Each sermon is accompanied by a summary, practical points, and relevant scripture for deeper insight. Our study guides also include devotional content to help you apply biblical truths to your daily life.
- Summary
In our spiritual journey, we’re called to examine our priorities and ask ourselves: Is the Kingdom of Yahweh truly our greatest focus? This message challenges us to reflect on the parable of the sower from Matthew 13, where we see how different ‘soils’ respond to Yahweh’s word. Are we allowing the cares of this world to choke out our spiritual growth, or are we nurturing a heart that produces a bountiful harvest? The key lies in our willingness to sacrifice everything for our faith, just as many biblical heroes did. From Daniel in the lions’ den to Paul’s numerous trials, we’re reminded that true devotion often comes at a cost. Yet, the promise of eternal life in Yahweh’s Kingdom far outweighs any earthly sacrifice. As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s keep our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize – transformation into incorruptible, immortal beings at Yahshua’s return. This hope should drive us to live with purpose, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Yahweh’s truth.
Once you’ve watched the sermon, you will find the study guide located below the video.
Now that you've listened to the sermon, please use the study guide below to dive deeper into the topic.
- How to Use Guide
- Points & Scriptures
- Discussion Questions
- Small Group Guide
- Devotional
The purpose of this Sermon Library is to support your spiritual growth as you revisit, reflect and meditate on the sermon topic, and study the Scriptures.
In each tab of the Study Guide, you will find information that will help you increase your understanding and knowledge of Yahweh’s Word and gain deeper insight into the Biblical topic covered.
You can engage in this study on your own or with a group.
It is our hope that these tools provide you with meaningful activities to help you on your walk, as you engage in them during the week and in days leading up to a Feast.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto Elohim, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Study Guide
Summary – Read and reread to help you remember the answer to the question, “What was this sermon about?” so that you can deepen your understanding on this topic and can learn what to say in order to easily share this with others.
Points and Scriptures – Compare these to your notes. If needed, add the key points and Scriptures to your notes, for further review. Turn to each Scripture passage and read it. You may want to keep a notebook or journal, with Scripture Lists by topic. Scriptures that say (alluded to) next to it were included in content of the message (ex. appeared on a slide) without the Scripture itself being read.
Discussion Questions – Read one at a time, writing the answers down in your notebook or journal. Use your notes, as well as the information in the Points & Scriptures tab, to help you answer the questions.
Small Group Guide – We recommend that you engage in this activity during the week with a group of brethren, family members and/or friends.
Devotional – We recommend that you engage in these activities during the week and/or in days leading up to the Feast.
Sermon Summary: This sermon emphasizes the importance of making Yahweh’s kingdom the highest priority in a believer’s life. It explores the concept of sacrifice, commitment, and unwavering faith in pursuing eternal life with Yahweh. The speaker stresses that half-hearted efforts are insufficient and that believers must be willing to put Yahweh above all else, including family, career, and worldly pursuits. The sermon also highlights the transformative power of faith and the promise of resurrection for those who remain steadfast in their devotion to Yahweh.
Key Points:
- Yahweh’s kingdom should be our greatest priority as believers
- True faith requires sacrifice and full commitment
- Believers must be willing to put Yahweh before family, career, and worldly pursuits
- The promise of eternal life and resurrection should motivate our actions
- Half-hearted or lukewarm faith is unacceptable to Yahweh
- Our level of commitment and sacrifice will determine our reward in Yahweh’s kingdom
- Perseverance in faith is crucial, even in the face of persecution or hardship
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for general themes discussed:
- Matthew 6:33
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-28
- Matthew 6:19-21
- Matthew 6:24
- Matthew 13:8-23 (Parable of the Sower)
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- Hebrews 11:32-40
- Matthew 24 (general reference to Olivet Prophecy)
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (alluded to, not directly quoted)
Additional relevant verses for themes discussed:
- Luke 14:26 (prioritizing Yahweh over family)
- Revelation 3:15-16 (lukewarm faith)
- James 4:4 (friendship with the world)
- Matthew 6:31-32 (seeking Yahweh’s kingdom first)
- Romans 12:2 (transformation of the mind)
- Daniel 6 (Daniel in the lions’ den)
- Daniel 3 (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace)
- 1 Kings 19 (Elijah fleeing from Jezebel)
- 1 Samuel 18-31 (David pursued by Saul)
- Nehemiah 4 (opposition to rebuilding Jerusalem)
- Esther 4:16 (Esther risking her life for her people)
- Ezekiel 1:1-3 (Ezekiel prophesying in exile)
- Revelation 20:4-6 (first resurrection)
- Revelation 20:11-15 (great white throne judgment)
How can we practically demonstrate that Yahweh’s kingdom is our top priority in our daily lives, especially when faced with competing demands from family, work, or society?
The sermon mentions several biblical figures who suffered for their faith. How can their examples inspire us to remain steadfast in our own spiritual journeys, even in the face of modern challenges?
What does it mean to be ‘lukewarm’ in faith, as described in the message about the Laodicean assembly, and how can we guard against this spiritual state?
How does the parable of the sower relate to our own spiritual growth, and which category of soil do you think best represents your current spiritual state?
