What Should You Live For

In a world brimming with options for what to live for, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You could dedicate your life to chasing a successful career, sculpting the perfect physical appearance, or indulging in endless pleasures. Society bombards us with messages that these pursuits will bring happiness and fulfillment. Yet, Jesus offers a different perspective—a singular, transformative focus that cuts through the noise. In Matthew 6:33, He declares:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (ESV).

These words aren’t just a suggestion; they’re a divine directive that reveals what we should truly live for. Jesus presents seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness as the ultimate priority, promising that when we align our lives with this goal, God will take care of everything else we need. This blog post will unpack Matthew 6:33 through careful exegesis, diving into the original Greek language, exploring its context within the Sermon on the Mount, and applying its timeless truth to our lives today. What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom first? How does this reorder our priorities? And why does it lead to a life free from worry? Let’s find out.

The Context of Matthew 6:33

To grasp the full weight of Matthew 6:33, we need to situate it within its broader context: the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). This sermon is Jesus’ foundational teaching on life in God’s kingdom, delivered to His disciples and the crowds on a Galilean hillside. It’s a manifesto of kingdom values, challenging worldly priorities and calling followers to a higher standard of living.

In Matthew 6, Jesus shifts focus to practical aspects of discipleship. He addresses religious practices like giving, prayer, and fasting (vv. 1–18), urging sincerity over hypocrisy. Then, in verses 19–34, He tackles our relationship with material wealth and daily needs. He contrasts earthly treasures, which fade, with heavenly treasures, which endure (vv. 19–21). He warns that we cannot serve two masters—God and money—because our allegiance can only belong to one (v. 24).

This leads into His teaching on worry (vv. 25–34). Jesus instructs His listeners not to be anxious about life’s necessities: food, drink, and clothing. He points to God’s care for the birds and the lilies, asking, “Are you not of more value than they?” (v. 26, ESV). It’s here, amid this discussion of anxiety and provision, that Jesus delivers the pivotal command of verse 33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

The “but” signals a shift. Instead of worrying about material needs, Jesus offers an alternative pursuit, seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. This isn’t just a call to stop fretting; it’s a proactive charge to replace anxiety with a higher purpose. The promise? God will provide “all these things” when we prioritize Him.

Exegesis of Matthew 6:33

Let’s break down Matthew 6:33 phrase by phrase, examining the original Greek to uncover its depth and meaning.

“But seek first”

“But” (de): This Greek conjunction introduces a contrast. After warning against worry, Jesus pivots to what we should do. It’s a deliberate redirection of focus.

“Seek” (zēteite): From the verb zēteō, meaning “to seek, strive for, or pursue,” zēteite is a present imperative. The present tense implies ongoing, habitual action—not a one-off effort but a continuous lifestyle of seeking. It’s an active, intentional pursuit.

“First” (prōton): This adverb means “first in time, place, order, or importance.” Here, it emphasizes priority. Seeking God’s kingdom isn’t just one item on a list; it’s the primary goal that shapes everything else.

Together, “but seek first” instructs us to replace worry with a persistent, top-priority pursuit. But what are we seeking?

“The kingdom of God”

“The kingdom” (tēn basileian): From basileia, this term can mean “kingdom,” “reign,” or “rule.” In Jesus’ teaching, it’s God’s sovereign authority—His reign over creation, present in the hearts of believers and fully realized in the future.

“Of God” (tou theou): This specifies whose kingdom we seek—God’s, not a human construct.

To “seek first the kingdom of God” is to live for God’s rule in our lives and the world. It’s submitting to His authority, aligning our will with His, and working toward His purposes—through prayer, evangelism, and acts of justice. It’s both personal (in our hearts) and communal (in the church and beyond).

“And his righteousness”

“And” (kai): This connects the two objects of our seeking—God’s kingdom and His righteousness—as inseparable pursuits.

“His righteousness” (tēn dikaiosynēn autou): Dikaiosynē means “righteousness,” “justice,” or “rightness.” The pronoun autou (“his”) ties it to God.

