“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”1
This kingdom seeking is seeking first his righteousness. “Moreover, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ toward all those believing.”3 We are born of Spirit, justified by faith in Christ, made righteous by the blood of Christ, however, we are to be transformed to the image of Christ. When we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, everything else is added to us.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, peace we have with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”4
Righteousness by faith. This word for righteousness is dikaiosynēn, “justice, justness, righteousness” (from dikaioó, "make righteous, defend the cause of, justify") – best described as divine approval. I am chosen, adopted by God, approved as his child, this righteousness I have received through faith in Christ. Justification is the word, dikaiōthentes, derived from the same root word that righteousness is. I have this peace with God, I stand in grace because of Christ whom I have access to by faith.5 So we see the importance of faith and grace as a strong foundation in seeking first His righteousness.
“Because those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of the Son, for he is to be firstborn among many brothers.”6
This word for conform is symmorphous, properly, conformed by sharing the same inner essence-identity (form); showing similar behavior from having the same essential nature. Now, in Christ we have a new nature, we are new creations, He being the first born of a new family whereby believers call themselves, brothers and sisters, born of Spirit not flesh. Symmorphous is having the same nature, God's righteousness instilled in us by justification. It is not the outward appearance of conforming to a world system, this is sysēmatízō (from sýn, "identified with" and sēmatizō, "having outward shape").
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind... ”7
Notice symmorphous has the same root word as transformed, this root word is morphóō. The word for transformed, metamorphoó, is from metá, "change after being with" and morphóō, "changing form in keeping with inner reality." Symmorphous is the inward change of nature through justification, however, metamorphosis, is the outward change in keeping form with inner change. Being born of Spirit, my inner being is of Christ's nature, a heart change has occurred, but there is a “working out of my salvation,” this new heart and spirit is put within me, this new will needs syncing with my desires, or transformation of that inward to outward. Paul writes he delights in God's laws in the inward man, however, sin dwells in the flesh and wars against the Spirit as the carnal mind is not subject to God's laws, but we can have a new mind through transformation by the renewal of the mind.
“By the fruits you will know them, one doesn't gather from thorns grapes or thistles figs?”8
This word for "know" is epiginóskó, (from epí, "on, fitting" which intensifies ginṓskō, "know through personal relationship") – properly, apt, experiential knowing, through direct relationship. Jesus said not all who call him Lord will know Him, they through a personal relationship, though they do many good works in his name. Some of these we are warned will be false prophets, and we will know them by their fruit. Of course we know the fruit of the Spirit is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no Law."
By understanding symmorphous, and that we are born of Spirit we understand that “knowing” Christ is “being” like Him, changing form in keeping with inner reality. If we are to be conformed to His image we should resemble him. This is seeking first his righteousness, an inward passion for justice, mercy, and a love for others. We see the importance of faith and grace in transformation, unlike the Pharisees who conformed outwardly, by adhering to the letter of the law, and were inwardly unclean, grace allows for this transformation to come from within. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” So we see a first principle, God's righteousness judges by the heart, not by outward appearances.
“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”10
Righteousness is seen in how we judge others. Jesus said the yeast that leavens the whole bread, was the teachings of the Pharisees, they did not enter the Kingdom and hid the keys to understanding so others would not enter the Kingdom. Luke writes the leaven is clearly seen in their hypocrisy. They were self-righteous, judgmental, and hypocritical. These leaders were totally out of reality with the Kingdom of God, having exchanged it for an image made like that of man. This is perfectly seen in Jesus, in whom the Kingdom of God came in fullness of, Grace and truth, but it didn't match their idea of what that would look like. So they crucified the Son of God, accusing God of blashemy and disobedience. Jesus said they sought the glory of men above that of God. They controlled the people through their authority and subjection to rules and regulations. To seek First the kingdom of God, one must seek the glory of God above men, to the point of dishonoring authority, including your own earthly father, and even to the point of death. God's righteousness is sought first, standing for such justice is standing for Christ.
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”11
Righteousness is found in Christ. The only way to the Father is through Christ, the Door. It is not in serving, tithing, doing good works, nor in conforming to the authority of men, nor in some religious system, it is in Christ alone, who is the head of the Church. Those who follow Christ obey authority but not at neglecting the First things of the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Thus justice, mercy, faith, and love are not neglected in those who seek first God's righteousness. A father to the fatherless and defender of widows, this is God in his holy place.
