SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. —Matthew 6:33
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. —Matthew 6:9-10Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. —Matthew 13:44
KINGDOM STRENGTH FROM KINGDOM SUFFERING
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. —1 Peter 5:6 - 11Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. —Hebrews `11:1
But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. —Luke 22:32
PERFECT:
To fit, make sound, complete
To mend (what has been broken or ripped), to repair
To make complete.
ESTABLISH:
To make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix
To make firm
To render constant, confirm one’s mind.
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. —1 Peter 5:10
STRENGTHEN:
To make strong,
strengthen of one’s soul.
1. Kingdom strength from suffering comes through The Holy Spirit working from the inside out.
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. —Ephesians 3:16
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. —1 John 4:4
There is therefore now no condemnation
to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do
not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. —Romans 8:115 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. —Romans 8:15 - 18
2. Kingdom strength from suffering comes through knowing how much God loves you.
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. —Ephesians 3:17 - 19There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. —1 John 4:18
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. —Romans 8:14
11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.
12 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. —Psalms 5:11 - 1217 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! —2 Timothy 4:17 - 18
3. Kingdom strength from suffering is miracle territory (and not just for you).
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, —Ephesians 3:20
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” —Luke 22:31 - 321 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;
3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.
4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”
5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. —Acts 3:1 - 9
4. The way through the suffering to strength is Jesus.
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28 - 30