Direct Link: Youtube
Sermon Title: The Kingdom Hustler
Big Idea: True joy comes from seeking the kingdom of God above all else, recognizing that Jesus is the ultimate treasure worth sacrificing everything for.
Sermon Synopsis:Pastor Ken challenges us to examine our priorities and to pursue the kingdom of God with urgency and passion. Using Matthew 13:44-46, he highlights two parables where individuals joyfully sacrifice everything to obtain the greatest treasure—God’s kingdom. He contrasts earthly pursuits with the eternal value of knowing Jesus and calls us to shift our focus from temporary rewards to the throne of heaven. The message reminds us that heaven is not just a distant reality but should shape how we live today. True fulfillment comes not from seeking worldly success but from chasing the King, not the crown.
Main Passage: Matthew 13:44-46
Additional Bible Verses Referenced:
Revelation 21:4, John 14:2-3, Philippians 2:10-11, Matthew 6:33, Colossians 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Acts 1:8
Small Group Questions:
The Kingdom Hustler: Chasing the King, Not the Crown.
START TALKING
• If you suddenly inherited a massive treasure, what is the first thing you would do?
• Have you ever chased after something you thought would bring you happiness, only to realize it didn’t?
START THINKING
1. Read Matthew 13:44-46. What do these parables reveal about the Kingdom of God?
2. The laborer and the merchant in the parables had very different backgrounds but came to the same conclusion: The Kingdom was worth everything. How does that challenge how we see and pursue God today?
3. Why do you think many people believe in heaven but don’t live like it’s their greatest treasure?
START SHARING
1. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
• What does “seeking first” practically look like in your life?
• What are some things you need to surrender to seek the Kingdom wholeheartedly?
2. The sermon talked about three key shifts we need to make:
• Kingdom Priorities – What are you truly living for?
• Kingdom Identity – Who are you becoming?
• Kingdom Power – Are you relying on God’s strength or your own?
Which of these areas is the biggest challenge for you right now?
START PRAYING
• Pray for Kingdom vision. Ask God to help you see His Kingdom as your greatest treasure.
• Pray for surrender. Whatever is competing for first place in your life, ask God to help you let go and trust Him.
• Pray for boldness. Ask God to help you live differently because of the reality of heaven.
START DOING
Morning Shift: Start each day by seeking God before checking your phone or diving into work.
Calendar Shift: Evaluate your schedule—does it reflect Kingdom priorities? Make adjustments to prioritize God’s rule.
Heart Shift: Identify one thing this week that you need to surrender in order to live with Jesus as King.
DIG DEEPER (Optional Study)
Read Philippians 2:10-11 – What does it mean for Jesus to be King in your life?
Study Revelation 21:1-4 – How does the description of heaven shape your hope and daily life?
Reflect on Colossians 3:1-2 – How can you set your mind on things above rather than earthly distractions?
Final Challenge
Are you just believing in the Kingdom, or are you living under the King? This week, take one step toward fully seeking Jesus, not just the blessings He offers.
Transcript:
It is good to constantly see our church grow—not just because of business plans or strategies, but simply through Jesus. Isn't that amazing? We turn everything to Jesus.
Today is a big day because it is Super Bowl Sunday, and you guys don't seem too excited about it. Sounds like there are no Chiefs or Eagles fans here at all. Anybody here actually enjoy football? Okay, all right, that’s good. I'm just trying to get you guys a little more energized about the Word right now. Right now, you guys are dead. It is called Super Bowl Sunday for a reason!
But how many people believe that the greatest celebration is when we’re with Jesus? Amen? So can we at least celebrate that right now? All right, let's celebrate that!
I understand—we just don't want to see another championship with the Chiefs and the Eagles again. You know, I feel like the Cardinals are like David, the lowly shepherd who cannot take down Goliath of any size right now. But hey, there's always next year.
If you have your Bibles with you, turn to Matthew 13. We're going to be in verse 44. We've been in a series called "Three Minutes After Death." People ask, "Why three minutes?" It's just a way to make us think about eternity—to remind us that life is short.
Last week, we talked about hell. And I want you to know—hell was not designed for you. Hell is not for you. That’s literally why Jesus was sent—to rescue you from that.
Today, we actually have a better message for you. There’s good news. We’re talking about heaven, which is why I’m trying to get you to celebrate. That is good news, isn't it? Amen?
Matthew 13 actually shares how good of news it is. So much so that Jesus shares stories—parables—about the kingdom of heaven. And when Jesus shares something twice, it’s because He really wants us to understand it.
Let’s read.
"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, he went and sold all he had and bought that field." (Matthew 13:44)
Did you catch that? Joy. Somebody say joy! Say it with more energy! Great joy!
You may not be excited about the Super Bowl, but let me tell you—those players who win tonight will celebrate when the confetti falls. In the same way, this man in the parable is filled with joy because he has discovered something greater than anything else.
Verse 45:
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away, sold everything he had, and bought it."
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The Kingdom Hustler
The title of today’s message is "The Kingdom Hustler." What does God call us to do? To chase the King, not the crown.
Let’s pray.
Lord God, we pray that these words come to life. We know Your Word is powerful—sharper than any two-edged sword. Speak through it. Change our lives. Let these not be words of man, but words from You. Holy Spirit, work through us. We celebrate heaven. We celebrate Your plans. Open our hearts, our ears, and our minds to You.
In Jesus' name, everybody says… Amen!
Heaven: More Than Just a Place
Last week, we talked about hell, but today is all about heaven—eternity with God.
Interestingly, Jesus talks more about hell than heaven. But when He does talk about heaven, He describes it in ways that capture its incredible worth.
In Revelation 21, heaven is described as a city made of gold, with walls of jasper and foundations decorated with precious stones. The gates are made of pearls, and the streets are pure gold, like transparent glass.
John 14:2-3 tells us that Jesus is preparing a place for us in His Father’s house.
But here’s what we often miss about heaven: it’s not just about the streets of gold—it’s about the throne.
The Throne is What Matters
Revelation 4:2 says:
"There before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it."
The throne is what makes heaven heaven.
Philippians 2:10-11 says:
"At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord."
Everyone—every angel, every demon, every person—will bow before the King.
When we make heaven our focus, it changes how we live today.
That’s why Jesus says in Matthew 6:33:
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Three Shifts for a Kingdom Hustler Mindset
To live as a Kingdom Hustler, we need to shift in three areas:
1. Kingdom Priorities: What Are You Living For?
Are you chasing earthly things or heavenly things?
Colossians 3:1-2 says:
"Set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things."
2. Kingdom Identity: Who Defines You?
2 Corinthians 5:17 says:
"If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Stop letting the world define you. You are forgiven, chosen, and made new.
3. Kingdom Power: Are You Walking in His Strength?
Acts 1:8 says:
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."
Many Christians live powerless lives because they forget that Jesus is on the throne.
Conclusion: Chase the King, Not the Crown
The Kingdom Hustlers in Jesus’ parables joyfully sacrificed everything for the treasure of heaven.
Will you do the same?
Will you put Jesus first in your marriage, your work, your decisions, your future?
Heaven isn’t just down the road—it can exist in your life today when you live with Jesus as King.
Let’s pray.
Lord, help us seek first Your kingdom. Let us live with joy, knowing that You alone are our greatest treasure. We surrender all to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
*This transcript has been prepared to enhance readability and accessibility. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors or discrepancies may remain. For the most precise representation, please refer to the original video.
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