“Blessed are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, for they will be filled.”12
Being like Jesus is hungering and thirsting for righteousness, this is seeking food that endures into everlasting life. Those being like Jesus will be known as peacemakers, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” They have hearts that love sinners, Jesus came to save sinners, those despised, abused, and neglected. His righteousness can be seen in those who love the poor, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" The world doesn't see the poor as those who they would love, but God's love says love those who do not love you. These who seek God first do not judge by outward appearances, hypocritically. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”13 This is Christ, who is meek and lowly, humble in nature, who gives rest to those who are weary.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”14
The Kingdom of heaven is to those seeking first His righteousness, even though they are persecuted for doing so. These the world is not worthy of, “they wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.” “They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.” Surely, these were not seeking earthly wealth, for their bellies to be filled, no, they seek first the Kingdom of God, food that endures unto everlasting life.
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”15
Righteousness is not in adhering to rules and regulations. Jesus said not one dot or tittle, or letter of the law, would be done away with, until all is fulfilled. Christ also said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”16 And He said the Law hangs on two commandments.; of loving God and your neighbor.17 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Paul writes of such, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”18 The requirements of the letter of the Law would be done away with, nailed to the cross, "He forgave us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."18a
“And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”20
Righteousness is apart from the Law. “But now, apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.”19 The message of the good news is a message of reconciliation, justified not by works but by faith, a righteousness that comes by the blood of Christ, which seals a new covenant. This righteousness coming outward is not for the glory of men, but for the glory of God. It seeks first His kingdom and righteousness. Such is not of the Law, an eye for an eye, but it loves those who would steal from you. It loves enemies, and those who would persecute you. It would give the cloak off of your back to the person in need.
“... that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteouss...”21
To seek first his kingdom is to seek spiritual blessings above earthly ones, food that endures unto everlasting life. Those who seek first his kingdom, all these earthly things, like food and clothing will be added unto them. Trusting in God is a first principle of the Kingdom where spiritual blessings are much more valuable than earthly blessings. The sun rises on the evil, they receive earthly wealth, surely earthly blessings are not a sign of righteousness, nor of seeking first his kingdom. Look at the birds Jesus said, they do not toil and God provides for them. He provides for me these things if I seek him first, this is a promise. I give to others not from His promise to me, but from increase. If I make $100 this day and my needs are $100 would God require me to give 10% back to him? And to do it first before my mortgage is paid? Such teachings Jesus said of the Pharisees, devoured the homes of widows.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”22
We call these "be attitudes" because we "be like Jesus," not good works but becoming like Christ, transformation. Jesus said the greatest commandments are of love and fulfill the Law, thus seeking First His righteousness puts first doing his will of loving others. Such a weighty matter of faith can't be neglected in his kingdom, nor can love as faith without love is nothing. The dishonest manager was applauded for his shrewdness because he made friends with unrighteous wealth, Jesus said.23 Coming from one who appointed a thief to hold the money belt, wealth is unrighteous and is to be used to promote the Kingdom of God, the shrewdness being in making friends, not enemies. "I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well."23a
"Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."23b
His righteousness is seen in how we treat others. Especially over money, the love of money, Jesus said, is the root of all kinds of evil. Think of this, many of the evils in the world have their root in money, an unrighteous thing, those who love unrighteous things can not enter the Kingdom. Paul writes we are to be especially good to those of the household of God, the brother in need we do not turn away, we give freely as if to God. How can a church say give cheerfully and turn away a child of God in need? are they not the temple of God, and is not Christ within, therefore they are the Church, so do they turned away is not Christ ? Is this not what jesus meant when he said what you do to the least of these, his brothers, you do to him? Give to the poor of your increase, such offerings to the poor God will remember. Love those who the world finds easy not to be friends with, as God values them.
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another.”23
Righteousness is seen in how we love others. What does it profit if we gain the whole world and loose our soul or the souls of others? It cost everything to God, to save our soul. A first principle of the Kingdom, to love those who do not love you. By such love those lost will be found. Not for the glory of men, but because our heart is like that of Christ. Such God sees and rewards. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. If I seek first his righteousness why would I boast in earthly blessings? And if I use his Kingdom for personal gain, can it be said I seek him first?
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”24
Those who seek first the Kingdom of God do his will. Those who love him follow his commandments, like the greatest, loving God and others. Such a will is not an obedience to the “letter of the law” but comes from an inner change, being born again, and through being transformed by the renewal of the mind, these are those who will find his will acceptable, perfect, and pleasing. Seeking first the kingdom of God is not seeking food for the stomach, earthly blessings and rewards, no, it is seeking food that endures to everlasting life, food that satisfies the weary souls of men.
