, we were reminded that we cannot live the Christian life effectively in human strength.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22), and later they were to be “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit works in us to produce the life and character of Christ (Galatians 5:22–25), and He empowers us for witness and service (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:7).

But as we enter September, there is a necessary question:

Empowered for what? What should occupy the life of a Spirit-empowered child of God?

Jesus answers:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33

The Holy Spirit does not empower us for spiritual exhibition. He empowers us to live Christ, manifest Christ, serve Christ, and pursue the priorities of Christ.

So, understand the trend:

HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERMENT → KINGDOM LIVING → DIVINE FULFILLMENT.

Our focus this month is “Pursuing Kingdom Priorities for All-Round Fulfillment.” But before we can pursue Kingdom priorities, we must understand the Kingdom itself.

A Kingdom that is not understood cannot be intentionally pursued.

Jesus devoted much of His teaching to the Kingdom. He preached the Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15), explained its mysteries through parables (Matthew 13:10–11), demonstrated its power (Matthew 12:28), taught His disciples to pray for its coming (Matthew 6:10), and commanded them to seek it first (Matthew 6:33).

Therefore, our question this morning is:

What is the Kingdom of God, and what does living in that Kingdom entail?

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A. UNDERSTANDING THE KINGDOM — GOD’S RULE AND REIGN

Key Scriptures: Mark 1:14–15; Matthew 6:9–10; 12:28; Luke 17:20–21; Colossians 1:13

When we hear “Kingdom of God,” our minds can immediately go to heaven—the place we expect to enter when our earthly journey is over. That is part of our future hope, but it does not fully explain what Jesus meant when He spoke about God’s Kingdom.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He declared:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” — Mark 1:15

The word translated kingdom (basileia) fundamentally carries the idea of kingship, rule, reign and royal authority.

So a simple working definition is:

The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign through Christ—received by those who submit to the King, expressed through transformed lives, and awaiting its complete manifestation when Christ returns.

1. The Kingdom begins with the King

There can be no kingdom without a king.

The angel told Mary concerning Jesus: “The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign…” — Luke 1:32–33

Jesus is not merely a religious teacher whose advice we consider. He is King and Lord.

After His resurrection, He declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Paul says that ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9–11).

Therefore, seeking the Kingdom begins with our response to the King.

Jesus asked: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46

We cannot genuinely seek His Kingdom while continually resisting His authority.

You cannot separate the Kingdom from the King. And you cannot sincerely pursue the Kingdom while refusing the King’s rule.

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2. The Kingdom means God’s will becoming our way of life

Jesus taught us to pray: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10

Notice the relationship: YOUR KINGDOM COME → YOUR WILL BE DONE.

Where the King rules, the King’s will is done.

Therefore, the Kingdom must first become real within us before it can be expressed through us.

God wants to rule:

• our thoughts and desires,
• our relationships and families,
• our money and possessions,
• our careers and ambitions,
• our decisions and priorities,
• our bodies, time and abilities.

• Paul captures this surrender in Romans 12:1–2: present your bodies to God and allow your minds to be transformed so that you may discern and live His will.
• This is where Kingdom Christianity becomes personal.
• Joseph lived this principle when temptation came. He refused Potiphar’s wife, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). His immediate consideration was not convenience, pleasure or personal advantage, but what God desired.
• Daniel demonstrated the same Kingdom consciousness when he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).
• These men lived before Jesus preached Matthew 6:33, but they illustrate the principle: God’s will take priority over personal convenience.

Kingdom Truth:
We cannot continually pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” while insisting, “My will be done.”

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3. The Kingdom is present now, although its fullness is still coming

Jesus said: “If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” — Matthew 12:28

Paul says that the Father has: “…translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” — Colossians 1:13

So the Kingdom is not merely something we will enter someday. Through Christ, we have already come under God’s saving rule.

Yet Jesus still taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), and Scripture points toward the day when Christ will finally defeat every opposing authority, including death (1 Corinthians 15:24–26), and His reign will be openly manifested (Revelation 11:15).

Therefore:

The Kingdom has come in Christ.
The Kingdom is being expressed through His people.
The Kingdom will be manifested in fullness when Christ returns.

We are citizens of that Kingdom now, and therefore we are expected to live its life now (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 1:13).

