“The Access to Kingdom Priorities”
Matthew 19:16-30
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” [Matthew 19:29]
Kingdom priorities are not something you get by trying harder. They come by the Spirit of God. It is the “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” principle. It is a spiritual principle of God working in His people. As the Spirit comes into the life of a believer, He begins to cultivate His life in the believer. And the result is transformation; being conformed into the image of Christ.
It is only when we have Kingdom priorities within that we can “leave houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands,” for the sake of Christ. It is a difficult road to travel but the priority that Jesus taught. It is impossible to do in the natural man, and only possible in the Spirit.
Our text begins with the Rich Young Ruler. His form of righteousness was inadequate. He was good but not good enough. He recited Scripture and followed commandments, but still lacked. “If you want to be perfect,” Jesus said, “go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” [Matt 19:21] “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” [Matt 19:22]
The requirement for heaven is holy perfection, and there can be no lack. You must be perfect, not only in acts, but in the thoughts and intents of your heart. And there lies the great dilemma! “Who then can be saved?” [v.25] Jesus answered, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The only way possible to get to heaven is by Jesus Christ. Our sin imputed to Jesus [on the Cross] in exchange for His righteousness imputed to us [at His Resurrection]. It is the Cross that cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and it is His Resurrection that brings us into the Holy of Hollies.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,” [Eph 2:8-9].
And because we have freely received forgiveness and salvation; we respond by freely giving, serving, and making Jesus our priority. Kingdom priority means Jesus first, always.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” [Ro 12:1]
