Seek First the Kingdom of God

Preached at the Victorias worship service, January 26, 2025.

Gani unaha ninyo ang pagpasakop sa paghari sang Dios kag ang pagtuman sa iya kabubut-on, kag ihatag gid niya ang tanan ninyo nga mga kinahanglanon. — Mateo 6:33

“All these things” include what we eat and drink and wear — all the practical needs of this present world.

Understanding Matthew 6:33

“Seek first the kingdom of God…“ — Jesus is calling His followers to prioritize God’s rule and reign in their lives. To “seek the kingdom” means to live in obedience to God’s will, advance His purposes, and align our values with His. This is not just about occasional focus but a daily, intentional effort to put God at the center of every decision and action.

“…and His righteousness…“ — Seeking God’s righteousness means striving to live according to His standards of holiness and justice. It involves transforming our character to reflect God’s goodness, showing love, mercy, and humility in our relationships and actions.

“…and all these things will be given to you as well.” — “These things” refer to the material needs mentioned earlier in Matthew 6:25 — food, drink, and clothing. Jesus promises that if we make God our priority, He will ensure our basic needs are met. This doesn’t mean we’ll receive everything we want, but that God, in His wisdom, will provide what we truly need.

Amo gani nga nagasiling ako sa inyo nga indi kamo magpalibog sa inyo pagpangabuhi, kon ano ang inyo kaunon ukon imnon kag kon ano ang inyo bayuon. Kay kon ginhatagan kamo sang Dios sang kabuhi kag lawas, indi mahimo nga indi niya kamo paghatagan sang pagkaon kag bayo. — Mateo 6:25

Jesus tells us that we don’t have to worry about these things, because we have a sovereign Father in heaven who cares for us.

Walking Through Matthew 6:25

“Indi kamo magkahadlok para sa inyo kabuhi…“ — Jesus begins by directly addressing the human tendency to worry. People often fear the lack of basic needs like food, drink, and clothing, especially when facing uncertainty. Jesus is urging us to overcome this fear, trusting that God, as our Creator, knows our needs and will provide for them.

“…kon ano ang inyo kan-on ukon imnon; ukon para sa inyo lawas, kon ano ang inyo isuksok.” — Here He points to the essentials of life — food and drink for survival, clothing for protection. These are valid concerns, but Jesus reminds us that obsessing over them reflects a lack of trust in God’s provision. He does not dismiss the importance of these things, but emphasizes that life’s deeper meaning goes beyond material possessions.

“Ang kabuhi bala mas bilidhon pa sa pagkaon, kag ang lawas mas bilidhon pa sa bayo?” — Jesus concludes by shifting our perspective. Life itself is a miraculous gift from God, far more precious than the material things that sustain it. If God has already given us the greater gift of life, we can trust Him to provide the lesser needs like food and clothing.

Pagpadapat sa Aton Kabuhi

1. Ang bug-os nga pagsalig sa Dios. Jesus teaches us to have full faith in God’s provision. Indi kinahanglan magkahadlok kon may kakulangon kita, kay ang Dios ang magahatag sang aton kinahanglan. Worrying shows a lack of faith and distracts us from living a spiritually fulfilling life.

2. Ang pag-usisa sa aton mga prayoridad. Ang aton kabuhi indi lang dapat nakatuon sa material nga mga butang. Ang pagkaon kag bayo importante, pero ang espirituwal nga kabuhi mas importante. Mas maayo nga mag-focus sa mga butang nga nagapadayon tubtob sa eternity.

3. Pamatuod sang kaayo sang Dios. Tan-awa ang kalibutan palibot sa aton — ang mga pispis wala nagauma, pero ginapakaon sang Dios. Ini nga bersikulo (ginapadayon sa Mateo 6:26–34) nagapahanumdom sa aton nga ang Dios mas labaw nga nagapalangga kag nagapanumdom sa aton sang sa mga pispis ukon tanom.

Just look at the birds, He explains, and the lilies of the field. Birds have food to eat because God provides for them — “he gives to the beasts their food and to the ravens that cry.”

Ginahatagan niya sang pagkaon ang mga kasapatan kag ang mga buto sang uwak kon magpangayo sila sang pagkaon. — Salmo 147:9

How the Two Verses Connect

The problem of worry (Matthew 6:25). Jesus addresses our tendency to worry about life’s basic necessities. He reminds us that life is more than material things and calls us to trust in God’s provision.

The solution (Matthew 6:33). While Matthew 6:25 tells us not to worry, Matthew 6:33 shows us how to overcome worry: by seeking God first. This shift in focus — from anxiety over material needs to a pursuit of God’s kingdom — realigns our priorities. When we trust God and prioritize His kingdom, we can have peace knowing that He will care for our needs.

Both verses emphasize God as the ultimate provider; both warn against being consumed by material concerns; and together they show worry for what it is — a sign of misplaced focus — and faith in action as its antidote.

Practical Application

1. Put God first. Prioritize time for prayer, worship, and reading God’s Word. Make decisions that reflect His values, even when faced with material concerns.
2. Trust God’s timing. Trust that God knows what you need and when you need it. Avoid chasing after material things at the expense of your spiritual health.
3. Live a kingdom-oriented life. Engage in acts of kindness, share the Gospel, and support causes that advance God’s work on earth. Let your life reflect His righteousness.
4. Surrender worries. When anxious thoughts arise, consciously give them to God in prayer. Remember His promise in Matthew 6:33 and choose faith over fear.