What does it mean to seek the kingdom of God?

By Weiss Stanley

In the Bible, we frequently hear about “seeking” or “pursuing” the Kingdom of God. This is something we are commanded as Christians to do, but we can often lose sight of what the sentiment really means–or why we can even have faith in this statement to begin with. As with any question of the faith, God provides answers when we truly seek them out. Here are eight verses describing the Kingdom of God and what it means to seek the Kingdom of God, along with some discussion questions to challenge and strengthen your daily walk.

1: Key Verse

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

We see here, clearly put, that we should seek first the kingdom of God. We know that in the grand scope of life, this is really all that matters. Not the world, not man, not acts, but the Kingdom of God–everything else will fail, crumble, and fade away. For this reason, Jesus calls us to prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else—above our worries, desires, and earthly concerns. In this context, He assures His followers that God knows their needs and will provide for them when they put Him first. We’ll circle back to what “these things shall be added to you” means in a bit.

Question: Are you truly seeking God’s righteousness in your daily life? What does that look like?

2. God’s Kingdom Is Eternal

Matthew 13:44-46

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Frequently in the Bible, we see the kingdom of God illustrated as something so valuable that it’s worth giving up everything else to obtain it. This parable illustrates the immense worth of God’s kingdom–it is worth sacrificing everything else to gain. The hidden treasure and pearl represent a relationship with God and a life lived under His reign—something more precious than any earthly possession. Giving everything up requires an incredible amount of faith, and it isn’t easy by any means. However, God’s kingdom is the ultimate investment: it will never fade away or depreciate. 

Question: Where do your priorities lie? Are you truly willing to give everything up to pursue God, or clinging on to the world?

3. Trusting God’s Provision

Luke 12:29-31

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Don’t let worry distract you from seeking God’s kingdom. Trust in His care and provision. Jesus reassures His followers that they don’t need to be consumed with worry about life’s necessities. Seeking God’s kingdom first means trusting Him to meet our physical needs. Faith in God’s care frees us to focus on eternal matters. Also, just like in the first verse, we see the phrasing “these things will be added to you.” “These things,” as we see earlier in Matthew 6, refers to God’s provision, protection and love for us. We don’t have to worry about leaving the world behind, because as soon as we give it all up, God takes care of the rest.

Question: How does worry interfere with focusing on God? Is it hindering your walk with Christ?

4. Righteousness and Priorities

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

God’s kingdom focuses on spiritual virtues, not external rules or material wealth. God’s kingdom is not about outward practices or material comforts; it is about inward transformation. When we live in alignment with God’s righteousness and seek His kingdom, we experience His peace and joy through the Holy Spirit. We are changed in a way that really matters, where the true value is.

Question: What should righteousness, peace, and joy look like in a believer’s life? What does it look like in your own?

5. Love and Obedience

Mark 12:28-31

The Greatest Commandment

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Loving God and loving others are essential to seeking His kingdom. Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself are central to seeking His kingdom. When we love God fully, we naturally align our lives with His will and desires. 

Question: How does loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength reflect seeking His kingdom? Are you living your life in this way?

6. Focus on God’s Will

Colossians 3:1-2

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

  A kingdom-first mindset involves focusing on eternal matters rather than earthly distractions.  As mentioned earlier, when we set our minds on the things of this earth, we are placing our thoughts on something fallible that will fade away. Seeking the kingdom of God involves lifting our focus from earthly distractions to eternal truths and the Kingdom of God. This mindset keeps us rooted in what truly matters, and our focus on the eternal.

 Question: What are practical ways to "set your mind on things above"? Are you distracted by the things of this world?

7. God’s Rule in Our Lives

Matthew 5:3-10

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The kingdom of God is characterized by humility, mercy, purity, and a hunger for righteousness. The Beatitudes describe the kind of people who belong to God’s kingdom—humble, merciful, peacemaking, and hungry for righteousness. These attitudes reflect a life centered on God’s values rather than worldly success. When we behave in this way, we can better seek the kingdom of God and encourage those around us to do the same

Question: How do the Beatitudes describe someone who seeks God’s kingdom?

8. Living with Kingdom Purpose

Philippians 3:13-14

Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Seeking God’s kingdom involves perseverance and keeping an eternal perspective. Perseverance isn’t easy; by definition, it means: “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” This requires an eternal mindset, focused on what’s ahead. Paul reminds us to let go of the past and focus on the future promise of eternal life in God’s presence. It’s a lifelong journey of faith and obedience, and by focusing on the future, we build a better present.

Question: What obstacles might hinder you from pressing on toward God’s kingdom?

By keeping these verses and the ideas taught by them constantly in our mind, we can remain grounded in what really matters, and keep our focus in the right place. I pray that these verses and discussion questions helped you to better understand the kingdom of God, and encouraged you to continuously seek and live out its principles more and more every day.