Practices for Kingdom Living

Jesus continued his preachings on practices for kingdom living and eternal rewards from God . He made it known that God's kingdom requires making choices and doing things that honour and please God. The kingdom lifestyle requires that God's people practise spiritual discipline, put their trust in God and value things that help to advance His kingdom. Matthew 6: 3 - Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall shall be added unto you. These followings are discussed: Choose God rewards; Live free from materialism, and Give God's Kingdom Priority.

Choose God's Rewards: Jesus was teaching people how their lives and 

relationships with others can earn them God's rewards. Spiritual discipline is required to live a purposeful and blessed life. Alms giving, prayer, and fasting are considered as three basic acts (service and commitment) through which God rewards His people. Jesus warned against acts of giving that dishonours God. Giving with the intention for people to see and praise has no heaven's rewards. such act of giving is practised by hypocrites and meant to steal glory that belongs to God (Matthew 6:1-4). Whatever people do for outward show, not truly from their hearts has no expression of trust and devotion. Such act can not make people righteous before God, therefore it has no reward.

Jesus also preached concerning proper motives about prayer. Private prayer should be said in one's closet and if possible person at the next door should not hear what the mouth is saying. Some people pray to impress others rather than to connect with God (Matthew 6:5-8 ). There is nothing wrong in public prayers; such prayers should connect us with God rather than to seek public attention. Long, drawn-out prayer and repetition don't bring answers to prayers. God already knows our needs we just need to express faith that He sees, hears and knows.

Jesus wants people to fast with proper motives. It is totally wrong if fasting is meant to catch public attention. Fasting is a spiritual exercise which helps to train minds and bodies for righteousness, and to honour God. Fasting will be for self-service and the rewards will be temporary if it done to receive praises and approval of people (Matthew 6:16-18).

Live Free of Materialism: Jesus wants God's people to have strong desire for eternal treasure instead of seeking after material prosperity all the time. Unrestricted desire for material prosperity can rob people of the opportunity to gain eternal treasures. Jesus is not against material possession and saving money to acquire good things of life. Rather He is teaching people to seek after treasures that reflect the glory of God. Wealth, treasure or possession that robs our precious time and devotion for God is an idol we must avoid for kingdom living and eternal reward. Christians should lay their treasures in heaven (Mathew 6:19-21). God provides what we need to advance His kingdom and bring glory to His name.

Jesus wants our eyes to be focused on things that have eternal values. It is by doing this that our desires and passions can be pure and our spiritual eyesight healthy, then we shall be able to live for the right things with the right reasons (Mathew 6:22-24). There is hostile relationship between living for God and desiring material things. So Christians are called to hold more unto what is valuable to God (salvation) than what is valuable to the world (riches).

Give God's kingdom Priority: Jesus teaches us to trust God for He is concerned about our needs. If we believe God cares for us and helps to meet needs we will no longer be overburdened by worrying about daily necessities. If it is possible for other creatures that they don't worry for things they need in the future, it will be much easier for God's people to a live a life that is not characterised by daily struggle for daily necessity (Matthew 6:25-30). Our Heavenly Father provides daily, even for creatures which are less valued. Therefore He will provide for us if we diligently seek and trust Him. Our faith, trust, obedience and devotion are required to receive from God.

Jesus doesn't want us to be consumed by worrying and anxiety over our needs, rather he gives us the assurance of God's provision for daily necessities. However we must seek first the kingdom of God (Mathew 6:31-34) and our focus in daily living should be on God, His kingdom and righteousness - on eternity, rather than temporary problems on earth. Lesson texts: Matthew 6:1-34