I. WHEN YOU THINK OF BURIED TREASURE – WHAT COMES TO MIND?
A. Pirate Buried Treasure – Their Booty
B. Shipwreck – Buried Treasure At Sea?
II. LOOK WHAT JOB SAYS ABOUT THE WORD OF GOD
A. Not Just Obeyed
B. But Treasured
Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food. NKJV
Job 23:12 I’ve obeyed every word he’s spoken, and not just obeyed his advice — I’ve treasured it. (THE MESSAGE)
Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. NIV
III. WORD STUDY
A. Hebrew word for “treasure” = tsaphan (tsaw-fan’); to hide (by covering over); to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; to protect, to hide, to keep secret.
B. Used 36 times in OT - of concealing something, often of great value, e.g:
1. The baby Moses (Ex 2:2,3).
2. Rahab concealed the Israelite spies (Josh 2:4).
3. It is used figuratively of keeping something hidden in a person’s heart or mind (Job 10:13).
4. It refers to something hidden, stored up (Ps 17:14)
IV. GOD’S WORD & HIS COMMANDS ARE LIKE BURIED TREASURE
Like buried treasure, Worth fighting for (fighting devil who tempts & distracts you from the quest of discovering God’s word)
Like buried treasure, Worth hunting for with all your might
Like buried treasure, Worth going out of your way for – ends of world to find
Like buried treasure, Worth giving up your loved ones for
Like buried treasure, Worth dying for (more precious than air or food) You need it & got to have it
Like buried treasure, God doesn’t just want mediocre, heartless obedience – but enthusiastic, this is my life – sort of obedience
Like buried treasure, it’ll make you rich!
Like buried treasure, must be protected & guarded