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Seek First: How the Kindgom of God Changes Everything
FIND WHAT MATTERS MOST. BUILD YOUR LIFE AROUND IT.
In an age of distraction, everyone is looking for something that gives purpose and perspective on life. Jesus says it's the kingdom of God. But the kingdom is not just another religious idea. Rather, God's loving reign brings clarity and coherence to all of life - identity, work, play, relationships, justice, character - in a way that is profound and practical. Seek First brings theology to the streets, giving a vision for the kingdom that will truly change your life.
"Treat presents the message of the kingdom in a way that gives us a grander vision for life, whether in the workplace or on the basketball court." - CHRIS BROUSSARD, NBA analyst and sports broadcaster
"Few books do as good a job as this one in showing us how giving up everything for Christ and his kingdom is the pathway to our greatest gain. Seek First is a gem!" - SCOTT SAULS, author and senior pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church
"With insight and passion Treat reveals why we ought to reorient our lives and reprioritize our loves . . . practical and powerful." - MARIELLE WAKIM, editor, Los Angeles magazine
"A prophetic and urgent note to the generations . . . a clearly written and much-needed book!" - KEVIN J. VANHOOZER, professor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
In an age of distraction, everyone is looking for something that gives purpose and perspective on life. Jesus says it's the kingdom of God. But the kingdom is not just another religious idea. Rather, God's loving reign brings clarity and coherence to all of life - identity, work, play, relationships, justice, character - in a way that is profound and practical. Seek First brings theology to the streets, giving a vision for the kingdom that will truly change your life.
"Treat presents the message of the kingdom in a way that gives us a grander vision for life, whether in the workplace or on the basketball court." - CHRIS BROUSSARD, NBA analyst and sports broadcaster
"Few books do as good a job as this one in showing us how giving up everything for Christ and his kingdom is the pathway to our greatest gain. Seek First is a gem!" - SCOTT SAULS, author and senior pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church
"With insight and passion Treat reveals why we ought to reorient our lives and reprioritize our loves . . . practical and powerful." - MARIELLE WAKIM, editor, Los Angeles magazine
"A prophetic and urgent note to the generations . . . a clearly written and much-needed book!" - KEVIN J. VANHOOZER, professor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2019
About the author
Jeremy R. Treat
6 books21 followersJeremy R. Treat (PhD, Wheaton College) is a pastor at Reality LA in Hollywood, California, and an adjunct professor at Biola University in La Mirada, California. Before earning his PhD in systematic theology from Wheaton College, Jeremy was a pastor for seven years in the Seattle area and earned degrees from Seattle Pacific University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 23, 2024
Best intro to kingdom of God I’ve seen! Up there with “Delighting in the Trinity” for books every Christian should read.
December 14, 2020
This is an easy-to-understand, succinct, and engaging entry to the story of the Bible and what it means for you. I never get tired of learning about this! Great for those new to understanding the Kingdom of God and for those who are already living as part of it.
May 27, 2019
Very accessible "treat"ment of the kingdom. It will stir your affections for Jesus and his way and give you hope for the unfolding of his kingdom.
November 15, 2021
(Full review at SpoiledMilks, 6/8/20)
What matters most to us is what we think of and talk about the most. What Jesus talked about more than anything else was the kingdom of God. "The kingdom is God's reign through God's people over God's place" (15). God is the king who rules and reigns over his people and through his people to those around them. We are saved by the death and resurrection of Christ for life, glory, and freedom to follow our savior in the kingdom of light (17).
There are three sections to Treat's book:
1. Kingdom Perspective: we live in a grand narrative. Treat briefly covers the Bible’s story, what Jesus did, and how we participate in Christ's and in his kingdom, even in the most mundane acts of life.
2. Kingdom Purpose: we learn that disciples remain with, learn from, and become like Christ (87). With the gospel as the center, we aim to stop sinning because we love Jesus. Jesus comes to us through his Spirit, and shows us that we are complete in him. We develop our character in every-day mundane acts. We look for a community to whom we can contribute. We both receive and give. We aim for justice for all people along with the proclamation of the gospel.
3. Kingdom People: we see how we are sons and daughters who have been adopted by the good and wise King who is now our loving and gracious Father through our union with Christ, his eternal Son. We are sojourners and exiles waiting for the return of our king. We are to faithfully proclaim the kingdom gospel amongst many who are ambivalent or malicious against Christianity. There is tension and struggle even within ourselves, but God is at work.