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B. PURSUING THE KINGDOM — THE KING’S PRIORITIES BECOME OUR PRIORITIES- Matthew 6:19–33; 22:37–40; 23:23; 2 Peter 1:5–8

Having understood what the Kingdom is, Jesus now says: “Seek ye first…” — Matthew 6:33

Understanding must lead to pursuit.

1. “Seek” speaks of deliberate and continuing pursuit

Everyone is seeking something: 

Some seek money. Others seek recognition, marriage, career advancement, security, comfort, influence or possessions. Many of these things are legitimate concerns. But Jesus confronts us with a deeper question:

What is the master pursuit of your life?: In Matthew 6:31–32, Jesus speaks about food, drink and clothing. He does not deny that we need them. In fact, He says:

“Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” — Matthew 6:32

Then He says, “But seek ye first…” Jesus is establishing an order of priority.

The unbelieving world makes earthly necessities and possessions its consuming pursuit. The disciple is to make God’s Kingdom the governing pursuit and trust the Father concerning life’s necessities.

Therefore: We must not spend our lives pursuing what Jesus promised to add while neglecting what He commanded us to seek.

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2. “First” means the Kingdom governs every other priority

Seeking the Kingdom first does not simply mean, “Pray first thing in the morning, then spend the rest of the day doing whatever you want.”

First means priority, supremacy and governing importance.

God is not merely one item among many on our lives’ agenda. His rule determines how every other part of life should function.

A young person seeking the Kingdom asks, “Lord, what kind of person do You want me to become?” before merely asking, “Which career will make me successful?”

A businessman or professional asks, “How can I honour Christ here?” and not merely, “How much can I gain?”

A parent asks not only, “How can my children become successful?” but, “How can they know, love and serve Christ?”

An elderly believer does not conclude that Kingdom usefulness has ended. Psalm 92:14 says, “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age.” Prayer, wisdom, encouragement, generosity, and godly example remain Kingdom investments.

Kingdom living means every season of life falls under the King’s priorities.

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3. Kingdom priorities are the things God values

What, then, occupies the heart of the King?

Scripture gives us the answer.

Jesus emphasizes love for God and neighbour (Matthew 22:37–40), righteousness (Matthew 6:33), justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23), reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–24), forgiveness (Matthew 6:14–15), servanthood (Mark 10:43–45), care for others (Matthew 25:34–40), and making disciples (Matthew 28:18–20).

These are Kingdom priorities.  This is where we must examine our passions.

What Christ loves must increasingly become what I love.
What Christ values must become what I value.
What Christ pursues must increasingly become what I pursue.
Christ’s priorities must become my priorities.

Jesus said:

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

The question is therefore not merely, “Do I attend church?” It is, “Does what matters to God increasingly matter to me?”

CONCLUSION — WHAT ARE WE SEEKING?

Beloved, Jesus is not merely asking whether we know the phrase “Kingdom of God.”

He is asking us:

What are you seeking?
What occupies your heart?
What controls your decisions?
What receives your best energy?
What determines what you call success?
What matters most to you?

If the Kingdom is God’s rule, then seeking the Kingdom means allowing the King to rule.

If the Kingdom expresses God’s will, then seeking the Kingdom means making His will our pursuit.

If the Kingdom has priorities, then seeking the Kingdom means making what matters to God matter to us.

And if the King has promised to care for His children, then seeking the Kingdom means pursuing Him while trusting Him with the additions.

So our journey this month begins with five movements:

UNDERSTAND → SUBMIT → PURSUE → PRACTISE → TRUST

Understand the Kingdom — know the rule, will and priorities of God.
Submit to the King — allow Christ to govern every area of life.
Pursue His priorities — love what He loves and value what He values.
Practice His righteousness — turn Kingdom teaching into daily living.
Trust the King — depend upon His power and leave the additions with the Father.

Personal Examination

Before we pray, let every one of us ask:

“If God’s Kingdom is truly first in my life, what area of my life is still resisting the rule of the King?”

And perhaps another:

“What am I presently pursuing that has become more important to me than what matters to Christ?”

Final Charge

When the King has first place, His will becomes our pursuit, His priorities become our passion, His character becomes our lifestyle, His power becomes our sufficiency, and His purpose becomes our fulfillment.