Endeavor
by
Chris Cumming
What is the chief focus of every firstfruit of God. What primary goal
has God asked us to accomplish? How do we go about establishing and
then attaining this goal?
Let us begin today by reading the definitive verse God has provided for
us. It is found in the middle chapter of Sermon on the Mount [Matthew,
chapters 5-7].
Turn to Matthew 6 and verse 33
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you.
“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.”
Today we are going to answer all our questions about this most important
goal as I encourage all of us to…
“Endeavor onto the Kingdom”
First, let us define this word, “endeavor.”
Endeavor
1] a conscientious or concerted effort toward an end; an earnest
attempt.
2] Purposeful or industrious activity.
3] Fulfillment of a responsibility or an obligation by employment or
expenditure of effort.
4] To work with a set or specified goal or purpose.
5] The use of energy to do something
The opposite of “endeavor” are the words and phrases, to be idle, to
ignore, to be lazy, to neglect, procrastinate or put off.
Clearly these definitions are from a dictionary authored by individuals
in the world. We add to this our knowledge of how a firstfruit
endeavors to accomplish physical and spiritual goals.
Notice the fifth definition I gave to you on this word, “Endeavor.”
“The use of energy to do something.” Firstfruits do not rely on their
energy to do anything. We rely on the very power and energy of God; the
Holy Spirit that He placed within us. We call upon this power and we
invoke it.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might.
Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all
patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he
increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
So, using the power of Almighty God, seek ye first, the Kingdom of God.
Let us go to the context of this verse. Jesus covered multiple subjects
in His sermon on the mount. Read the thoughts He was expressing leading
up to verse 33 and His admonition to seek first the Kingdom.
Matthew 6:25-34
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye
shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall
put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap,
nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not
much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the
field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not
arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is,
and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you,
O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall
we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take
thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof.
In our in-depth study of 1 Timothy 5:6 we see clearly that we are not to
be over-indulged in luxuries and material possessions, especially if
they ever deter us from this primary goal and effort to the Kingdom.
Indeed, if our focus is right and our access to Godly power is used
correctly, then the luxury and material items will be added in correct
balance.
Let us see now the meaning of verse 33.
The Matthew Henry commentary speaks to verses 25 to 34 which I read
above:
There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his
disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the
things of this life. This often insnares the poor as much as the love of
wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things
which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far.
Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it
to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his
hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life;
but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. Food and
raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought
for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how
you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave
behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for
to-morrow, or the events of it. God has given us life, and has given us
the body. And what can he not do for us, who did that? If we take care
about our souls and for eternity, which are more than the body and its
life, we may leave it to God to provide for us food and raiment, which
are less. Improve this as an encouragement to trust in God. We must
reconcile ourselves to our worldly estate, as we do to our stature. We
cannot alter the disposals of Providence, therefore we must submit and
resign ourselves to them. Thoughtfulness for our souls is the best cure
of thoughtfulness for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, and make
religion your business: say not that this is the way to starve; no, it
is the way to be well provided for, even in this world. The conclusion
of the whole matter is, that it is the will and command of the Lord
Jesus, that by daily prayers we may get strength to bear us up under our
daily troubles, and to arm us against the temptations that attend them,
and then let none of these things move us. Happy are those who take the
Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves
wholly to his wise disposal. Let thy Spirit convince us of sin in the
want of this disposition, and take away the worldliness of our hearts.
~Matthew Henry
Now to the other commentaries which break this verse into three parts:
1] But seek first the kingdom of God.
2] And his righteousness.
3] And all these things shall be added unto you
1] But seek first the kingdom of God
But seek first the kingdom of God - Meaning either the Gospel, and the
ministration of it; in which sense this phrase is often used, see
Matthew 21:43 and which is diligently to be sought after, and into; to
be constantly attended on, and to be preferred to our necessary food, to
raiment, or riches, or any enjoyment of life: or else the kingdom of
glory, which is prepared by God, and is his gift; for which he makes his
people meet here, and will introduce them into it hereafter. ~John
Gill
Seek ye first the kingdom of God - The promise is made that if we seek
it first, and its righteousness, all earthly wants will be supplied. The
condition demands, 1. That we seek the kingdom first in point of time.