This phrase has dual layers. First, it could mean the righteousness God imparts through faith in Christ (Romans 3:21–22), a gift we seek by trusting Him. Second, in the Sermon on the Mount’s context—where Jesus teaches on righteous living (e.g., Matthew 5:20)—it suggests living according to God’s moral standards. Both are likely intended: we seek a right relationship with God and a life that reflects His character.

“And all these things will be added to you”

“All these things” (tauta panta): Refers to the necessities Jesus mentioned—food, drink, clothing (vv. 25–32).

“Will be added” (prostethēsetai): A future passive form of prostithēmi, meaning “to add” or “give in addition.” The passive voice points to God as the provider.

This is Jesus’ promise: prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness, and God will supply your needs. It’s not a blank check for wealth, but assurance that our Heavenly Father knows and meets our essential needs.

What Should You Live For?

So, what does Matthew 6:33 tell us to live for? Jesus cuts through life’s myriad options, appearance, career, and pleasure, and points us to one supreme purpose: God’s kingdom and righteousness. This isn’t just another priority to juggle; it’s the lens through which we view all else. Here’s what that looks like practically:

A Life of Purpose Over Worry

Jesus contrasts seeking God’s kingdom with worrying about material needs. Living for physical well-being alone is a cursed existence, marked by anxiety and a focus on survival—like animals scrabbling for scraps. Instead, Jesus says, “Seek Me first, and I’ll handle the rest.” This frees us to pursue purpose rather than panic.

Honoring God in Everything

Living for God’s kingdom means making honoring God your goal in every sphere. Ask yourself: “In this action, what’s my aim?” If you’re working just to get rich at any cost, your goal is misaligned. But if you work to glorify God—offering honest effort, integrity, and a good testimony—you’re seeking His kingdom.

Take your career, for example. You don’t have to choose between honoring God and being a good employee; you honor God by being a diligent, ethical worker. Proverbs 22:1 aligns with this: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (ESV). A reputation for godliness trumps wealth.

Replacing Lesser Passions

Worry is a passion, a habit of the heart. Jesus doesn’t just say “stop it”; He gives us a greater passion to replace it. As R.T. France notes, this verse demands “a commitment to find and do the will of God, to ally oneself totally with his purpose.” Living for God’s kingdom becomes our driving force, eclipsing lesser pursuits.

Trusting Divine Provision

When we live for God’s kingdom, we’re not promised a trouble-free life but a provided-for one. Jesus assures us that “all these things” will be added to us, our needs met by a faithful Father. This trust liberates us from the tyranny of self-reliance.

Biblical Examples

Scripture brims with people who lived this way:

Abraham: He left everything to follow God’s call, seeking a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:10). God provided a legacy beyond his imagination.

Moses: He chose God’s people over Egypt’s riches, seeking eternal reward (Hebrews 11:25–26). God sustained him as a leader.

Paul: He counted all as loss for Christ’s sake (Philippians 3:8), living for God’s kingdom. God supplied strength for every trial (Philippians 4:13).

These lives show that seeking God first doesn’t leave us empty—it fills us with purpose and provision.

Addressing Objections

“What if I seek God’s kingdom and still struggle?” Jesus never promised ease, saying, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33, ESV). Yet He offers peace and presence. God’s provision might be strength, community, or hope—not always material abundance. For those in poverty, this trust can be challenging, but God’s faithfulness shines through countless testimonies of sustenance in the midst of hardship.

Practical Application

Here’s how to live by Matthew 6:33 daily:

Pray Daily: Start each day asking God to align your priorities with His kingdom.

Evaluate Goals: In every task, aim to honor God—whether in work, family, or leisure.

Trust Actively: When worry creeps in, pray and recall God’s past provision.

Serve Others: Advance God’s kingdom through generosity, evangelism, and justice.

Look Eternal: Let heaven’s hope shape your choices over fleeting gains.

