Listen to this articlePeople have a misunderstanding of what Jesus means when he says seek ye first the kingdom.
Let’s look at it this way, we know that we who have believed in Christ are already in his kingdom.
Firstly we need to know whether this message is being told to Unbelievers so that they can get saved and enter the kingdom.
The answer is no. The message to seek the kingdom is not given to unbelievers but it is given to believers who are already in the kingdom.
Let me paste the verse in a version that has simpler English.
Mat 6:32-33/ISV
32. because it is the unbelievers who are eager for all those things. Surely your heavenly Father knows that you need all of them! 33. But first be concerned about God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all of these things will be provided for you as well.
Jesus is contrasting the mindset of an unbeliever or heathen versus the mindset of a believer.
An unbeliever seeks the the things of this world. A believer seeks the things of the kingdom.
Paul says this to born again Christians.
Colossians 3:1 (KJV)
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
You see, it is those who are born again, who have been raised together with Christ who must seek the things of the kingdom.
What it means
The greek word translated as first mostly chief or means above all things. First in importance not first in time.
Let me show you.
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33 (NET)
But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
In the same way when Jesus says, I am the first born don’t start looking for a second and third born. First is used in the bible to mean Chief or greatest in position.
What this means is that as you go through life, Put the kingdom of God first. If you are doing business seek the purpose and plans of the kingdom in that business first.
If you are doing anything, seek the issues relating to God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness first in that thing.
Seeking the kingdom first is the way of life for a believer.
The Kingdom of God is tied to the will of God.
Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 21:31 (NET)
Which of the two did his father’s will?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, tax collectors and prostitutes will go ahead of you into the kingdom of God!
Matthew 6:10 (KJV)
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
God’s kingdom comes when God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
To seek God’s Kingdom is to seek his will.
When you wake up in the morning, you seek first what God’s will is for you that day. That’s seeking the kingdom first. When you come across a problem, you seek first what God’s will is for that problem, that is seeking the kingdom first.
And his will is found in listening to the leading ministry of the Holy Spirit.
