The Bargain of a Lifetime: God’s Gracious Offer to Believers
Isaac Megbolugbe
February 10, 2025
As believers, we are presented with a remarkable bargain by God Himself. In the pursuit of holiness and sanctification, we are asked to prioritize two things above all else: God and His righteousness. In return, God promises to take care of everything else, providing us with all we need and more. This is an extraordinary offer, one that requires our surrender, trust, and obedience.
The First Priority: Seeking God
The first and foremost priority is to seek God Himself. This means cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with Him, built on trust, love, and reverence. We are to seek His face, His presence, and His guidance in all aspects of our lives. As we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us, revealing Himself and His ways to us.
The Second Priority: Seeking God’s Righteousness
The second priority is to seek God’s righteousness. This means embracing His standards, values, and principles, and living according to His will. We are to pursue righteousness, not as a means to earn God’s favor, but as a response to His love and grace. As we seek God’s righteousness, He promises to empower us to live a life that honors Him.
The Promise: God’s Provision and Care
In return for our seeking God and His righteousness, He promises to take care of everything else. He will provide for our needs, give us wisdom, and guide us in our decisions. We are to trust in His sovereignty, provision, and goodness, knowing that He is always working for our best.
The Obstacles: Flesh, Blood, and Satan
However, there are obstacles that hinder us from accepting this bargain. Our flesh and blood often seek loopholes and shortcuts, procrastinating and belaboring instead of surrendering to God’s will. Satan and his kingdom of darkness also exacerbate the conflict within us, catering to our desires, lusts, and proclivities, and distracting us from our pursuit of God and His righteousness.
Conclusion
God’s offer is a bargain like no other. By seeking Him and His righteousness, we gain everything we need and more. Let us embrace this gracious offer, surrendering our lives to God’s will and trust
The Consequences of Rejecting the Bargain
If we reject God’s bargain and instead prioritize our own desires and interests, we will face consequences. We will miss out on the abundant life that God offers, and instead experience emptiness, frustration, and discontentment. We will also become vulnerable to Satan’s schemes and tactics, leading to spiritual defeat and stagnation.
The Benefits of Accepting the Bargain
On the other hand, if we accept God’s bargain and prioritize seeking Him and His righteousness, we will experience numerous benefits. We will know God intimately, enjoy His presence and guidance, and live a life that honors Him. We will also experience spiritual growth, transformation, and empowerment, becoming the person God created us to be.
Conclusion
God’s bargain is a gracious offer that requires our response. Will we accept it and prioritize seeking Him and His righteousness, or will we reject it and pursue our own interests? The choice is ours. Let us choose wisely, embracing God’s bargain and experiencing the abundant life He offers.
Scriptural References:
– Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
– Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
– Psalm 84:11 – “No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
Note: The concept of God’s bargain is a biblical theme that runs throughout Scripture. This article highlights the importance of prioritizing seeking God and His righteousness, and the consequences and benefits of accepting or rejecting this bargain.
Practical Steps to Embracing God’s Bargain
1. Surrender your life to God: Acknowledge His sovereignty and submit to His will.
2. Seek God’s face: Cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and study of His Word.
3. Pursue righteousness: Embrace God’s standards, values, and principles, and live according to His will.
4. Trust in God’s provision: Rely on His goodness and sovereignty to meet your needs.
5. Resist Satan’s schemes: Recognize and resist the enemy’s tactics to distract you from seeking God and His righteousness.
6. Surround yourself with encouragement: Build relationships with believers who support and encourage your pursuit of God.
7. Persevere in the journey: Recognize that seeking God and His righteousness is a lifelong journey, and press on despite challenges and obstacles.
By taking these practical steps, you can embrace God’s bargain and experience the abundant life He offers.
Conclusion
God’s bargain is a gracious offer that requires our response. By seeking Him and His righteousness, we gain everything we need and more. Let us accept this bargain and experience the transformative power of God in our lives.
May we seek God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and may we find Him in all His glory.
