Our First Priority

“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIVUK)

The first priority of every believer is the call to fellowship with Jesus, a love relationship with the Son of God, who first loved us and gave his very life for each one of us (1 John 4:19). It is the reason why God created us and placed us on this planet called earth.  We are called into a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.  Nothing must get in the way of this special calling.  A once in a lifetime event!

This calling requires that we obey Jesus’ command to seek his kingdom and his righteousness first (Matthew 6:33). In this modern world of ours, there are many things demanding our time and attention: family commitments, work related activities, entertainment, the internet, health issues, friends and neighbours etc.

In the light of all of these things, how do we go about placing first importance on God’s kingdom and righteousness?  The call to fellowship with Jesus means that we must seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.

The kingdom of God is not something that we have to work for or earn by doing good works.  It is a gift from the Father to us.  As we read in Luke 12:32, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” We have already been rescued and placed in this kingdom. Colossians 1:13 tells us, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” This condition is a present reality, but it is hidden from our eyes and the eyes of the world until Jesus appears when it will be visible for everyone to see and behold its’ glory! (Colossians 3:3-4)

Likewise, God’s righteousness is also a gift from the Father.  Romans 5:17 says, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

Fellowship with Jesus means accepting the gift of God’s kingdom and his righteousness and giving him thanks and praise.  It also includes prayer, study of his word and fellowship with other believers where that is possible.

Prayer
Father in heaven, I thank you for this special calling of fellowship with Jesus.  Please enable me to put him first in my life.  And because he is faithful, he will take care of all my needs. In his name I pray.
Amen 

Study by Sherwin Scott

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About the Author:
Sherwin Scott is a Deacon in the congregation of Grace Communion Church in Lewes.

Local Congregation:
Grace Communion – Lewes
The Priory School
Mountfield Road
LEWES BN7 2XN

Meeting Time:
Saturday 11:00am

Local Congregational Contact:
Hilary Buck
Email: hilaryjbuck@gmail.com