Some propose to secure a competence, and after they have gained it, they
will serve God. 2. We must make it first in importance. Everything else
must give way before its demands. 3. It must be first in our affections,
have our whole hearts. We must "love the Lord our God with the whole
heart" (Matthew 22:37). ~People's New Testament commentary
Quoted verse
Matthew 22:37
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Notice the commentary on Matthew 22:37
Jesus said unto him ... - Mark says that he introduced this by referring
to the doctrine of the unity of God “Hear, O Israel! the Lord thy God is
one Lord” - taken from Deuteronomy 6:4. This was said, probably, because
all true obedience depends on the correct knowledge of God. None can
keep his commandments who are not acquainted with his nature, his
perfections, and his right to command,
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart - The meaning of
this is, thou shalt love him with all thy faculties or powers. Thou
shalt love him supremely, more than all other beings and things, and
with all the ardor possible. To love him with all the heart is to fix
the affections supremely on him, more strongly than on anything else,
and to be willing to give up all that we hold dear at his command,
With all thy soul - Or, with all thy “life.” This means, to be willing
to give up the life to him, and to devote it all to his service; to live
to him, and to be willing to die at his command,
With all thy mind - To submit the “intellect” to his will. To love his
law and gospel more than we do the decisions of our own minds. To be
willing to submit all our faculties to his teaching and guidance, and to
devote to him all our intellectual attainments and all the results of
our intellectual efforts.
“With all thy strength” - With all the faculties of soul and body. To
labor and toil for his glory, and to make that the great object of all
our efforts. ~Barnes Notes
2] And his righteousness
And his righteousness - the righteousness of God, which is revealed in
the Gospel, and is what gives a right and title to the kingdom of
heaven. This is not the righteousness of man, but of God; and is no
other than the righteousness of Christ; so called, because he is God who
has wrought it; it is what God approves of, accepts, and imputes, and
which only can justify in his sight, and give an abundant entrance into
his kingdom and glory. Heaven is to be sought for in the first place, as
the perfection of the saints' happiness; and Christ's righteousness is
to be sought for, and laid hold on by faith, as the way and means of
enjoying that happiness; without which, there will be no entering into
the kingdom of heaven. ~John Gill
His righteousness - That holiness of heart and purity of life which God
requires of those who profess to be subjects of that spiritual kingdom
mentioned above. See on Matthew 5:20 (note).
The seventh reason [see the whole commentary for all the
reasons] against these worldly cares and fears is - because the
business of our salvation ought to engross us entirely: hither all our
desires, cares, and inquiries ought to tend. ~Adam Clarke
Quoted verse:
Matthew 5:20
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter
into the kingdom of heaven.
The commentary on Matthew 5:20 from the Adam Clarke:
Except your righteousness shall exceed - Unless your righteousness
abound more - unless it take in, not only the letter, but the spirit and
design of the moral and ritual precept; the one directing you how to
walk so as to please God; the other pointing out Christ, the great
Atonement, through and by which a sinner is enabled to do so - more than
that of the scribes and Pharisees, who only attend to the letter of the
law, and had indeed made even that of no effect by their traditions - ye
shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. This fully explains the
meaning of the preceding verse. The old English word is right-wiseness,
i.e. complete, thorough, excellent Wisdom. ~Adam Clarke
3] And all these things shall be added to you
And all these things shall be added unto you - of the free bounty, goodness,
and liberality of God, without your thought and care, and much less merit; even
"all these things", meat, drink, clothing, or whatsoever worldly sustenance else
is necessary for you: which are not parts of the happiness of saints, only
appendages thereunto; which they have over and above what they are, or should be
chiefly seeking after. ~John Gill
The Barnes Notes commentary gives nothing on our key verse 33 but does speak to
a phrase in verse 32
For after all these things do the Gentiles seek - That is, those destitute of
the true doctrines of religion, and unacquainted with proper dependence on
Divine Providence, make it their chief anxiety thus to seek food and clothing.
But you, who have a knowledge of your Father in heaven; who know that He will
provide for your needs, should not be anxious. Seek first His kingdom; seek
first to be righteous, and to become interested in His favor, and all necessary
things will be added to you. He has control over all things, and He can give you
what you need. He will give you what he deems best for you. ~Barnes Notes
Our key verse, Matthew 6:33 is, unlike most commentaries, in four parts in the
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge.