Recommended?
Treat fills his book with clear thinking and cultural references to create a bridge between what the Bible teaches and the very familiar culture we live in. He shows how the kingdom of God really changes everything for us.
This book would be good for students, teachers, and in Bible studies.
What matters most to us is what we think of and talk about the most. What Jesus talked about more than anything else was the kingdom of God. "The kingdom is God's reign through God's people over God's place" (15). God is the king who rules and reigns over his people and through his people to those around them. We are saved by the death and resurrection of Christ for life, glory, and freedom to follow our savior in the kingdom of light (17).
There are three sections to Treat's book:
1. Kingdom Perspective: we live in a grand narrative. Treat briefly covers the Bible’s story, what Jesus did, and how we participate in Christ's and in his kingdom, even in the most mundane acts of life.
2. Kingdom Purpose: we learn that disciples remain with, learn from, and become like Christ (87). With the gospel as the center, we aim to stop sinning because we love Jesus. Jesus comes to us through his Spirit, and shows us that we are complete in him. We develop our character in every-day mundane acts. We look for a community to whom we can contribute. We both receive and give. We aim for justice for all people along with the proclamation of the gospel.
3. Kingdom People: we see how we are sons and daughters who have been adopted by the good and wise King who is now our loving and gracious Father through our union with Christ, his eternal Son. We are sojourners and exiles waiting for the return of our king. We are to faithfully proclaim the kingdom gospel amongst many who are ambivalent or malicious against Christianity. There is tension and struggle even within ourselves, but God is at work.
Recommended?
Treat fills his book with clear thinking and cultural references to create a bridge between what the Bible teaches and the very familiar culture we live in. He shows how the kingdom of God really changes everything for us.
This book would be good for students, teachers, and in Bible studies.
October 4, 2019
Excellent introduction to the theme of Jesus’ life and ministry: the Kingdom of God. This is an accessible and laymen-friendly treatment of the topic out in the context of discipleship.
Treat does a great job of summarizing a sprawling topic in ways that give new definition to what it means to follow Jesus. Treat’s more scholarly work, The Crucified King” remains accessible as well, but “Seek First” is presented with a pastor’s heart, great turns of phrases, and encouragement to follow Christ the King.
This will be not only my go-to book to give to people who are interested in learning more on this important topic, but also one of the tools I’ll use for basic discipleship training.
Treat does a great job of summarizing a sprawling topic in ways that give new definition to what it means to follow Jesus. Treat’s more scholarly work, The Crucified King” remains accessible as well, but “Seek First” is presented with a pastor’s heart, great turns of phrases, and encouragement to follow Christ the King.
This will be not only my go-to book to give to people who are interested in learning more on this important topic, but also one of the tools I’ll use for basic discipleship training.
January 25, 2022
The “kingdom of God” is such a thrown-around phrase, i feel like... and it was the first time I read a book that honed in on it to break it down. Talks about Kingdom Perspective, Kingdom Purpose, and Kingdom People.
“The kingdom of God is not the culmination of human potential and effort but the intervention of God’s royal grace into a sinful and broken world.”
“The kingdom of God gives us a humble confidence; confident because God is accomplishing his royal purposes, and humble because we can do nothing apart from him.”
Overall, it wasn’t extremely deep or eye-opening, but I think it helped me to re-focus on His Kingdom once again.
“The kingdom of God is not the culmination of human potential and effort but the intervention of God’s royal grace into a sinful and broken world.”
“The kingdom of God gives us a humble confidence; confident because God is accomplishing his royal purposes, and humble because we can do nothing apart from him.”
Overall, it wasn’t extremely deep or eye-opening, but I think it helped me to re-focus on His Kingdom once again.
August 28, 2020
One of the best and most helpful books I have read recently. I'm teaching a Bible study through the book of Exodus and this has become one of my main resources in understanding how all the stories fit together. The Kingdom theme makes sense of the Bible, even some of the most challenging parts. It helps me be able to verbalize the story of God's work in the world, why the Old Testament is relevant for our lives today, why Jesus had to die, and so many more. I'm going to be recommending this one to many people!
December 8, 2022
Good, clear, and concise. I appreciate Treat and his practical focus of how Christians can usher the kingdom in some capacity here and now. He does a good job of being practical while being gracious often seeking to find a faithful middle ground. Ultimately you finish this book better understanding our mission as Christians and that’s worth reading.
