What do you want? What are you seeking after?
JESUS was teaching the multitudes and toward the end of HIS message HE talked about the things we want, the things we treasure, the things we seek after (Matthew 6:19-32). Then HE sums it all up in verse 33.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
How do we get GOD’s righteousness?
“Now the righteousness of GOD without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and prophets; even the righteousness of GOD which is by faith in JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all who believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:21-22)
We seek and gain the righteousness of GOD simply by believing JESUS CHRIST died for our sins and was risen for our justification. Now, how do we get into the kingdom?
“And you HE (GOD) has made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience, Among whom also WE ALL had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others, But GOD who is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, has HE quickened (made us alive) together with CHRIST, (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:1-5). “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of GOD; not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“Giving thanks unto the FATHER, which has made us meet (qualified us) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints (believers) in light. WHO has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of HIS dear SON” (Colossians 1:12-13).
GOD places us into the kingdom when believe in JESUS and are saved.
So how do we seek the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness? By believing the “Gospel of CHRIST which is the power of GOD unto salvation to everyone who believes… for therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith…” (Romans 1:16-17)
“If you confess with your mouth that JESUS is LORD and believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, your minds should be corrupted from the (amazing) simplicity that is in CHRIST” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 