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1. Make It Your Habit to Gather with Believers in Spirit & Truth


SEEK THE KINGDOM FIRST

(A) It Is What Jesus Told You to Do

In studying the idea of gathering in spirit and truth, the first thing or question that you yourself need to deal with is: "What are you seeking first?" Jesus said, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ But seek first His [the Father’s] kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [food and clothing] will be added to you.” (Mt 6:31, 33) So when Jesus taught people what they should be first concerned about seeking in their daily lives, He indicated that it was not to be even basic physical needs, such as food and clothing, but instead it was to be and still is to be primarily two things:

1. God’s Kingdom
2. God’s Righteousness

The Bible Study on the Basics for Beginners and Christians was focused on studying much of God’s righteousness revealed throughout the Old Testament. It also focused on the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, the Father’s Son. So at this time we will not study the great topic of God’s righteousness. But it is fitting, at this point, to consider God’s kingdom, which Jesus told you to seek first over your necessities of life.

All kingdoms have kings and subjects. Likewise, the kingdom of God has a King and subjects. Jesus is the King [the Messiah] and His disciples are the subjects of that kingdom. Therefore, we need to seek Jesus [the King] and His disciples [His subjects].

For Now, God’s Kingdom is Dual in Nature

(a) A Temporary Earthly Kingdom - The Church

One of the reasons why Jesus came to the earth was to establish and build His church or kingdom. He said, “I will build My church...” (Mt 16:18) In Hebrews 10:25, God told disciples not to be habitually separate from that kingdom or church, saying that we should be: “not forsaking our own assembling together [i.e. churching], as is the habit of some...” In that verse, God has testified that some who have come to believe in Jesus have a bad habit of neglecting the kingdom. They do not go to church on a habitual basis. But after you come to know God and obey the gospel, the first habit you should establish for yourself is the habit of gathering together with believers on a regular basis. In other words, you should be seeking the kingdom first, the church.

(b) An Eternal Heavenly Kingdom

In Hebrews 11:13-16, God testified that people of commendable faith also sought a heavenly city or kingdom that is not here on the earth. For example, Abraham: “was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” (He 11:10) God promised that this heavenly kingdom will last forever, unlike His earthly kingdom. “But now He has promised, saying, ‘YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.’ This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (He 12:26-29) A kingdom that cannot be shaken is an eternal kingdom. Paul expected Jesus to bring him safely to that heavenly kingdom (2 Tim 4:18).

The conclusion is this: When Jesus said for you to seek the Father’s kingdom first, even over your daily cares and needs, He meant for you to seek both His temporary earthly kingdom [the church] and His heavenly kingdom [the eternal city, assembly, or church].

Are you yourself seeking both the earthly kingdom and the heavenly one?
  1. Some seek the heavenly kingdom, but not the earthly one because they forsake the church and its meeting times; they permit something else to fill their schedule.
  2. Some disciples seek the earthly kingdom of God but do not set their minds on things above; they are still quite a bit worldly vs. godly, anti-Christian vs. Christian.
  3. Some do not seek the earthly or the heavenly kingdom of God. In which of these three categories do you find yourself?
Put the kingdom of God first in your life. Put whatever else you occupy yourself with in this life second, like your job, your education, and your other pursuits. As Jesus clearly indicated, these should be second on your schedule, not first. They are important, but not important enough to be first. If you did put them first, which many do on a weekly basis, well then you would be worshiping the things in this world over God Himself. Obviously, this is a form of idolatry, and also an example of a person with mixed up priorities. Do you regularly forsake kingdom activities because you are seeking the things of this life? Or do you regularly forsake the things of this life for kingdom of God activities? [This is not a matter of quitting life for the kingdom, but of what gets first or second place in your life.]

.... more about this in the Bible Study on Gathering in Spirit & Truth, Part 1