Captivated by the Kingdom of Heaven

← All sermons

Summary

The image on the title slide — a pearl inside an open shell — points to the pearl of great price, the treasure worth giving up everything else to gain. From there the sermon moves through Scripture’s picture of God dwelling with His people, from the mercy seat where God met Moses between the cherubim, to the veil of the temple torn in two at the cross, opening access to His presence.

That access is what makes it possible to obey Christ’s command to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that everything else will be added. The kingdom of heaven is described as the reign of God — God as King ruling the whole earth, the whole universe — not a future hope only but a present reality that should captivate the believer’s whole life and priorities.

Essential truths

  1. The kingdom of heaven is worth more than anything it costs to pursue it, like a pearl of great price.
  2. Christ's death tore the veil, giving direct access to God's presence.
  3. Seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first is a command, not a suggestion.
  4. The kingdom of God is God's present reign over the whole earth, not only a future hope.

Encouragement and challenge

Let being captivated by the kingdom reorder your priorities today — seek God's kingdom and righteousness first and trust Him with everything else.

Reference verses

  • Matthew 6:33
  • Matthew 13:45-46
  • Exodus 25:22
  • Matthew 27:51

About this sermon