Video Transition: Treasures
Series: All His!
Thesis: We have talked about how everything we have belongs to the Father God – everything we possess and even our very lives belong to Him!
Our Series Verses:
Deuteronomy 10:14: "Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it".
Psalm 24:1: "The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all its people belong to him".
Introduction Series:
The phrase "everything belongs to God" comes from verses like Deuteronomy 10:14 and Psalm 24:1, which state that God possesses the heavens and the earth, including all living beings and material possessions. This concept emphasizes that God is the ultimate owner of the world and everything in it, and that humans are stewards of His creations, not proprietors. Therefore, we should understand why we were created to steward God’s Creation on the earth.
Other Key Bible Verses:
1 Chronicles 29:11: "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours".
Question: Do you believe God’s Word is true and that you should follow it and honor it?
Psalm 50:10-11: "For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine".
Implications of the Concept “All His”:
Stewardship: Since God owns everything, humans are called to be good stewards, managing His possessions (the earth, our resources, our talents) responsibly for His purposes. Stewardship involves our Talents, Time, Treasures, Testimony and Temple!
Gratitude and Humility: Recognizing that all we have is a gift from God leads to a heart of gratitude and humility, preventing pride or greed. Our attitude with God determines our level of stewardship for God.
Purpose: Our lives, including our talents, time, treasures, testimony and temple along with all our possessions should be used in ways that bring glory to God, rather than for selfish gain.
Sermon: All His Our Treasures
Thesis: Jesus teachings on treasures emphasize that true wealth often lies not in material possessions, but in intangible things like love, knowledge, relationships, a love for God and having personal character.
Question: What do my treasures do to me – do they control me - or do I control them?
Scriptures:
Treasures in Heaven: Matthew 6
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Introduction:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His listeners the difference between earthly treasure and heavenly treasure.
Truth for today: Whatever we focus on dictates our actions. Did you all hear this truth? When we focus on earthly success, wealth, or even things, then we will spend our time and energies on those earthly matters. However, when we focus on God’s priorities, our actions will reflect different priorities—and our rewards in heaven will grow and we will reap the reward forever.
Definition of Treasure: It is anything we value above all else and that motivates us to action. For some it is money. For some it’s drugs. For others it is power. For some of us it’s material things. Still other people strive for fame or attention. There are many things in this world vying for control of our heart.
According to Jesus, determining where our treasure is also determines where our heart is.
Many people claim to look forward to heaven, but their hearts are not in it; their hearts are caught up in the cares of this world, because that’s where their treasure lies.
Sad Illustration: Taylor and Brannon Kingdom of God Global Church!
Jesus said in Luke 12:34: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 13:44: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Question: What do you treasure?
I have treasured a few things in my life – a truck – a firebird – a boat – even hunting trips! And of course, most importantly my wife and kids!
Many quotes suggest that true treasures lie in relationships and experiences rather than material possessions.
The search for treasure is sometimes described as an internal journey or found in unexpected challenges. Inner wealth, wisdom, kindness, and virtue are also highlighted as significant treasures we should be holding onto.
Here are some more Quotes on Treasure:
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/treasures-quotes
Walt Disney stated, "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island"
D'Angelo noted, "Treasure your relationships, not your possessions".
"Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure" by Lao Tzu.
Question: So, what does your heart treasure?
I. The treasures found in Jesus’ teachings:
a. If we do a deep dive we will find Treasures, New and Old, in the Pages of Scripture ...
i. In the teachings of Jesus "treasures" emphasizes prioritizing the eternal Kingdom of God over temporary earthly possessions. In the Sermon on the Mount and through parables, he contrasts worldly wealth, which is vulnerable to loss, with heavenly treasure, which is secure and lasting.
1. Jesus desires us or encourages us to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21)
a. The great lay away plan to eternal success!
b. This is one of his most well-known teachings, of Jesus where he commands his followers to focus on heavenly, rather than earthly, rewards.
c. Earthly treasures are described as vulnerable to decay and theft: "moth and vermin destroy, and... thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19).
i. Examples of such "treasure" include money, expensive clothing, and other material possessions.
ii. I love my vehicles I have owned but they are not eternal – they rust out, they break – talk about the firebird!
