Introduction
Good morning, church family. I want to talk to you about something we all understand well—that feeling of finding something so valuable, so life-changing, you’re willing to give up anything to get it. Maybe it’s the love of your spouse or the birth of your child. There are moments in life where we realize, This is worth everything.
Jesus speaks of something like this in two short parables about a hidden treasure and a pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46). The treasure is so precious that the person who finds it sells everything to possess it. The pearl, so rare, is worth every penny to its seeker.
These stories aren’t just about treasure; they’re Jesus’ way of showing us the incredible worth of the Kingdom of Heaven. Today, I want us to reflect on a few questions together as a family.
I. What Is the Kingdom of Heaven?
A. The “Kingdom of Heaven” is primarily, “God’s system and ways of doing things.”
1. Jesus talks about the Kingdom not as a physical place but as God’s rule and presence in the hearts of people.
B. God’s Reign in Our Lives
1. God’s Kingdom is where His will is recognized and obeyed. It isn’t confined to a location but is active wherever He rules.
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”- (Mat 6:10)
C. Both Present and Future
1. Present: The Kingdom takes root in our hearts and is expressed through the church
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mat 16:18)
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” (Col 1:13)
2. Future: One day, Jesus will return, and His Kingdom will be fully realized (2 Peter 3:12-13; Revelation 21:1-4).
Challenge: What kind of kingdom are we choosing to serve today? Is it our own, ruled by our plans and priorities? Or are we examples to the families around us of what it means to live under God’s leadership and grace?
II. Why Is the Kingdom of Heaven Valuable?
Jesus emphasizes the immeasurable worth of the Kingdom of Heaven. Why is it so valuable?
A. It’s a Refuge from Darkness
1. God delivers us from the power of sin and Satan.
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” (Col 1:12-14)
2. Before Christ, we are dead in our trespasses READ (Ephesians 2:1-7), but through Him, we have freedom READ (Romans 6:15-18).
B. It Offers Righteousness, Peace, and Joy
1. Righteousness: Through faith in Christ, we are made right with God.
Philippians 3:8-11
8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),
9 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.
10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]
11 That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
2. Peace: God provides peace that surpasses understanding.
Philippians 4:6-9
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
3. Joy: The deep and abiding joy that comes from being anchored in the Lord.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psa 16:11)
C. It Is Unshakable and Eternal
1. There are two things in life that does not change.
a. #1 God, He is unchangeable
b. #2 Change, the fact that there will always be change. (Change brings transformation)
2. The Kingdom cannot be destroyed; it stands forever (Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 12:28).
3. What we do for God’s Kingdom will last into eternity (2 Peter 1:10-11).
III. Is Living for God Really Worth It?
If you could ask anyone who has lived for God whether it’s worth it, their resounding answer would be "Yes."
A. Testimony of Others
1. Consider Stephen, who gave his life declaring the truth of Jesus (Acts 7:54-60).
2. The early Christians joyfully accepted suffering because they knew the promise ahead (Hebrews 10:32-36).
3. Paul, who endured more hardships than we can imagine but finished his race victoriously (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
B. Testimony of Jesus
1. Jesus left the glories of heaven, becoming poor for our sakes so that we might become rich through His sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8:9).
2. He sacrificed His life on the Cross to bring us into His Kingdom (Philippians 2:5-8).
3. Most of all, look to Jesus. If you asked Him whether it’s worth it, He’d hold out His nail-scarred hands and say, "Yes!"
IV. What Will the Kingdom of Heaven Cost Us?
This is, perhaps, the hardest part for us all. Following Jesus means submitting all areas of our lives to Him. (Letting God be “My” God!)
A. It Costs Us Repentance
1. We must turn away from sins and habits that don’t honor God (Mark 1:15).
2. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary to align with His will (John 3:3-5).
B. It Costs Us Putting the Kingdom First
1. Jesus calls us to prioritize Him above money, success, and even family (READ Matthew 10:34-39; Mark 10:28-31).
Mark 10:28-31
28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
2. When we put God first, everything else aligns in a way that glorifies God and blesses our family.
C. It Requires Full Commitment
1. Don’t make excuses like those in the parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:15-24).
2. Live in a way that shows your faith through devotion to the Word, prayer, and service to others (Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 15:1-3).
Challenge: Ask yourself, are there things holding you back from fully living for Him? Could today be the day you decide to lead your family in seeking first the Kingdom of God?
Closing Challenge
• Living in the Kingdom is worth everything. Jesus gave His life to make it possible for you and your family to be part of it. Will you recognize its value and respond?
• Make the decision today to give God the first place in your life. It will change how you lead your family, how you spend your time, and how you live each day.
• Remember, the Kingdom is the greatest treasure you and your family could ever find. Cherish it, live for it, and show its worth to those you love.
Altar Call
