I love how the word of God, continually reveals Jesus from Genesis to Revelation. How every-time you re visit, the same scripture, you learn even more about Him. That the in tyre bible is a carefully thought out and planned masterpiece to the most finest detail. Aren’t we so fortunate we have so much of His word to study,apply and to discover Him more. Today I want to look at a very common scripture that just recently I found some remarkable revelation in. That has totally change my life ! Matthew 6:33.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
I have heard a lot of teaching on this scripture. Also a variety of messages that have used this scripture . But a few weeks ago I discovered something remarkable.
So let’s break this scripture down.
The first part of this scripture
‘But seek first the kingdom of God’
Jesus taught a lot of the kingdom of God. How it was not of this world and took a completely different mindset to grasp. Also to see it, it took being born again which is the key, to understanding the scripture above.
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
I think Paul beautifully describes what this transformation or change of the mindset looks like in
Romans 12:2
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.
The previous verse tells us how.
Romans 12:1
Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.
So through Surrendering, our total life’s and will to God. The ultimate act of worship, which we call salvation, we are born again . It is interesting when Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment. He started at the same place. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)
Because the 10 commandments were not only an amazing step by step to being holy. But also to reveal the Fathers nature, not simply a list of rules to follow, but a way to enter His presence ! Remember the Lord wanted to speak to his people in Exodus 20:19. But they said ‘no’ as they were afraid and asked that the Lord then speak through Mose’s to them. So yet another moment that created separation between God and man ! So many more times, the Lord tried to restore this relationship with His people. With the occasional faithful few he succeeded. Like David, known as a man after God’s own heart, who had a deep and intimate relationship with God. Also Abraham who had a personal relationship with God and Esther, who through her faith and relationship with the Lord saved her people. But God searched for a way for all ! In John 3:16 we see his most extravagant plan with the greatest of sacrifice and no guarantee !
John 3:16-17
For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.
“God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!
So now we have laid the foundation for the first part of this verse we started with. So let’s leave it there for today !
In our next part, we will look at a remarkable question straight from the Father. A question He personally asked me, that relates to the next part of this scripture.
‘Who is His righteousness? ‘
Challenge time
In John 3:5 Jesus answers Nicodemus question about what it takes to be born again , “I speak an eternal truth: Unless you are born of water and Spirit-wind, you will never enter God’s kingdom realm.”
1. If you have not totally, surrendered your life to Jesus ! Today the invitation is here for you. He is waiting for you to invite Him, to enter your life ! Find a quiet place and space ! Now ask Him by praying this prayer ! Jesus I believe that you died on the cross, for my sins. Also I believe that You raised from death on the third day victoriously ! I personally choose to surrender my life to You today ! Will you come into my life today. Jesus, I ask You to manage my life from this day forward. Lastly Jesus will You be my Lord and Saviour. Amen ( If you have prayed this prayer Congratulations! ) The next step is to tell someone you trust, that will not judge you. That you have surrender your life to Jesus. Then find a good bible base church, buy a bible and start reading it daily !
2. If you have not been water baptised, may I suggest you ask your pastor or minister. If He can baptise you in water ! Symbolising dying to your old self and being born into your new life.
3. Lastly for those who have done the above ! How about asking Him for more ! More of Him and less of you ! Maybe say a prayer like: Help me Father to stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around me. Father will You inwardly transform me by Your Holy Spirit, Father I ask You to totally reform how I think. So I will be empowered to discern Your will and live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in Your eyes. Amen
Father I ask that all the prayers, prayed from people reading this message with bring about transformed life’s Amen
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Craig Patten
Founding Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Centre and Ministries