1. Talk about your new truck and wrecking it the first day driving it!
d. Heavenly treasures are secure and eternal: "where neither moth nor vermin destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20).
e. The state of the heart: Jesus follows this command by stating, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).
i. This means that whatever you value most will command your devotion, affection, and energy. Our priorities reveal what we truly treasure.
f. See the Parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl (Matthew 13:44–46)
i. The hidden treasure: Jesus compares the kingdom to a treasure a man finds buried in a field. In his joy, he sells everything he owns to buy the field and secure the treasure.
1. The pearl of great price: Similarly, a merchant seeking fine pearls finds one of great value. He then sells all of his possessions to acquire it.
2. The message: Both stories demonstrate that the Kingdom of Heaven is of such immense worth that obtaining it is worth sacrificing everything else in life. This sacrifice is not a burden but is made with joy, in full knowledge that the exchange is overwhelmingly favorable.
ii. The rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–22); Jesus offered the rich man the opportunity to come be his disciple in Matthew 19:21: Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
1. He chooses not to follow Jesus!
2. This real-life account demonstrates the conflict between earthly and heavenly treasure.
a. A rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life. After the young man insists he has kept the commandments, Jesus tells him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me".
b. The man leaves sorrowfully because he has great possessions. He was unwilling to make Jesus his ultimate treasure.
c. Jesus uses this example to show that attachment to worldly wealth can be a barrier to following him and entering the kingdom.
II. What does “heavenly treasure" mean?
a. Storing up treasure in heaven is not about accumulating literal rewards for a transaction with God. Instead, it refers to focusing one's heart on eternal values and seeking God's kingdom. It involves actions such as:
i. Being rich in good deeds, generosity, and sharing with others.
ii. Faithfully enduring hardship and persecution for the sake of Christ.
iii. Living for God's glory and the good of others.
iv. Practicing genuine acts of prayer and service.
v. Ultimately, the greatest treasure for a follower of Christ is Christ himself and a restored relationship with God.
b. What are examples of treasures in heaven?
i. While treasures in heaven are not literal, quantifiable items, Jesus' teachings give many examples of attitudes and actions that build up this imperishable heavenly reward. These examples revolve around loving God and others and prioritizing eternal values over temporary earthly comforts.
1. Acts of charity and generosity:
a. In his conversation with the rich young ruler, Jesus specifically links generosity toward the poor with storing up heavenly treasure.
2. Giving to the poor and needy:
a. Instead of spending money on worldly goods, sharing generously with those in distress is described as a secure, eternal investment.
3. Giving secretly:
a. Jesus teaches that when you perform acts of righteousness, such as giving to the needy, do not do so for the applause of others. Your reward will come from God, who sees what is done in secret.
4. Piety and devotion:
a. True piety is not a performance for others, but an act of worship done with a sincere heart.
5. Praying in secret:
a. Unlike the hypocrites who pray in public for recognition, praying to God in private is a form of devotion that builds treasure in heaven.
6. Fasting for God alone:
a. Fasting without putting on a show for others demonstrates a heart that is focused on pleasing God, not seeking human approval.
7. Enduring persecution:
a. Jesus teaches that a person's reward in heaven will be great if they endure persecution and suffering for his sake.
8. Suffering for Christ:
a. Enduring hardship, insult, and false accusations because of one's faith is not a cause for despair but for rejoicing, as it proves a person's faith and builds heavenly treasure.
9. Focusing on eternal hope:
a. Persecution for righteousness helps a believer detach from the temporary things of this world and fix their hope on the eternal reality of heaven.
10. Living a righteous life:
a. Living according to God's will and aligning one's priorities with his kingdom are core components of laying up heavenly treasure.
11. The fruit of the Spirit:
a. Galatians 5 lists the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Cultivating these qualities in one's life pleases God and is a "material" for heavenly treasure.
12. Serving God and others:
a. Giving one's time, talents, and energy to serve God and his people is a way to invest in eternity.
13. Soul-winning:
a. Leading others to repentance and salvation is also considered a heavenly reward.
c. What is the reward itself?
i. The true "treasure" is not a physical prize or a higher status in heaven. It is a closer relationship with God himself. Jesus makes it clear that the ultimate reward for a life of faithfulness is seeing God face-to-face and experiencing the fullness of life found in his presence. He is the greatest treasure.
