Getting Closer to God

Seek First the One Who Matters Most

Scripture References

Primary text

• Matthew 6:33
• John 15:4

Other references

• Acts 2:42
• Galatians 5
• John 15

Overview

Life can feel flat when we chase comfort, status, or “someday” goals. Jesus offers something far better: deep, ongoing closeness with Him. Today’s message in the “Pre-Decide” series calls us to pre-decide, “I will seek first the One who matters most; I am devoted to Jesus.” Using first-century believers, Jesus’ teaching on the vine and branches, and a sobering hospital visit, the pastor shows why and how to live a life that is continually connected to Christ instead of giving Him leftovers.

Main Points

1. Casual devotion versus true devotion

• Modern “cultural Christians” often devote themselves to comfort and self-promotion, not Christ.
• Illustration: Acts 2 believers “were continually devoted” to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer; God responded with awe-inspiring signs.
• Greek verb for “devoted” is imperfect tense—an ongoing, single-minded pursuit, not a one-time decision.

2. Seek first (Matthew 6:33)

• Jesus commands us to put God’s kingdom and righteousness first; the fulfillment we crave follows.
• Refrain (repeated):

  “I will seek first the One who matters most; I am devoted to Jesus.”

3. The 168-hour reality check

• A week contains 168 hours. Average use:
  • 56 hours sleep
  • 56 hours work/school
  • 17 hours social media
  • 39 hours “other stuff” (errands, kids’ activities, streaming, chores)
  • Often only 1 hour—if any—left for God.
• Principle: One hour a week rarely produces growth in anything, including faith.

4. Abide in the Vine (John 15)

• Jesus: “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing.”
• Remaining (Greek menō) means to abide, dwell, live in—continual connection.
• Connected branches bear fruit (Galatians 5 love, joy, peace, etc.); disconnected branches wither.
• Assignment: “Be the branch.”

5. Pre-decide a rhythm of devotion

1. Time – choose a specific daily slot (before kids wake, commute, bedtime, etc.).
2. Place – a consistent spot (prayer chair, kitchen table, porch, even locked bathroom door).
3. Plan – know what you’ll do (YouVersion plan, journal, worship playlist, Scripture reading).

• The set rhythm sparks an all-day conversation with God—alignment, conviction, guidance, spontaneous ministry.

6. Expect resistance and persevere

• Distraction will come; comfort will tempt.
• “If it’s not important you’ll find an excuse; if it is, you’ll find a way.”
• Connection to the vine supplies strength, patience, generosity, and words of life for others.

7. Urgency illustrated: Patrick’s hospital room

• Story: A healthy, athletic friend suddenly facing terminal cancer told the pastor, “When the doctors tell you to get your affairs in order, you look at your life and think about the things you wish you had done.”
• Encounter reminded the pastor—and us—that life is a vapor; only what’s done for Christ lasts.

Key Truths

• Direction of life is shaped by the quality of our pre-decisions.
• Partial devotion produces lukewarm faith and repeated cycles of sin.
• Continuous connection to Jesus is the source of all spiritual fruit and fulfillment.
• God is not meant to be a compartment of life; He desires to be our life.
• Time, place, and plan turn wishful intentions into practiced devotion.

Response

• Pre-decide a daily time, place, and plan to meet with Jesus.
• Examine your 168 hours; reallocate first portions, not leftovers, to God.
• Stay alert to God’s voice throughout the day; act on His promptings.
• Replace excuses with intentional pursuit when resistance arises.
• Share your decision with a friend or group for accountability.

Closing

Life is short—a mist that appears and vanishes. Because eternity is real and Jesus is the vine, we cannot afford casual faith. We have pre-decided:

“I will seek first the One who matters most; I am devoted to Jesus.”
Be the branch, stay in the vine, and watch God fill your days with fruit that lasts.

Prayer

The pastor led listeners to ask God for help in daily devotion and offered a salvation invitation for those ready to surrender to Christ, thanking God for forgiveness, new life, and the grace to remain connected to Jesus every day.