Sermon on the Mount - # 9
We are studying the words of Jesus found in Matthew 5,6, and 7 about the values and choices of those who are His followers. Let me remind you that putting these words into practice is an impossibility apart from the life of the Holy Spirit, changing us from the inside out! These words do not just describe a system of ethics. They are about a way of life that results from becoming a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
My message today from Jesus’ sermon to His disciples will probably stir up more questions than it answers! And, that is as I intend. The subject is very personal and each serious follower of Christ needs to make decisions that reflect his own convictions and an obedient response to the Word and the Spirit.
Make no mistake about this, though Jesus addresses the subject of wealth and treasure, He is not just speaking to those we class as being ‘rich!’ The vast majority of those in his original audience were desperately poor, scratching out a living day by day, living in a small one or two room home! If He thought it was important to remind them about treasure, I would reason it is even more important for us to hear His words!
We enjoy a level of wealth envied by most of the world. Owning a late-model automobile, a large screen TV, a computer, a cell phone, and a closet full of clothing are not considered luxuries by most Americans. Very few of us are guided in our spending solely by what we need. This availability of goods and the ability to shape our existence with the wealth available to us has an impact on our spiritual perceptions.
PRAYER
Treasure
Text: Matthew 6: 19-24
I read this bumper sticker on the back of a big, impressive pick up truck a few years ago...
He who dies with the most toys wins.
It doesn’t take much insight to figure out that person’s philosophy about his possessions, do you? He enjoyed the prestige that his money enabled him to purchase from this world. He was more honest than most of us about his aims and desires. We probably wouldn’t admit to that kind of materialism so openly but it is woven into the fabric of our society.
Believer, let me be direct.
∙ Where is your treasure stored?
∙ What do you value most?
∙ On what are you focusing your best efforts in life?
Those who consider themselves spiritual might now be thinking,
"Pastor, I am a simple person. I just don’t treasure much of anything but the Lord Himself."
If that is true, then you have a pass from listening in to rest of this sermon!
For most of us, collecting treasure is about as common among human beings as breathing.
Little boys collect rocks and bugs.
Little girls collect flowers.
My friend, Anthony, collects very old Bibles and has a beautiful display case to house his collection.
Jake accumulates guitars (which he uses to bless us)! He has an interesting explanation of the difference between collecting and accumulating. Just ask him!
I have seen vast and varied collections; model trains, classic cars, antique furniture, recorded music of various kinds, Elvis memorabilia, etc. Is this wrong? Is this what Jesus is addressing here?
To think so, is to over-simplify his words and, most likely, to miss the point!
As I read Jesus’ words this week, I took note that he did not condemn storing treasure!
A person without a sense of values, without any treasure is a sad person indeed. Jesus said in verse 20, "Store up for yourselves treasures!"
Jesus often commended careful investing and good management.
In Matthew 25, there is a parable about 3 men whose boss gave them various amounts of money to invest on his behalf. He left them to use what he entrusted to them. They knew that a day of accounting would come, sooner or later. And, it did! Two of the employees practiced good management and were commended with these words..... 25:21 `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
The third man in Jesus’ story went to his backyard, dug a hole, and hid the money away unused, uninvested, producing nothing for the boss. He was soundly condemned as a ‘lazy, worthless servant!’
What does this say to me?
God wants us fully engaged with the world of which we a part, using the resources that we have - of all kinds, not just money - to produce a worthy return for Him!
So, I don’t believe we should reject owning things and using resources such as money. Jesus is teaching us we must learn to value different things than the world and that we learn to invest for eternity, not just for tomorrow. The old saying goes, "you can’t take it with you." Jesus rewrites it to read, "You can’t take it with you, but you can send it ahead!"
In vv. 22-23, Jesus teaches us that our perspective on our possessions does matter to God.
READ -
It is a difficult part of the text. He is talking about our spiritual eyes, isn’t He?
If we see possessions as a way to establish security or as evidence of our value as a human being, we are not going to be very godly in handling our stuff. We are not going to make wise decisions in money matters. If we are superficial, living to make good impressions, and consuming wealth to build an image for the eyes of others, we cannot and will not please God in our stewardship.
People see resources and possessions in some common ways. As I list them, check your own ‘eyes’ for your point of view.