III. Application: How does heavenly treasure relate to Christian living now?
a. Jesus' teaching on heavenly treasure is central to Christian living because it directly influences a believer's priorities, motivations, and perspective. By shifting the focus from perishable, earthly goods to eternal, spiritual rewards, Christians are called to live a life that reflects their faith in what truly lasts.
i. It reorients the heart and mind - Jesus' statement, "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," is the core of this teaching (Matthew 6:21).
1. A spiritual compass: The things a Christian invests their time, energy, and finances into will reveal their true allegiances. Placing value on heavenly treasures—such as pursuing God and his righteousness—causes one's desires and affections to be reoriented toward him.
2. A new perspective: Focusing on heavenly rewards also changes a Christian's outlook on life. This eternal perspective stresses the importance over the urgent, service over pleasure, and people over things.
ii. It changes the motivation for doing good deeds
1. Heavenly treasure changes the motivation behind a Christian's actions from seeking human approval to seeking God's approval.
a. Public vs. secret acts: Jesus contrasted the public prayers, giving, and fasting of the hypocrites with the sincere acts done in secret for God alone (Matthew 6:1–18). The hypocrites, who received praise from people, already had their reward. But for the secret deeds, the heavenly Father "will reward you".
b. Serving God, not money: Jesus' warning that "You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24) forces Christians to evaluate which master truly commands their service and devotion.
iii. It reframes Biblical stewardship
1. The concept of heavenly treasure redefines the Christian's relationship with material possessions, time, and talents.
a. Investing for eternity: Randy Alcorn's book The Treasure Principle suggests that Christians should see themselves as "money managers" for God, and that giving to eternal things is a secure investment. When Christians use their resources for God's purposes, they are "sending ahead investments" for eternity.
2. Giving as an antidote to materialism: Generous giving is a powerful way to loosen materialism's grip on the heart. When we give sacrificially, we demonstrate that Christ is our ultimate treasure, not earthly security.
iv. It provides hope during suffering
1. The promise of heavenly treasure offers believers an enduring hope that helps them persevere through suffering, persecution, and hardship.
2. A greater reward: The Bible reminds Christians that any trouble they face on earth is far outweighed by the abundant reward that awaits them.
3. Secure hope: While earthly rewards are temporary, heavenly treasures are eternal and safe from destruction. This offers spiritual security that money and earthly possessions cannot provide.
v. It fuels generosity and service
1. By focusing on heavenly rewards, Christians are encouraged to live a life marked by generosity, compassion, and ministry toward others.
2. The people investment: Using one's worldly wealth to "gain friends for yourselves" means investing in people and God's kingdom. For example, supporting a missionary helps lead others to Christ, and those individuals will "welcome you into eternal dwellings".
3. Serving the "least of these": The parable of the sheep and goats shows that feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, and visiting the imprisoned is an act of service to Christ himself, with an accompanying reward in his kingdom (Matthew 25:35–40).
Conclusion:
What do we need to know from this message?
Answer: Jesus warned us that earthly currency has an expiration date. While it may satisfy us temporarily, it is unstable and fleeting.
The ever-changing faces on magazine covers remind us that the famous are here and gone in a blink. The stock market crash of 1929 taught us that the wealthy can quickly lose it all. Power, prestige, and public approval are limited and can be gone in an instant.
Even the Son of God experienced the fickleness of human approval. One day people were trying to make Him king (John 6:15), and the next they were leaving Him in droves (verse 66).
“This world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). The moment we take our last breath; earthly treasure won’t matter anymore. Jesus urged us to think beyond that last breath to eternity. When our focus is on eternity—when our treasure is laid up in heaven—our lifestyles reflect that perspective.
Why do we need to know this?
Answer: We will all give an account of ourselves before God for every action (Romans 14:12) and every idle word (Matthew 12:36). No one is exempt. Excuses will not be accepted by God. God sees and knows every thought we think and holds us accountable for the truth we’ve been given (Romans 1:18–22).
We store up “treasure in heaven” when we make choices on earth that benefit God’s kingdom. Jesus said that even offering a cup of cool water to a fellow believer is worthy of eternal reward (Matthew 10:42).
What do they need to do?
Answer: They need to start storing treasures in Heaven! Don’t wait to invest, do it now!
Why do they need to do this?
Answer: Because you will never regret it when you get to heaven! Never! What you will regret is all the resources you spent on earthly treasures!