December 15, 2019
Four and a half stars! The Kingdom of God is something I have always wondered about. While this book was a good introduction to the concept it didn’t go in depth enough for my taste. But that was the goal of the author, not go too deep but go deep enough. So I will keep reading on this
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December 6, 2021An accessible, pastoral, "big picture" look at theology and the Christian life - God's kingdom as "God's reign through God's people over God's place." A nice little moment of orientation at the start of a new year.
January 14, 2020
WRECKED. With each turn of the page I was left with a sweet conviction that leads to repentance or a reminder of the joy found only in the Lord. I have read several non-fiction Christian books, but this one is different. I want to read it over and over again.
October 21, 2019
Well written and I'm sure it's helped a lot of people, but far more anecdotal than I usually prefer. Would recommend it for people just beginning to try and understand the kingdom.
March 19, 2021
In a world marred by sin, God’s kingship is resisted. It’s the intervention of God’s gracious rule into a rebellious world.
Adam and Eve were representatives of the king, but they chose their own kingdom. It’s a rescue project now, drawing people in.
The kingdom of God is experienced whenever God’s redemptive reign overcomes our resistance. It’s present in daily moments, and the evidence is that it brings transformation.
When God’s reign is received it is experienced as grace, when it is resisted, it’s experienced as judgment.
The church is a signpost, and foretaste of the kingdom. It is a sneak preview of the future/eternity, Christ’s return. We are called to mission. The final chapter is heaven and earth coming together.
The final picture is Jesus reigning over and through redeemed people from every tribe, nation, language, people, a world renewed by grace.
Kingdom: replace your mental image with a person: Jesus. (healing, freedom, restoration)
The resurrection is about vindication and participation, but also restoration. When Jesus rose from the grave, the new creation broke through into the middle of the story. The bodily resurrection is the beginning of worldwide resurrection. It’s the beginning of the renovation of the cosmos.
“Jesus reigns in my heart” Our culture uses the word heart more for feelings, emotions, surrendering to your desires, following your gut. It’s not this. Jesus is king over our emotions, and the seat of emotions, the control room, the steering wheel, all of you! He reigns from the heart.
There is not a square inch in the whole of human existence over which Christ does not cry, Mine! Abraham Kuyper
You are special, be true to yourself, this is the gospel of self-trust.
Many in our culture are acting like disciples; Discipleship is to be with Jesus, learn from Jesus, and be like Jesus.
We need need habits, patterns, rhythms.
The english word fair means just/beautiful. Fair trial, or fair dress. Justice is order restored, giving people their due, it’s about punishing and promoting.
We believe that all people are made in the image of God, and deserving of dignity, respect, and value. John Perkins says We don’t give people dignity, we affirm it.
The vision that God gives us is a renewed creation, redeemed people, and reigning king.
Adam and Eve were representatives of the king, but they chose their own kingdom. It’s a rescue project now, drawing people in.
The kingdom of God is experienced whenever God’s redemptive reign overcomes our resistance. It’s present in daily moments, and the evidence is that it brings transformation.
When God’s reign is received it is experienced as grace, when it is resisted, it’s experienced as judgment.
The church is a signpost, and foretaste of the kingdom. It is a sneak preview of the future/eternity, Christ’s return. We are called to mission. The final chapter is heaven and earth coming together.
The final picture is Jesus reigning over and through redeemed people from every tribe, nation, language, people, a world renewed by grace.
Kingdom: replace your mental image with a person: Jesus. (healing, freedom, restoration)
The resurrection is about vindication and participation, but also restoration. When Jesus rose from the grave, the new creation broke through into the middle of the story. The bodily resurrection is the beginning of worldwide resurrection. It’s the beginning of the renovation of the cosmos.
“Jesus reigns in my heart” Our culture uses the word heart more for feelings, emotions, surrendering to your desires, following your gut. It’s not this. Jesus is king over our emotions, and the seat of emotions, the control room, the steering wheel, all of you! He reigns from the heart.
There is not a square inch in the whole of human existence over which Christ does not cry, Mine! Abraham Kuyper
You are special, be true to yourself, this is the gospel of self-trust.
Many in our culture are acting like disciples; Discipleship is to be with Jesus, learn from Jesus, and be like Jesus.
We need need habits, patterns, rhythms.
The english word fair means just/beautiful. Fair trial, or fair dress. Justice is order restored, giving people their due, it’s about punishing and promoting.
We believe that all people are made in the image of God, and deserving of dignity, respect, and value. John Perkins says We don’t give people dignity, we affirm it.