Thy Will
This kingdom seeking is seeking first his righteousness. “Moreover, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ toward all those believing.”3 We are born of Spirit, justified by faith in Christ, made righteous by the blood of Christ, however, we are to be transformed to the image of Christ. When we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, everything else is added to us.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, peace we have with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”4
Righteousness by faith. This word for righteousness is dikaiosynēn, “justice, justness, righteousness” (from dikaioó, "make righteous, defend the cause of, justify") – best described as divine approval. I am chosen, adopted by God, approved as his child, this righteousness I have received through faith in Christ. Justification is the word, dikaiōthentes, derived from the same root word that righteousness is. I have this peace with God, I stand in grace because of Christ whom I have access to by faith.5 So we see the importance of faith and grace as a strong foundation in seeking first His righteousness.
“Because those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of the Son, for he is to be firstborn among many brothers.”6
This word for conform is symmorphous, properly, conformed by sharing the same inner essence-identity (form); showing similar behavior from having the same essential nature. Now, in Christ we have a new nature, we are new creations, He being the first born of a new family whereby believers call themselves, brothers and sisters, born of Spirit not flesh. Symmorphous is having the same nature, God's righteousness instilled in us by justification. It is not the outward appearance of conforming to a world system, this is sysēmatízō (from sýn, "identified with" and sēmatizō, "having outward shape").
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind... ”7
Notice symmorphous has the same root word as transformed, this root word is morphóō. The word for transformed, metamorphoó, is from metá, "change after being with" and morphóō, "changing form in keeping with inner reality." Symmorphous is the inward change of nature through justification, however, metamorphosis, is the outward change in keeping form with inner change. Being born of Spirit, my inner being is of Christ's nature, a heart change has occurred, but there is a “working out of my salvation,” this new heart and spirit is put within me, this new will needs syncing with my desires, or transformation of that inward to outward. Paul writes he delights in God's laws in the inward man, however, sin dwells in the flesh and wars against the Spirit as the carnal mind is not subject to God's laws, but we can have a new mind through transformation by the renewal of the mind.
“By the fruits you will know them, one doesn't gather from thorns grapes or thistles figs?”8
This word for "know" is epiginóskó, (from epí, "on, fitting" which intensifies ginṓskō, "know through personal relationship") – properly, apt, experiential knowing, through direct relationship. Jesus said not all who call him Lord will know Him, they through a personal relationship, though they do many good works in his name. Some of these we are warned will be false prophets, and we will know them by their fruit. Of course we know the fruit of the Spirit is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no Law."
By understanding symmorphous, and that we are born of Spirit we understand that “knowing” Christ is “being” like Him, changing form in keeping with inner reality. If we are to be conformed to His image we should resemble him. This is seeking first his righteousness, an inward passion for justice, mercy, and a love for others. We see the importance of faith and grace in transformation, unlike the Pharisees who conformed outwardly, by adhering to the letter of the law, and were inwardly unclean, grace allows for this transformation to come from within. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” So we see a first principle, God's righteousness judges by the heart, not by outward appearances.
“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”10
Righteousness is seen in how we judge others. Jesus said the yeast that leavens the whole bread, was the teachings of the Pharisees, they did not enter the Kingdom and hid the keys to understanding so others would not enter the Kingdom. Luke writes the leaven is clearly seen in their hypocrisy. They were self-righteous, judgmental, and hypocritical. These leaders were totally out of reality with the Kingdom of God, having exchanged it for an image made like that of man. This is perfectly seen in Jesus, in whom the Kingdom of God came in fullness of, Grace and truth, but it didn't match their idea of what that would look like. So they crucified the Son of God, accusing God of blashemy and disobedience. Jesus said they sought the glory of men above that of God. They controlled the people through their authority and subjection to rules and regulations. To seek First the kingdom of God, one must seek the glory of God above men, to the point of dishonoring authority, including your own earthly father, and even to the point of death. God's righteousness is sought first, standing for such justice is standing for Christ.
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”11
Righteousness is found in Christ. The only way to the Father is through Christ, the Door. It is not in serving, tithing, doing good works, nor in conforming to the authority of men, nor in some religious system, it is in Christ alone, who is the head of the Church. Those who follow Christ obey authority but not at neglecting the First things of the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Thus justice, mercy, faith, and love are not neglected in those who seek first God's righteousness. A father to the fatherless and defender of widows, this is God in his holy place.
