Purkey's Bible Study Outlines

(Read Matthew 6:19-34)

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”(Matthew 6:33).

First, the basic principle (verses 19-24). Christ states several reasons why living for material things is foolish. For one thing, material things do not last. Fabrics were treasured by Jews, yet moths ruin them. Rust ruins metal; thieves steal riches. But treasure used for God’s glory is invested in heaven where it lasts eternally. The way people use wealth is an indication of the condition of their hearts. If we spend our time and money only on business, and neglect God, then our hearts are in business and not fixed on God. Compare Abraham and Lot in Gen. 13:5-18 for an illustration of the “single eye.” The eye here speaks of the outlook of the heart. A single eye means one that is fixed on the spiritual. It is the opposite of the double-minded person in James 1:8; 4:4, 8. “Evil” in verse 23 means the opposite of simple; it suggests a sinful outlook, a double vision. In verse 24 Jesus clearly tells us that we cannot look in two directions at one time, serve two masters, and live for God and material wealth. The Bible does not condemn the possession of wealth, but it does warn against the love of money and the wrong use of wealth (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17-18; Hebrews 13:5; Luke 16:1-31).

Second, the daily practice (verses 25-34). Christ’s “therefore” suggests that now He is going to apply this principle to our lives. He shows that worrying about material things is foolish because it accomplishes nothing! He reminds us to have our values straight -- life consists of far more than food and clothing. Jesus was poor, yet how happy and peaceful He was!

Christ points to God’s care of nature—the flowers, grass, and birds. “You are of more value than they. Certainly, God will care for you!” The Father knows our needs, and if we put Him first, He will meet every need. How do believers today practice Matthew 6:33? We will start with our time, and put God first in every day. This means time for prayer and reading the Word. We will put God first in every week, attending the house of God faithfully. We will put God first every payday, paying the tithe to the Lord. We will put God first in our choices, making no decision that would leave God out.

Third, there are spiritual parallels for the material things people seek today. We should seek to feed the hidden person of the heart with spiritual food just as we seek to feed the body (Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 3:4). We should see that our spiritual garments are in order (Colossians 3:7-15) just as we fret over the physical garments that clothe our body. We drink physical water, but we should also drink the spiritual water of life that Christ offers (John 4:13-14; 7:37-39).