The vision that God gives us is a renewed creation, redeemed people, and reigning king.
May 4, 2019
Seek First is a well rounded series of reflections on the life in Christ. I can commend it highly by noting that it reminds me of C.S Lewis' classic The Weight Of Glory. Dr Jeremy Treat, a young Pastor in L.A, pilots us down pleasant pathways opened up by the in-breaking of Isho's Kingdom. In an age of distraction, everyone is looking for something that gives purpose and perspective on life. An earlier American Pastor, Eugene Peterson, called for a long obedience in the same direction. Jeremy Treat follows the same road of discipleship. He notes correctly that Jesus says it is the kingdom of God that is central and seeks to apply that practically in a twenty first century urban American context. Whilst still considering the global church and reflecting helpfully on the health of The Faith throughout the world and across the generations. Pastor Treat recognizes that the kingdom is not just another religious idea. Rather he acknowledges, God's loving reign brings clarity and coherence to all of life - identity, work, play, relationships, justice, character - in a way that is profound and practical in equal measure. There are some little gems of particular import today. After lamenting the common state of inept fathers, and even worse the pervasive problem of fatherlessness, he points to God as the antidote: The father to the fatherless, who offers a real presence and a standard to live up to. If only we would listen. True fatherhood must be balanced: "Intimacy and reverence are the ways of a loving father.'' Let us listen to Treat, Voddie Baucham Jr and others who remind us of the truth of Scripture about such important issues.
March 23, 2023
(3.5)
Treat does a very good job and writing an assessable book on the Kingdom of God.
IMO Chap. 4 is worth the whole book (on primarily vocation)
One of my issues was it’s lack of a thread pulling me from one chapter to the next. Obviously the continual theme was the Kingdom of God and that was in every chapter. But nothing pulled me from one chapter to the next.
It seems to be a book for laymen who have never read anything on the Kingdom of God and if that’s the case, Treat nails it.
This book isn’t bad, it’s not not tackling a new topic or offering anything new to an old topic.
Depending on the audience i could see myself recommending this book to others.
Treat does a very good job and writing an assessable book on the Kingdom of God.
IMO Chap. 4 is worth the whole book (on primarily vocation)
One of my issues was it’s lack of a thread pulling me from one chapter to the next. Obviously the continual theme was the Kingdom of God and that was in every chapter. But nothing pulled me from one chapter to the next.
It seems to be a book for laymen who have never read anything on the Kingdom of God and if that’s the case, Treat nails it.
This book isn’t bad, it’s not not tackling a new topic or offering anything new to an old topic.
Depending on the audience i could see myself recommending this book to others.
February 10, 2020
This is a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This is a helpful look at what the "kingdom of God" means and why it matters. It's short, it's witty, it's compelling, it's powerful.
Tolle lege.
This is a helpful look at what the "kingdom of God" means and why it matters. It's short, it's witty, it's compelling, it's powerful.
Tolle lege.
February 4, 2021
A good little book explaining the kingdom of God and how seeking the Kingdom first affects very aspect of how we live. Not as in depth as other similar books I've read on the topic, but a good introduction and look at how Jesus was kingdom minded in his ministry, and how we can follow his example.
October 7, 2023
I highly recommend this book! I read it alone but would be great for a small group discussion. There are just some topics every follower of Christ would greatly benefit from and understanding the kingdom of God and why/how we seek it is one of those.
March 16, 2024
Fabulous! Powerful! Much needed truth!
This book is powerful and beautiful. It is filled with scripture and solid Biblical truth. It showed me hope when I was feeling discouraged. This book is going in my keepers collection ASAP!
This book is powerful and beautiful. It is filled with scripture and solid Biblical truth. It showed me hope when I was feeling discouraged. This book is going in my keepers collection ASAP!
August 26, 2019
I enjoyed Seek First ... Jeremy Treat has a compelling writing style, accessible combination of theology, stories, and application.
April 29, 2020
Read for book discussion.
July 4, 2020
This book has a lot of good principles in it and motivates regarding social justice. A lot of it feels like things I already know but are good reminders.
December 2, 2020
Amazing read! Had to be one of the best books I read all year. Thankful for Jeremy Treat and this contribution to the body of Christ!
April 29, 2021
Excellent
July 23, 2022
More broad than deep, but a good reminder of our purpose on earth and how it plays out in every day life.
