May 2026
IN THIS LESSON - May 3, 2026
Matthew 6:33 may be the most reordering verse in all of Scripture — a single command that reshapes every priority, redirects every ambition, and reframes every anxiety: seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In this lesson, we unpack the radical, daily implications of that command and ask the hard question every believer must answer honestly: when God looks at how we spend our time, energy, and attention, does it reflect a life truly seeking His Kingdom first? Colossians 3:1–2 and Philippians 3:20–21 anchor us in the reality of our heavenly citizenship, while the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl reveal that choosing the Kingdom above all else is not a sacrifice — it is the wisest, most profitable decision a person can ever make. We examine how the Great Depression drove thousands to discover that when material stability crumbles, the Kingdom of God is the only foundation that holds. This lesson will challenge you to take an honest, courageous inventory of your priorities and align every area of your life — your schedule, your money, your relationships — with the purposes of an eternal God.
Facilitated By: David Herron
Presented At: Schrader Lane Church of Christ, 1234 Schrader Lane, Nashville, TN 3720
Adult Sunday School 8:15 a.m. (CST) in Room #315
Understanding the Times
A Biblical Perspective · Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
BARRY’S BUREAU
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Lesson
08
Seeking God's Kingdom First
Scriptural Focus
Matthew 6:33
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Supporting Scriptures
Colossians 3:1–2 · Philippians 3:20–21 · Matthew 13:44–46
Theme
Seeking God's Kingdom first is not a passive hope — it is a daily, deliberate reordering of life around God's eternal purposes rather than earthly anxieties.
Key Teaching Points
▸Seek God's Kingdom and righteousness above every earthly concern
▸Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things
▸Our citizenship is in heaven — let that truth reshape priorities
▸The Kingdom is worth everything — like treasure hidden in a field
This Week’s Application
List your top three priorities this week — ask honestly if God's Kingdom is number one among them.
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from the First Edition 2025
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
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Lesson 8 — Seeking God's Kingdom First
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33
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"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." — Matthew 6:33
May these key truths guide your walk with God this week and beyond.
Multiple-Choice Q&A
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Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
Lesson 8: Seeking God's Kingdom First
Scriptural Focus: Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33
Question 1 of 7
Question 1 of 7What does Jesus command in Matthew 6:33 regarding the Kingdom of God?
Question 2 of 7In the broader context of Matthew 6, what specific life pattern is the command of verse 33 designed to replace?
Question 3 of 7Colossians 3:1–2 supports the theme of this lesson by commanding believers to do what?
Question 4 of 7The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44–46) contribute what insight to this lesson's theme?
Question 5 of 7The jar illustration in this lesson — filling a jar with rocks, pebbles, and sand — teaches which principle about Kingdom priorities?
Question 6 of 7The historical example of the Great Depression in this lesson demonstrates which truth about seeking God's Kingdom first?
Question 7 of 7Martha, the entrepreneur in this lesson's short story, finds that seeking God's Kingdom first transforms her relationship with her work. What specifically changes for her?
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Understanding the Times — Lesson 8
“Seeking God's Kingdom First”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Understanding the Times — Lesson 8
“Seeking God's Kingdom First”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Study Game - Fill-in-the-Blank
Complete key verses about seeking God's Kingdom
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Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau · Fill in the Blank
Lesson 8: Seeking God's Kingdom First
Scriptural Focus: Matthew 6:33✍️ Fill in the Blank: Complete each verse with the missing word. All answers are from the lesson’s key Scriptures!
Correct: 0 / 7
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his , and all these things will be added to you.
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things that are , not on things that are on earth.
Philippians 3:20
Our is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 6:24–25
You cannot serve God and . Therefore do not be anxious about your life.
Matthew 7:7
Seek, and you will ; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 6:21
Where your is, there your heart will be also.
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“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33