Seek Ye First

Matthew 6:31 – 34, “Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For after all these things the Gentiles seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

• Verse 31 begins with “Therefore.”  The context of that “therefore” goes back to verse 19.
  • (19 – 21)  Lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth.  Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
  • (22 – 23)  Look into the good stuff.
  • (24)  No one can serve two masters.
  • (25)  Life is more than food and clothing.
  • (27)  What does worry get you?
  • (26, 28 – 30)  In nature, beauty is part of the system, not something created or earned by hard work. But, note that birds and flowers die.
• (32)  Note that the Father knows what we actually need, as opposed to what we think we need.
• (33)  Note how the New Testament faithful fared.  Many went hungry.  Many were poorly dressed.  Many died as a result or through persecution.  What we have is life – spiritual life.  The promise is that we will have what we “need,” which may or may not keep us alive physically.  But, it will keep us alive spiritually.
• (34)  Worry will not help.  In fact, it prevents enjoying the present.  Trust God.  This all is predicated on thinking of physical death as an advantage.