One Thing

Seek
Written By Patrick Burch

OPENING THOUGHT

The Bible speaks of the “one thing”:

  • “One thing will I seek” (Ps. 27:4).

  • “You lack one thing” (Mark 10:21).

  • “One thing is necessary” (Luke 10:42).

  • “This one thing I do” (Phil. 3:13).

What is that “one thing”? Matthew 6:33 answers, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Make God your one thing and he will take care of all the other things for you.

What does life look like when you seek one thing? Do you neglect everything else? Do you say no to all other commitments? Do you eliminate everything that isn’t that one thing from your life?

How do you live for one thing?

EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

Matthew 6:25-34

  • If you were told you had 90 days to live, how would your daily priorities change by tomorrow morning?

  • What are the “things” (worries/needs) that usually distract you from seeking the kingdom first?

  • Jesus commands us not to worry. What does he mean? Is it wrong to show concern for basic necessities in life or the welfare of our families?

  • Think about Jesus’ illustration about the birds. Do birds eat without any effort at all? How do they survive without worry?

  • Can you show your concern for “other things” through your primary concern for God?

Haggai 1:2-11

  • What is the Lord’s complaint against his people?

  • How had the people mixed up their priorities?

  • What was the outcome of their disordered priorities?

  • How does ordering your life properly bless your other needs?

Hebrews 11:13-16

  • Does putting God first protect you from suffering?

  • What does it look like to live as a "stranger and pilgrim" in your own neighborhood?

  • Where is the reward for those who make God their “one thing”?

Hebrews 5:11-14

  • What problem does the writer rebuke?

  • What happens when Christians stop seeking God first?

Consider these passages on making God your “one thing”:

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. (Ps. 73:25)

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecc. 12:13)

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? (Mark 8:34-37)

Patrick Burch
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