WHY SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD

                                                                                                                                                                   By W. G. Guy

          There are a multitude of reasons for each of us to seek the kingdom of God, and in this article we will see just a few.  First of we need to understand that a kingdom is where the sovereign power has all dominion and authority over that which is in his domain.  Therefore we must first recognize who it is that is that sovereign power: it is almighty God, our Heavenly Father.  We, who are His children through belief in the LORD Jesus Christ, are thus citizens of God’s heavenly realm.  Thus He is in control of, and over, all that we acknowledge is, of, and from Him.

          Jesus told us multiple times the value of the kingdom of God and all that is under His influence.  Note: not everything of man is under His influence, only what we submit to Him, and seek Him for.  Otherwise much of what man experiences is what is under the influence of Satan, the god of this world.  This is what Jesus came to redeem us from and to enjoy things of His kingdom. 
Jesus uses parables to tell us of the value of the Kingdom of God.

Luke 13:44-46 – Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:  who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

          There is so much great value for us in the kingdom of God.  The value that in His kingdom is far greater than the value of money, gold or silver, as revealed in what Jesus said the kingdom is like.  First all, in His kingdom is the love of God, and His kingdom is saturated with it.

1 John 4:7-8 –  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

          God even sent this great love to earth for our benefit so that we can share what is in His kingdom.

John 3:16-17 –  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 

          This love is an example of the heavenly love that God has given us on earth, in this life, and that will greatly expand in the next life when get to be with Him in His domain.

1 John 4:9-17 –  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.   And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 

          Because God is love, consider that He, as our Heavenly Father, bestows His love on us, and has provided all that we need and ask Him for according to His will; (not according to our lusts).

Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

Luke 12:32 – Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 

          We are instructed to seek the blessed things which are above, in the kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:1-2 – 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.
 
          So what kind of things of God, things that are above in His domain, that we are given access to.

          First, since love is the greatest thing we can receive of God, then all that is associated with His love also accompanies this divine quality.  This begins with the Fruit of the Spirit, which is the character and nature of God.  Notice the first Fruit is love, and all the other fruits extend from that love!

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

          With this comes great pleasure in being with Him and enjoying His presence, which we have access to in the spirit and worship.

Psalm 16:11 –  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
          Then all of our material needs are also met as we seek and depend on Him in faith and faithfulness.

Matthew 6:32-33 –  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

          Thus we also have freedom from fear or worry concerning having these earthly material things that we all need.

Philippians 4:6-7 –  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7 –  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

          Therefore we, as God’s children in Christ, we have a lot to rejoice in and be thankful for.

Ephesians 5:20 – giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Colossians 1:12-13 – giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

          All the blessings of the Kingdom of God are only for those who are in Christ, and who the Spirit of Christ is in – the Saved!

Luke 13:23-30 – Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,  Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.  When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:  then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.  But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.  There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.  And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.  And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

          Jesus told us that those that submit themselves to Jesus Christ, and the Father, shall experience persecution from this world and in this life; but at the same time they shall be able to enjoy the kingdom of God and His Christ,

Matthew 5:10-12 – Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

          There is great reward awaiting us.

Matthew 5:11-12 – Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Luke 6:22-23 –  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

          Therefore, as we hope and live our lives for Jesus, let us keep in mind why we can endure the things we experience in this vile world, because our reward is great in the kingdom of God; and we have much to look forward to.

Romans 8:16-18 – The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.   For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

          Know you know why we are to seek first the Kingdom of God: it is not only our future, but also our present.