Introduction

Good morning, Church family! Today, we're going to unpack a thought-provoking passage from the book of Matthew. We're going to delve into the idea of Recognizing the Currency We Trade, Engaging in God's Economy, and Transforming the World's Currency.

Recognizing the Currency We Trade

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves trading in various forms of currency. We trade our time for money, our skills for recognition, and our efforts for success. We seek validation, approval, and acceptance from others, and these become the currencies we trade in. We strive for higher positions, more wealth, and greater influence, believing that these are the markers of a successful life. But in the process, we often lose sight of what truly matters.

The currency we trade in is a reflection of what we value most. If we value wealth, we will trade our time and energy to accumulate more of it. If we value power, we will trade our integrity and relationships to gain more of it. If we value acceptance, we will trade our authenticity and uniqueness to fit in. But are these the currencies that truly matter? Are these the currencies that bring lasting fulfillment and joy?

In the passage we read from Matthew, Jesus challenges us to rethink the currency we trade in. When asked about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responds by asking whose image and inscription are on the coin. The Pharisees answer that it's Caesar's, to which Jesus replies, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." Here, Jesus is drawing a distinction between the currency of this world and the currency of God's kingdom. The currency of this world, represented by the coin, bears the image of Caesar and belongs to him. But what about the currency of God's kingdom? What does it look like, and whose image does it bear?

The currency of God's kingdom is not measured in wealth, power, or acceptance, but in love, grace, and truth. It bears the image of God, for we are made in His image and are called to reflect His character. This currency is not earned or accumulated, but freely given and received. It's not about what we can get, but what we can give. It's not about climbing the ladder of success, but about stooping down to serve. It's not about fitting in, but about standing out for Christ.

Recognizing the currency we trade in requires a shift in perspective. It requires us to see beyond the superficial and temporary, and to focus on the eternal and significant. It requires us to let go of our worldly pursuits and to embrace God's kingdom values. It requires us to stop striving for more and to start living for more. It requires us to trade in our self-centered ambitions for God-centered purposes.

Recognizing the currency we trade in a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and growth. It's a journey of letting go and letting God. It's a journey of dying to self and living for Christ. It's a journey of trading in the currency of this world for the currency of God's kingdom.

Engaging in God's Economy

Engaging in God's economy is about shifting our focus from the world's values to God's values, from the world's currency to God's currency ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO