Matthew 6:33 But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. I. His FIRST DUTY. 1. In priority of time. 2. In excellence of value. 3. It implies diligence. 4. It implies consideration. How the unjust steward planned his conduct. 5. Seek a personal interest in the kingdom of God. 6. Seek the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. 7. Seek the glory of the kingdom. II. His REWARD." Godliness hath promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come." God is revealed as love; will He allow His servants to starve? He has given a positive pledge" He spared not His own Son; shall He not with Him freely give us all things?" (H. M. Villiers, M. A.) I. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE PRECEPT OF THE TEXT IS NEGLECTED. 1. By the busy, anxious, laborious class of the community. 2. By the lovers of pleasure. 3. By the lovers of worldly honours and sordid applause. 4. By the professors of religion. II. THE DUTY OF A STRICTER REGARD TO THE PRECEPT. 1. The kingdom of God is entitled to this deference. 2. If not sought first, will never be found at all. 3. In this search, all other essential throes will be granted. (J. W. Cunningham, M. A.) I. WHAT ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND BY THE KINGDOM OF GOD? The reign of God, the ascendency of God. Self is the great usurper. The righteousness named is the Christian character in all the details of practical religion. To seek them, is to desire these above all other things. II. ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU. Temporal necessities. The kingdom of God, etc. 1. It will guard a man against those vain, ostentatious habits above his real income, which bring so many into difficulties, and eventually ruin. 2. It will preserve from those lax and slovenly habits of management which bring so many into ruin. 3. It will preserve from all dishonesty. (Hugh McNeile, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. |
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