“Blessed are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, for they will be filled.”12
Being like Jesus is hungering and thirsting for righteousness, this is seeking food that endures into everlasting life. Those being like Jesus will be known as peacemakers, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” They have hearts that love sinners, Jesus came to save sinners, those despised, abused, and neglected. His righteousness can be seen in those who love the poor, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" The world doesn't see the poor as those who they would love, but God's love says love those who do not love you. These who seek God first do not judge by outward appearances, hypocritically. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”13 This is Christ, who is meek and lowly, humble in nature, who gives rest to those who are weary.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”14
The Kingdom of heaven is to those seeking first His righteousness, even though they are persecuted for doing so. These the world is not worthy of, “they wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.” “They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.” Surely, these were not seeking earthly wealth, for their bellies to be filled, no, they seek first the Kingdom of God, food that endures unto everlasting life.
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”15
Righteousness is not in adhering to rules and regulations. Jesus said not one dot or tittle, or letter of the law, would be done away with, until all is fulfilled. Christ also said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”16 And He said the Law hangs on two commandments.; of loving God and your neighbor.17 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Paul writes of such, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”18 The requirements of the letter of the Law would be done away with, nailed to the cross, "He forgave us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."18a
“And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”20
Righteousness is apart from the Law. “But now, apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.”19 The message of the good news is a message of reconciliation, justified not by works but by faith, a righteousness that comes by the blood of Christ, which seals a new covenant. This righteousness coming outward is not for the glory of men, but for the glory of God. It seeks first His kingdom and righteousness. Such is not of the Law, an eye for an eye, but it loves those who would steal from you. It loves enemies, and those who would persecute you. It would give the cloak off of your back to the person in need.
“... that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteouss...”21
To seek first his kingdom is to seek spiritual blessings above earthly ones, food that endures unto everlasting life. Those who seek first his kingdom, all these earthly things, like food and clothing will be added unto them. Trusting in God is a first principle of the Kingdom where spiritual blessings are much more valuable than earthly blessings. The sun rises on the evil, they receive earthly wealth, surely earthly blessings are not a sign of righteousness, nor of seeking first his kingdom. Look at the birds Jesus said, they do not toil and God provides for them. He provides for me these things if I seek him first, this is a promise. I give to others not from His promise to me, but from increase. If I make $100 this day and my needs are $100 would God require me to give 10% back to him? And to do it first before my mortgage is paid? Such teachings Jesus said of the Pharisees, devoured the homes of widows.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”22
We call these "be attitudes" because we "be like Jesus," not good works but becoming like Christ, transformation. Jesus said the greatest commandments are of love and fulfill the Law, thus seeking First His righteousness puts first doing his will of loving others. Such a weighty matter of faith can't be neglected in his kingdom, nor can love as faith without love is nothing. The dishonest manager was applauded for his shrewdness because he made friends with unrighteous wealth, Jesus said.23 Coming from one who appointed a thief to hold the money belt, wealth is unrighteous and is to be used to promote the Kingdom of God, the shrewdness being in making friends, not enemies. "I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well."23a
"Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."23b
His righteousness is seen in how we treat others. Especially over money, the love of money, Jesus said, is the root of all kinds of evil. Think of this, many of the evils in the world have their root in money, an unrighteous thing, those who love unrighteous things can not enter the Kingdom. Paul writes we are to be especially good to those of the household of God, the brother in need we do not turn away, we give freely as if to God. How can a church say give cheerfully and turn away a child of God in need? are they not the temple of God, and is not Christ within, therefore they are the Church, so do they turned away is not Christ ? Is this not what jesus meant when he said what you do to the least of these, his brothers, you do to him? Give to the poor of your increase, such offerings to the poor God will remember. Love those who the world finds easy not to be friends with, as God values them.
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another.”23
Righteousness is seen in how we love others. What does it profit if we gain the whole world and loose our soul or the souls of others? It cost everything to God, to save our soul. A first principle of the Kingdom, to love those who do not love you. By such love those lost will be found. Not for the glory of men, but because our heart is like that of Christ. Such God sees and rewards. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. If I seek first his righteousness why would I boast in earthly blessings? And if I use his Kingdom for personal gain, can it be said I seek him first?
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”24
Those who seek first the Kingdom of God do his will. Those who love him follow his commandments, like the greatest, loving God and others. Such a will is not an obedience to the “letter of the law” but comes from an inner change, being born again, and through being transformed by the renewal of the mind, these are those who will find his will acceptable, perfect, and pleasing. Seeking first the kingdom of God is not seeking food for the stomach, earthly blessings and rewards, no, it is seeking food that endures to everlasting life, food that satisfies the weary souls of men.
Thy Will