Conclusion

Among life’s many pursuits, Jesus calls us to one: seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This isn’t a burden but a gift, a path to purpose, peace, and provision. By living for God’s rule and character, we find what we were made for: fellowship with Him. So, let’s commit today to this radical, worry-free life, trusting that “all these things” will follow as we seek Him first.

How to Hear From God

Life is a journey filled with small decisions, like what to wear or eat, and monumental ones, like choosing a career or a spouse or discerning God’s call for our lives. In every moment, we crave wisdom beyond our own. As Christians, we believe we have the extraordinary privilege of seeking guidance from our all-knowing, all-wise God. But how do we hear from Him? How do we know we’re aligned with His will?

In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus offers a powerful invitation and promise: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” (ESV). These words, spoken during the Sermon on the Mount, are not a mere suggestion but a divine call to persistent prayer and a guarantee of God’s response. From an evangelical perspective, this passage underscores the centrality of prayer, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of faith in seeking God’s guidance.

In this post, we’ll exegete Matthew 7:7-8, diving into the original Greek to uncover the richness of Jesus’ words. We’ll explore three essential steps for seeking God’s guidance—Cleansing, Surrender, and Meditation—and emphasize the importance of persistence and waiting on God’s timing. Whether you’re facing a crossroads or simply longing to deepen your walk with Christ, this post will encourage you to ask, seek, and knock confidently, trusting that the Lord is ready to answer.

Exegesis of Matthew 7:7-8: Unpacking the Invitation

To grasp the depth of Jesus’ teaching, let’s examine the text in its context and original language, using the English Standard Version (ESV).

The Context: The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 7:7-8 sits within the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus’ foundational teaching on kingdom living. Earlier, in Matthew 6:5-15, He addressed prayer, warning against hypocrisy and providing the Lord’s Prayer as a model. His return to prayer in chapter 7 signals its supreme importance. Prayer isn’t an optional extra for the believer—it’s the heartbeat of our relationship with God, a lifeline to the Father who desires to guide us.

The Text: A Threefold Call

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

In the Greek, the verbs “ask” (aiteō), “seek” (zēteō), and “knock” (krouō) are present imperatives, implying continuous action: “keep on asking,” “keep on seeking,” “keep on knocking.” This isn’t a one-and-done prayer but an ongoing pursuit of God. Let’s break down each term:

“Ask” (aiteō): Meaning “to request” or “to petition,” aiteō reflects a straightforward act of bringing our needs to God. In Greek culture, it often denoted asking from a superior, highlighting our dependence on the Lord. It’s the simplest form of prayer—lifting our voices to a God who listens.

“Seek” (zēteō): This verb means “to search for” or “to pursue.” It’s more active than asking, suggesting diligence and effort, like hunting for treasure. When we seek, we’re not passively waiting—we’re chasing after God’s will, wisdom, or presence.

“Knock” (krouō): Meaning “to rap” or “to strike,” krouō evokes the image of persistently knocking on a door. It implies resistance or delay—perhaps the door isn’t open yet—but also hope, for doors are made to be opened. This is prayer with urgency and perseverance.

A Progression of Intensity

These verbs reveal a progression: from the simplicity of asking, to the diligence of seeking, to the persistence of knocking. Together, they depict a prayer life marked by passion and tenacity. Jesus isn’t suggesting one is superior to the others; instead, they form a holistic approach to engaging with God. As evangelical believers, we see this as a call to pursue the Lord wholeheartedly, trusting His promises.

The Promises: God’s Faithful Response

Each action carries a promise:

• “It will be given to you” (to those who ask).

• “You will find” (to those who seek).

• “It will be opened to you” (to those who knock).

Verse 8 reinforces this: “For everyone who asks receives…” The inclusive “everyone” assures us that no sincere believer is excluded. These aren’t vague hopes but firm commitments from Christ Himself, rooted in God’s character. However, Scripture elsewhere (e.g., 1 John 5:14-15) clarifies that answers align with God’s will, not our whims. Matthew 7:7-8 isn’t a blank check—it’s an invitation to seek God’s heart.

