The Main Thing: Thy Kingdom Come

By Pastor Alex Ruelo

Matthew 6:1-7 says, ““Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

But in Matthew 6:33,it says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

There are kingdoms everywhere, even in the corner of the street and in your homes. God sees when you do good things but you must wait for your reward. Rewards here on earth are only temporary - do not settle for those.

1. True righteousness is not about eternal appearances. (V. 1-2) - The applause of man is only temporary. It only lasts for but a moment. But God’s rewards are eternal. Man is naturally self-centered. He wants to be recognized all the time. But God sees your heart and it is only His rewards that matter.

2. Making Christ the Lord of your life means surrendering your desire for recognition. (V. 3-4) - Jesus is the only one who is supposed to be glorified. Surrender your need to be recognized all the time. You have to make Jesus Lord and Savior of your life. That will make all the difference.

3. Seeking Christ’s kingdom requires authenticity and simplicity in your relationship with God. (V. 5-6) - Do not worry if nobody taps your shoulder and tells you that you did a good job. God sees everything and will reward you when the time comes.

How do we seek God’s kingdom?

1. Surrender - Matthew 16:24-25 says, Surrender your desire to be recognized. Look to an audience of One only.

2. Engage - Psalm 119:105 says, “Your wors is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Engage in God’s word always, everyday. It is only by knowing Him that you can truly worship Him.

3. Expect - Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, Expect God to work in your life and trust in His goodness and faithfulness.

4. Keep walking - Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and  Do not stop being faithful to the Lord. Keep walking amidst the trials you face.

Do not make a kingdom of your own. You cannot be the king of your own castle. Surrender to the Lord and allow Him to reign over your entire life. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.