1. Security - Money will allow me to take care of myself, to be safe.
2. Esteem - Money gives me status in the eyes of others.
3. Power - Money lets me get what I want and allows me to buy control of others.
4. Independence - Money frees me from the need to be networked with others.
5. Pleasure - Money gives me the ability to indulge my desires, to buy what I want, to create a life of comfort.
If those are the primary perspectives that we have about our resources our ‘eyes are bad’ and we will not use resources in a way that is pleasing to God!
An age- old question is this –
Is it right for a Believer to own and enjoy things?
There has always been tension among Christians about this.
Philip Yancey observes (Christianity Today, Nov. 2007) that the Church has sang both "This Is My Father’s World" and "This World is Not My Home" with equal fervor through the years! He describes his recent tour of England while reading John Wesley’s journals. Wesley had little time for culture, art, or even flower gardens as he saw this present world as being of so little worth compared with his home in Heaven. If any person was not ready to take a vow of poverty in the name of Christ, Wesley felt the sincerity of that person’s devotion was in question! Yet, other Believers through the centuries to this present time, have deeply loved God while creating beautiful gardens, buildings, music, and art.
Take a look at v.24 READ
Jesus helps us with this by reminding us that no earthly treasure can be allowed to become our master. God, alone, must hold the central place in our life. Food, houses, IRA accounts, collectibles.... are fine, if we see them for what they are, and do not allow them to become gods. The core issue is learning the difference between enjoyment and worship, between making something the source of the meaning of life and enjoying it in proper priority.
Believer, be very careful about judging another person’s use of resources or trying to apply your convictions to them.
Because we are so very different, the level at which we should enjoy the things of this world will vary.
A man once came to Jesus to inquire about becoming his disciple and finding eternal life. He was very moral, claiming to have observed the Commandments scrupulously. Jesus did not question the truthfulness of that claim, but knowing his heart, he challenged the young nobleman to go and sell everything he owned and then he said, "come, follow me." "But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions." (Matthew 19:22, NLT)
His true treasure was revealed in that last line - he would not let go of what he loved most - his wealth! For many of us raised in a wealthy land, consumers to the core, a call similar to the one issued to that rich young man may be in order! The only cure for our materialism may well be radical surgery!
One way I believe that all of us learn about making priority choices about our resources is through the discipline of giving! The Bible teaches that we are to give God a tithe (10%). As we do this, we are reminded of the Lord’s ownership of all. We learn to hold loosely the things that are in their lives, loving God more than anything in this world.
To each of us, Jesus puts the question that He put to Peter as He pointed to the fishing boats, the familiar life of Capernaum - "Do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15, NLT)
If we are the slaves of our checkbooks, our hobbies, our houses, our businesses.... we will not be able to be the devoted servants of God that He is asking us to be.
Do you have vision that allows you to see over the horizon of time and into eternity?
As one writer puts it..."(do you) realize that this life is only a brief window of opportunity to invest in what will last forever?"
1 Discipleship, issue 68, Randy Alcorn
Close
The Bible gives us an insider’s knowledge that this earth, as permanent as it may seem, is coming to an end. A fiery cataclysm will engult this world when God draws the curtain on time burning up every possession, every thing valued by the inhabitants.
(2 Peter 3:10-12)
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
The fashions, the cars, the monuments to our accomplishments, the currency that filled our bank accounts will all become worthless to us at the moment of our death or the coming of Christ - both of which the Bible teaches us are imminent. Are you living as an investor in eternity?
Close:
Let’s not confuse the American dream with the Christian lifestyle.
God’s vision for our success is not measured by a house in the country, 2 cars in the garage, and 2 kids that are brighter than average.
His measure includes unselfish investment in others and development of a heart that follows His will and ways. If we enjoy the fruits of economic success, let us do so thankfully and carefully.
Let us realize that we are specially privileged to live in this land of economic opportunity. To mistakenly believe that accumulating ever more of earth’s riches is our birthright is to become impoverished in terms of eternity.
Jesus reminded those who followed Him [Luke 12:48] ....From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
The Key questions: Where is your treasure?
After Jesus teaches about treasure, He makes this fantastic application. The right relationship with our treasure and our God leads to a life that is freed of anxiety! The entire passage hinges on this statement made in v. 33 - "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:25-34, NLT)
Amen
Jerry Scott, copyright 2007
www.WashingtonAG.com
