Matthew 6:33

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

One subject in particular is mentioned over one-hundred times across sixteen books of the Bible. If God mentions something once through His Word, it is important for us to hear, but if it is mentioned over one-hundred times, we would be wise to give it special attention. That subject is the Kingdom of God. 

how would you define the kingdom of God?

There are numerous textbooks and Bibles that provide similar definitions as to how we define the kingdom of God. However, one definition that is particular insightful is from Vance Pittman, who says,

“The Kingdom of God is God’s sovereign activity in the world, resulting in people being in right relationship with Himself.”

What stands out about the kingdom of God after reading this definition?

In Matthew 6:33, we read of one of the more famous “Kingdom” passages in all of the Bible. Jesus says to seek first His kingdom, highlighting the magnitude of how important kingdom mindedness should be in the Christian’s life. So what exactly does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God? Let’s jump in and look at three statements regarding God’s kingdom.

READ REVELATION 5:9-13 & MATTHEW 24:14.

  1. How are we able to be citizens of this kingdom?

  2. Where do citizens of the kingdom of God come from?

    1. What does this say about the kind of King God is?

    2. What does this say about the kingdom itself?

  3. What happens when we loose sight that we are apart of a big kingdom?

  4. What does it mean that we have been made to be “ a kingdom and priests that serve God?” (Revelation 5:10)

  5. What is the relationship between citizens and the King?

Matthew 24:14

  1. What does this passage show us about the kingdom of God?

  2. Read Revelation 11:15 — What does it mean that the kingdom of God is still being built and still has room to grow?

    1. How long will this kingdom last?

There are three statements about the kingdom of God made clear through these verses. Select which of the three you best think describe the kingdom based off of the passages you read and discuss them in your group.

THE KINGDOM IS SMALL

THE KINGDOM IS BELIEVERS

THE KINGDOM IS CLOSED AND COMPLETE

THE KINGDOM IS BIG

THE KINGDOM WILL COLLAPSE ONE DAY

THE KINGDOM IS BEING BUILT

REFLECTION

  1. Are you apart of the kingdom?

  2. Are you active in the kingdom?

  3. Are you living kingdom-minded?