The sermon discusses different levels of spiritual fruit (30, 60, 100-fold). How can we strive to be more fruitful in our faith, and what might this look like in practical terms?
Paul compares the spiritual life to a race. How can we apply the discipline and focus of an Olympic athlete to our pursuit of spiritual growth and the kingdom of Yahweh?
The message emphasizes the importance of sacrifice for the kingdom. What are some sacrifices we might be called to make for our faith, and how can we prepare ourselves for such choices?
How does the promise of transformation in the first resurrection (as described in 1 Corinthians 15) impact our perspective on current struggles and challenges?
The sermon mentions that we cannot serve two masters. In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to put Yahweh first, and how can you work to align these areas with your faith?
Considering the description of the kingdom and eternal life, how can we cultivate a deeper longing for this future reality in our hearts, especially when earthly concerns seem so pressing?
Here’s a small group guide based on the sermon:
Small Group Guide: Kingdom Priority
Opening Question:
What does it mean to you to make Yahweh’s kingdom your top priority in life?
Key Takeaways:
1. Our greatest priority as believers should be pursuing Yahweh’s kingdom.
2. Serving Yahweh requires full commitment, not a lukewarm or half-hearted approach.
3. The promise of eternal life in Yahweh’s kingdom should motivate us through life’s challenges.
4. We can only truly serve one master – we must choose Yahweh over worldly priorities.
5. Our level of sacrifice and devotion indicates whether Yahweh’s kingdom is truly our priority.
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon mentions several Bible characters who endured hardship for their faith. Which example resonates with you most and why?
2. How do you balance earthly responsibilities (family, work, etc.) with prioritizing Yahweh’s kingdom? What challenges do you face?
3. Reflect on the parable of the sower. Which type of soil do you think best represents your life right now? Why?
4. The sermon suggests that our kingdom reward may be based on our faithfulness in this life (30, 60, 100-fold). How does this perspective impact your approach to serving Yahweh?
5. What areas of your life might Yahweh be calling you to sacrifice or change to make His kingdom a greater priority?
6. How can we encourage each other to maintain an eternal perspective in our daily lives?
Practical Applications:
1. Daily Priority Check: Each day this week, ask yourself, “Is Yahweh’s kingdom my top priority today? How are my actions reflecting this?”
2. Sacrifice Challenge: Identify one thing in your life that may be competing with Yahweh for priority. Commit to giving it up or reducing its influence for a set period.
3. Kingdom Focus Prayer: Spend time each day praying specifically for Yahweh’s kingdom to come and for opportunities to advance it in your sphere of influence.
4. Scripture Meditation: Memorize and reflect on Matthew 6:33 throughout the week.
5. Service Opportunity: As a group, plan a way to serve others that demonstrates kingdom values (e.g., helping the needy, sharing the good news).
Closing Prayer:
Close by praying for each group member to grow in their commitment to Yahweh’s kingdom and for the strength to overcome obstacles that hinder this priority.
Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon:
Day 1: Seeking First the Kingdom
Reading: Matthew 6:25-34
Devotional: In our busy lives, it’s easy to become distracted by worldly concerns. Yet Jesus reminds us to “seek first the kingdom of Yahweh and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). This doesn’t mean ignoring our responsibilities, but rather prioritizing our relationship with Yahweh above all else. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be putting other things before Yahweh. How can you realign your priorities to seek His kingdom first? Remember, when we focus on Yahweh’s purposes, He promises to take care of our needs.
Day 2: Running the Race of Faith
Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: The believers life is often compared to a race, requiring endurance and focus. Like athletes training for the Olympics, we must be disciplined in our spiritual lives. What “weights” or sins are holding you back from fully pursuing Yahweh? Fix your eyes on Yahshua, who endured the stake for our sake. His example can inspire us to persevere through difficulties, knowing that the prize of eternal life awaits us. Today, identify one area where you can increase your spiritual “training” – perhaps through more consistent prayer or Bible study.
Day 3: Transforming Faith in Action
Reading: James 2:14-26
Devotional: True faith is more than just belief – it’s demonstrated through our actions. James challenges us to put our faith to work, showing that we truly trust in Yahweh. Consider the examples in today’s passage: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, and Rahab’s protection of the Israelite spies. How can you demonstrate your faith through tangible acts of obedience and service today? Remember, our works don’t save us, but they are evidence of a living, transformative faith.
Day 4: Enduring Through Trials
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Devotional: Life inevitably brings challenges, but as believers, we have a living hope through Messiah’s resurrection. Peter reminds us that trials test the genuineness of our faith, refining it like gold in fire. Reflect on a current difficulty you’re facing. How might Yahweh be using this to strengthen your faith? Take comfort in knowing that your endurance through trials brings glory to Yahweh and results in “praise, glory and honor when Yahshua Messiah is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7).
Day 5: The Promise of Resurrection
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Devotional: As we conclude our week, we focus on the ultimate hope of all believers – the resurrection. Paul describes a mystery: we will all be changed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52). This promise of immortality and victory over death should profoundly impact how we live now. Knowing that our labor for Yahweh is not in vain, how does this motivate you to serve Him more fully? Take time to thank Yahweh for the promise of resurrection and ask Him to help you live today in light of eternity.