VII. HOW CAN I SERVE?

3. Seek First the Kingdom

Read Deuteronomy 28:1-20; 17:14-20; Colossians 3:15 - 4:1

God’s purposes in the earth are bigger than saving a few individuals. As we saw when we looked at God’s destiny for man, and at the kingship of Jesus, God’s rule extends over all the universe. That is the Kingdom of God. It is that which Jesus tells us to seek as our highest priority (Matthew 6:33). That is the gospel that must be preached in all the earth (Matthew 24:14)

1. Read Matthew 28:18-20 again and compare it with Mark 16:15. What is the extent of Jesus’ authority? Where are we to go? N.B.”World” does not merely mean geography; it also means “society apart from God” (as in John 14:17-19; 16:33). So, to what areas of society are we to take the gospel? Education? Politics? Economics? Where else?

2. Read Deuteronomy 28:1-20. What areas of life are covered by the commands of God’s Word? Do these verses speak of God’s dealings with individuals or do they relate to nations? (Deuteronomy 28:1,10,12) What is the key to a nation experiencing the Lord’s blessing?

3. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Was God only interested about who would be in charge of the religious affairs in the land? (Deuteronomy 17:15) How did God make it clear that political leaders were also to understand his Laws? (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) What are the consequences of being obedient to God’s Word in the affairs of the nation?

4. If the destiny of a whole nation depends on faithfulness to God’s Word, do you think that Christians should be proclaiming the good news of how God wants us to order the nation’s affairs? Read Genesis 41:39-43; Daniel 2:46-49; Philippians 4:22. Does God want his people in positions of influence in the world?

5. For most of us, the Kingdom of God does not mean positions of national importance. But it does speak of God’s will being done on earth as it is in heaven. That means in real life, not just in “spiritual” matters. Where can you influence real life issues?

6. Read Colossians 3:15 - 4:1. What is to dwell in us? (Colossians 3:16)

7. What is to govern ALL that we do? (Colossians 3:17) Which areas of everyday life does Paul single out as examples? (Colossians 3:18-4:1)

8. For whom is ALL our work to be done? (Colossians 3:23)

Determine to seek God’s kingdom - praying for God’s rule to extend over all the earth and allowing God’s rule to govern over all aspects of your life.