January 22, 2023
A brilliant primer on how the kingdom of God changes everything. This is a fantastic discipleship resource for new and seasoned Christians alike.
June 14, 2024
Super solid read. Really well organized.
April 11, 2020
God’s reign through God’s people over God’s place.
The cross and the kingdom are not opposing ideas about why Jesus came, but two sides of the same gospel coin. In “Seek First”, Jeremy Treat deals with the biblical-theological concept of the kingdom of God in a way that is gospel-centered and imminently practical for individual believers and for the church today. Treat writes with both pith and nuance, his sticky sentences and arresting turns of phrase are backed by robust and carefully considered theology, shaped and refined by his ministry in the local church. One of my favorite things about this book is the selection of quotations from theologians across time and space. Of course you have Augustine and Luther and the like, but he also sprinkles in quotes from contemporary theologians on just about every continent (Syria, Croatia, Nigeria, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, and even Canada), emphasizing that the kingdom of God is for saints from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The chapter on pursuing justice was especially convicting for me. The book closes with a gorgeous prayer for His kingdom to come in my heart, my life, my family, my church, and my world. This is a prayer I’ll turn to again and again.
Add this to my short list of books every Christian should read!
The cross and the kingdom are not opposing ideas about why Jesus came, but two sides of the same gospel coin. In “Seek First”, Jeremy Treat deals with the biblical-theological concept of the kingdom of God in a way that is gospel-centered and imminently practical for individual believers and for the church today. Treat writes with both pith and nuance, his sticky sentences and arresting turns of phrase are backed by robust and carefully considered theology, shaped and refined by his ministry in the local church. One of my favorite things about this book is the selection of quotations from theologians across time and space. Of course you have Augustine and Luther and the like, but he also sprinkles in quotes from contemporary theologians on just about every continent (Syria, Croatia, Nigeria, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, and even Canada), emphasizing that the kingdom of God is for saints from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The chapter on pursuing justice was especially convicting for me. The book closes with a gorgeous prayer for His kingdom to come in my heart, my life, my family, my church, and my world. This is a prayer I’ll turn to again and again.
Add this to my short list of books every Christian should read!
August 11, 2024
This book expanded my idea of thinking about God's kingdom from God's reign to "God’s reign through God’s people over God’s place." God is King, He reigns over all his creatures and reigns through us, and God's reign comes from heaven to earth. Jeremy's writing is thoughtful and poetic; I underlined many sentences because they felt so beautifully crafted and picturesque. I also appreciated references to theologians from all over the world, not just those from the West.
The message of the kingdom is counterintuitive and surprising, going against the grain of worldly wisdom, because unlike any other kingdom this world has ever seen, Christ’s kingdom is built on grace and advances with compassion. In this kingdom, the throne is a cross and the king reigns with self-giving love. (19)
Jesus reigns, but not like other monarchs. He reigns by serving rather than demanding to be served. He is powerful, but his power is guided by his love. He is just, but his justice is coupled with mercy. He is wise, but his ways are so counterintuitive to our selfish hearts that the world perceives his wisdom as folly. (49)
The kingdom was established through self-giving love of Christ, and it will be advanced through the self-giving love of his people. the kingdom comes through suffering and service. (57)
God made us to be fully human and to creatively enjoy the goodness of his creation. This world is the playground of God’s goodness and the arena of his glory. (74)
The message of the kingdom is counterintuitive and surprising, going against the grain of worldly wisdom, because unlike any other kingdom this world has ever seen, Christ’s kingdom is built on grace and advances with compassion. In this kingdom, the throne is a cross and the king reigns with self-giving love. (19)
Jesus reigns, but not like other monarchs. He reigns by serving rather than demanding to be served. He is powerful, but his power is guided by his love. He is just, but his justice is coupled with mercy. He is wise, but his ways are so counterintuitive to our selfish hearts that the world perceives his wisdom as folly. (49)
The kingdom was established through self-giving love of Christ, and it will be advanced through the self-giving love of his people. the kingdom comes through suffering and service. (57)
God made us to be fully human and to creatively enjoy the goodness of his creation. This world is the playground of God’s goodness and the arena of his glory. (74)
September 7, 2019
Enjoyable popular level read on the kingdom of God. My only issues with the Dr. Treat’s book is that has a popular book it is neither the first to tackle the issue, nor does add anything it particularly unique. Dr. Treat is highly accessible, very knowledgeable, and sound in his biblical grounding. He is just a year or so late to Kingdom being tackled at the popular level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews