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Wednesday, September 7, 2022

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1 Corinthians 7:25-31
Psalm 45:11-12, 14-17
Luke 6:20-26

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“your kingdom come” (mt 6:10)

“Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” —Luke 6:20, RSV-CE

Moments before He was crucified and saved us, Jesus told Pontius Pilate: “My kingdom does not belong to this world” (Jn 18:36). Jesus put it mildly, for Jesus’ kingdom is as different from the world’s kingdoms as the heavens are above the earth (see Is 55:9). Consider the following differences:

GOD’S KINGDOM

  • The poor have God’s kingdom now (Lk 6:20).
  • The hungry, the weeping, and the persecuted are blessed (Lk 6:20-22).
  • Those married do not seek divorces (see 1 Cor 7:27).
  • Those in God’s kingdom recognize that “the world as we know it is passing away” (1 Cor 7:31).

THE WORLD’S KINGDOMS

  • The rich possess the world’s kingdoms and are possessed by them.
  • The full, the amused, and the popular are enjoying themselves (see Lk 6:24-26)
  • Those married often seek divorces and those who are

          single often date with a view to promiscuity.

  • Those in the world’s kingdoms deny reality and history; they act as if this world will last forever.

There are several thousand more differences between God’s kingdom and the world’s kingdoms. Seek first and only God’s kingdom (see Mt 6:33).

Prayer:  King Jesus, I sell everything to be in Your kingdom (Mt 13:44-46).

Promise:  “The time is short.” —1 Cor 7:29

Praise:  John turns down promotions rather than sacrifice family time.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Seek First the Kingdom, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)

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