This is from my daily Greek exercise of sight reading some time ago, courtesy of Vincent S Artale Jr.
Our text is from the Greek translation of Matthew 6:33. Here is my translation:
“ζητεῖτε δὲ πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν [τοῦ θεοῦ] καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ταῦτα
But Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and thisπάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν. ”
all he will do to you
Here are some observations:
- In the context this is Jesus is speaking. The context of the chapter is Jesus addressing the issue of anxiety.
- Jesus here tackle the problem of worry by telling us what to do. In light of the presence of the slight contrastive conjunction δὲ (“but”) this verse is a contrast with verse 31 earlier that tells us what not to do.
- The main action what Jesus wants us to do is indicated by the verb ζητεῖτε= “seek.”
- The verb is an imperative showing this is a command.
- The second person plural subjects are Jesus’ listeners; nevertheless it is applicable to believers today too.
- The active voice shows this is something those listening to Jesus are to do themselves; its not something that one waits to be done to us.
- I see the present tense here as functioning to indicate something done continuously.
- What are we to seek? There are two items mentioned.
- Objection #1 to seek: “first the kingdom of God“
- The word “first” is an adverb showing what is the priority.
- Kingdom is described as that which belongs to God in light of the genitive of possession.
- Objection #2 to seek: “and His righteousness“= Its not just righteousness but note the possessive genitive “His” righteousness, referring to it being from God.
- What’s the consequences of seeking God’s Kingdom and Righteousness? “and this all he will do to you”
- “All this” refers to the worries raised in verse 31: “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’“
- Note the priority is seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first. Often we seek comfort and “necessities” before seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness.
Application:
- Do you make effort to seek God and His Kingdom?
- Romans 3:10-11 tells us people in sin apart from Christ do not seek God; if you are not a Christian yet (that is, you haven’t trusted in Jesus as the Savior of your life from hell and wrath) place your trust in Jesus today!
- Do you realize that God’s kingdom is that of God and not your own personal fiefdom? Let us serve God and not serve ourselves.
- Does God’s righteous laws matter to you?
- Do you also seek the righteousness that comes from God to save us? Namely, that Jesus is the righteousness we need who died for our sins? See Romans 1:17, what a hope, we can trust in Jesus to be declared by God righteous!
- Recall how we said often we seek comfort and “necessities” before seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness. Is there something you need to search your heart concerning what you hold on to as “necessary” more than obedience?
Reblogged this on clydeherrin.
Excellent love these translations and quick studies. This is some important, right from Jesus. It is all about the reign of God, what God wants and His righteousness. May that be our focus every day. May His kingdom come and His will be done.
Blessings.
Jimmy,
Thank you for this, especially pointing out that it is HIS righteousness. That makes all the difference between grace and legalism. Oh what a wonderful promise is contained in these verses!
pax,
dora
I love that you noticed this: “ it is HIS righteousness. That makes all the difference between grace and legalism”. It makes all the differences! So grateful for the imputed righteousness through Christ and also our practical righteousness In sanctification that He stirs within us! How are you this Saturday Dora?
It’s been tough lately, health issues. So grateful for the inner working of the Holy Spirit that leads me to Christ and to His word when my strength fails, this treasure of the gospel in this jar of clay. Thanks for asking. Hope you’re having a good day, and your family, by God’s grace. 🙏
The next-to-last point is the best and needs underlining: seeking his kingdom and his righteousness means relying totally upon the Lord and His grace and not looking at our own obedience or good works. Heavenly treasure means, not just replacing our hunger for silver and gold with hunger for spiritual things, but relying upon God’s guarantee of reconciliation and renewal rather than upon our efforts to live up to his standards. J.
Amen! It is all grace from beginning to end! How are you doing this semester with your teaching job?
Not getting to teach since COVID shut down the classroom experience and moved things on line. I think some of them were glad to be rid of me! J.
Great post. Points Three and five are helpful in reassessing the current trajectory of our lives.
Thanks for reading this, I pray your Labor weekend is going well…including tomorrow’s Lord’s Day! I appreciate you too reading my blog in the midst of everything you are doing
Always a joy.
Thanks for this quick word study/devotional! I plead guilty! of sometimes putting “necessities” and comforts ahead of God, His Kingdom, and His righteousness. Thanks for the encouragement!
I plead guilty too! How was Saturday shift?
Thanks. Not a good weekend. Situation at work continues to deteriorate. Starting to weigh options.
Hope you had a good weekend.
Good points about first seeking God’s Kingdom and Righteousness. When we do this, the next verse (34) becomes much better focused. Otherwise, we sort of have the cart ahead of the horse.
I am trying to focus more on the Kingdom of God. Thank you for this not quick timely message!!!
This should say “thank you for this not quick but timely message!”
Great devotional. We need to focus more on God’s Kingdom than ours. I believe that these days are causing to draw closer to our God and Saviour as we see the day approaching.
Amen we need to focus on the Kingdom and God! Thanks for reading this devotional Crissy!
Always a wonder truth, from the beginning.
Love this!
Aww thanks for reading this! How is your Labor day going?
Oh, it’s going really well! Thank you. ♥️
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A great command from our Lord and Savior. Thanks for this thoughtful exposition.
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