The Importance of Persistence in Prayer

Why does Jesus emphasize persistence? If God hears us the first time, why keep asking, seeking, and knocking? From an evangelical lens, persistence in prayer is both a privilege and a discipline that shapes our faith.

Why God Values Persistence

It Shows Dependence: Returning to God daily declares our reliance on Him, not ourselves (Proverbs 3:5-6).

It Aligns Our Hearts: Persistent prayer refines our desires, molding them to God’s will. What we ask for on day one may shift by day ten as the Spirit works in us.

It Builds Faith: Waiting tests and strengthens our trust in God’s timing (Hebrews 11:6).

It Deepens Relationship: Prayer isn’t transactional—it’s relational. Persistence draws us closer to the Father.

Biblical Examples

Scripture abounds with persistent prayers:

Hannah (1 Samuel 1) prayed fervently for a child, and God granted her Samuel.

Daniel (Daniel 10:12-13) prayed for 21 days, overcoming spiritual resistance to receive an answer.

Jesus (Matthew 26:36-44) prayed three times in Gethsemane, submitting to the Father’s will.

The parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) further illustrates this. If an unjust judge responds to relentless requests, how much more will our loving God answer His children?

Persistence, Not Manipulation

Persistence isn’t about twisting God’s arm—He’s not reluctant. Rather, it glorifies Him by showing we value what He values. Passionless prayers often go unanswered because they reflect apathy. When we care deeply, we pray deeply, and God delights in our pursuit.

Three Steps for Seeking Guidance

Matthew 7:7-8 invites us to pray persistently, but how do we ensure we hear God clearly? Here are three biblical steps: Cleansing, Surrender, and Meditation.

1. Cleansing: Removing the Static

Sin disrupts our communication with God. Psalm 66:18 warns, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Unconfessed sin is like static on a radio, muffling God’s voice.

• The Process: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24). Confess it—name it specifically—and repent.

• The Promise: 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Cleansing isn’t about perfection but honesty. A clean heart opens the channel to hear God’s guidance.

2. Surrender: Yielding to His Will

God won’t reveal His plans if we’re unwilling to follow. Surrender means laying down our agendas and trusting His path, even when it’s hard.

• The Assurance: 1 John 5:14-15 says, “If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” Alignment with God’s will unlocks His answers.

• The Example: Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). His surrender led to our salvation.

Practically, surrender involves praying, “Lord, I want Your way, not mine.” It’s a daily choice to trust His wisdom over our own (Proverbs 3:5-6).

3. Meditation: Listening Through His Word

God often guides us through Scripture, His living Word (Hebrews 4:12). Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• How It Works: Read the Bible prayerfully, seeking principles or direct answers. A verse might address your situation (e.g., stewardship for a financial decision) or shape your perspective.

• Faith in Action: Mark 11:24 instructs, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Meditation builds faith to act on what God reveals.

Meditation isn’t rushed reading—it’s lingering, listening, and letting the Spirit speak. Journaling or worship can enhance this process.

The Role of Waiting: Trusting God’s Timing

Persistence and these steps prepare us to hear from God, but waiting is often part of the equation. Isaiah 64:4 promises, “No eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.”

Why Waiting Matters

Trust: Waiting forces us to rely on God’s sovereignty, not our control.

Preparation: God may be aligning circumstances or refining us for His answer.

Protection: Rushing ahead or manipulating outcomes risks costly mistakes (e.g., Abraham and Hagar, Genesis 16).

The Biblical Call

Psalm 27:14 urges, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Waiting isn’t passive—it’s active faith, believing God is working.

Are You Ready?

Are you ready to hear from the Lord? Matthew 7:7-8 is your invitation. Keep asking with humility, seeking with diligence, and knocking with perseverance. Cleanse your heart, surrender your will, and meditate on His Word. Wait on His timing, trusting He’ll answer.

God longs to guide you—more than you long to be guided. His promises are sure: you will receive, find, and see doors open. Not always as you expect, but always for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Start today—set aside time to pray and study Scripture. Share your journey with a friend. The Lord is near, ready to speak. Will you listen?