1] But seek ye first.
2] The kingdom of God.
3] And his righteousness.
4] And all these things shall be added unto you.
Let us see links to other scriptures in the Word of God using the Treasury of
Scriptural Knowledge. In doing so, we will, in detail, answer the question,
"How do we go about establishing and then attaining this goal? Look for the
checklist at the end of the sermon.
1] But seek ye first:
2 Chronicles 1:7-12
7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I
shall give thee.
8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father,
and hast made me to reign in his stead.
9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou
hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this
people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not
asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast
asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou
mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and
wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before
thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
2 Chronicles 31: 20-21
20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good
and right and truth before the LORD his God.
21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in
the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart,
and prospered.
Proverbs 2:1-9
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to
understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for
understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of
God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk
uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every
good path.
Proverbs 3:9-10
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine
increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out
with new wine.
John 6:27
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth
unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath
God the Father sealed.
2] The kingdom of God
Matthew 3:2
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace,
and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Colossians 1:13-14
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us
into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
2 Peter 1:11
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
3] And his righteousness.
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled.
Jeremiah 23:6
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is
his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Luke 1:6
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and
ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it
is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 3:21-22
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and
upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be
made the righteousness of God in him.
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law,
but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God
by faith:
4] And all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 19:29
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father,
or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an
hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Leviticus 25:21
Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall
bring forth fruit for three years.
Psalm 34:9-10
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear
him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall
not want any good thing.
Psalm 37:18-19
18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be
for ever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they
shall be satisfied.
Psalm 37:25
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous
forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Psalm 84:11-12
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory:
no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Mark 10:30
But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren,
and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the
world to come eternal life.
Romans 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against
us?
1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all
things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
See study on 1 Timothy 4:8
here.
So continue now in your journey to Endeavor.
---END---
Checklist on Seeking ye first the Kingdom of God.
The following checklist is derived from the scriptures above, found
for each part of Matthew 6:33.
1] But seek ye first.
a) Always ask God for the highest thing.
b) Ask for wisdom and knowledge.
c) Seek after good, right and truth before God.
d) Receive the Word of God.
e) Incline your ear unto Wisdom.
f) Cry after Knowledge.
g) Walk in the path of Judgment.
h) Honor God with your increase and tithes.
i) Labor after meat which endureth unto everlasting life.
Promises:
--By asking the highest thing, you will receive all things linked to it,
according to God's will.
--Receive Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding.
--Receive understanding of Righteousness.
--You will know and experience every good path.
--You will have plenty.
--Reap eternal life.
2] The kingdom of God.
a) Be repentant.
b) Know that the Kingdom of God is at hand...for you, NOW.
c) Know that the Kingdom is of righteousness, peace and joy.
d) Understand that your opportunity to have eternal life is now.
Promises:
--You are delivered from the power of darkness.
--You are translated to the Kingdom.
--You have redemption and forgiveness.
--You are provided with entrance into the Kingdom.
3] And his righteousness.
a) Hunger for righteousness.
b) Jesus Christ IS righteousness.
c) Righteousness is revealed from faith to faith [glory to glory-2 Corinthians
3:18]
d) Live by faith. Live in the Salvation Process.
e) Righteousness of God is by faith of Jesus Christ unto them that believe.
f) God makes unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification [purpose] and
redemption.
g) Christ became sin to take away the sin and leave us righteous before God.
h) We do not have our own righteousness but rather that of God by faith.
Promises:
--You shall be filled.
--You are righteous before the Lord.
--You are blameless.
--You are a believer.
--You are sanctified.
--You are wise.
--You are redeemed.
4] And all these things shall be added unto you.
a) We must make God first, forsaking all things -Matthew 19:29
b) God covers our times of need.
c) Fear God.
d) God know everything about us.
e) God is our sun and shield. He gives grace and glory.
f) God provides for us in this live but we will know persecutions.
g) Godliness is profitable unto all things.
Promises:
--You shall inherit everlasting life.
--God will provide for us.
--You hall not want any good thing.
--We shall be satisfied in times of famine.
--God will not forsake the righteous.
--God does not withhold from the upright.
--After the persecutions in this life, we will experience a world to come and
eternal life.
--If God be for us who can be against us?
--We have promises from God for now and for the Kingdom.