Quick Devotional from Matthew 6:33 (Observation from the Greek)

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 this

πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν. ”
all he will do to you

Here are some observations:

 

1. In the context this is Jesus is speaking.  The context of the chapter is Jesus addressing the issue of anxiety.
2. 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.
3. The main action what Jesus wants us to do is indicated by the verb ζητεῖτε= “seek.”
   1. The verb is an imperative showing this is a command.
   2. The second person plural subjects are Jesus’ listeners; nevertheless it is applicable to believers today too.
   3. 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.
   4. I see the present tense here as functioning to indicate something done continuously.
4. What are we to seek? There are two items mentioned.
5. Objection #1 to seek: “first the kingdom of God“
   1. The word “first” is an adverb showing what is the priority.
   2. Kingdom is described as that which belongs to God in light of the genitive of possession.  
6. Objection #2 to seek: “and His righteousness“= Its not just righteousness but note the possessive genitive “His” righteousness, referring to it being from God.
7. What’s the consequences of seeking God’s Kingdom and Righteousness? “and this all he will do to you”
   1. “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?’“
   2. 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?