The Truth About Treasure Series

The Truth about Treasure

Matthew 6: 19-24

In our text, Jesus addresses an issue that was prevalent in His day. He was surrounded by many who sought worldly gain. They were often preoccupied with acquiring material wealth and possessions. We too live in a culture that is consumed with possessions and wealth. In fact, most are judged more by what they have accumulated than the character they possess. It seems as if most can never get enough. There is always something new, bigger, or better being released and we can never be satisfied.

Now, as we begin our study, let me say that having possessions in this life is not a sin. There is nothing wrong with working hard and achieving success. The problem begins when we allow the love for our possessions, and the desire to accumulate more, dictate our lives. That is the focus of the passage we have read. Jesus deals with how we are to view and relate to that which we possess. Let’s take a few moments to consider the lessons Jesus revealed as we think on: The Truth about Treasure.

I. The Accumulation of Treasure (19-21) – Here Jesus deals with the contrasts associated with accumulating wealth. Consider:

A. The Placement (19a, 21a) – Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. We find that there are two places that our treasure can be stored. The phrase lay up has the idea of “to gather and lay up, to store up.” It pictures placing our treasure in a place where it can be kept in order to grow and gain more. We are all familiar with what the Lord is saying. We don’t cash a check and leave the money lying around unprotected. We lay it up where we hope it will be secure when we need it.

So, there are two places that we can store our treasure: upon earth or in heaven. We will look at the consequences and benefits of that in a moment, but there is a vast difference in the two. Most today are laying up treasure upon the earth, but have taken no thought of laying any up in heaven.

Where is the majority of your treasure today? If it is being laid up upon this earth, I would suggest that you take the time to enjoy it now, because it will not last. Consider the parable of the rich man who tore down his barns and built bigger. Luke 12:20 – But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Treasure laid up on the earth cannot be taken with you to the grave; it will be left for someone else to enjoy.

B. The Possession (19b, 20b) – Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Let’s consider the consequences and benefits of each possession.

1. Earthly Treasure – Jesus declares that treasures laid up on the earth will suffer ruin and robbery. Many things in life are subject to rust, rot, and decay. The treasures of this life will not last. Even if you have bars of pure gold that would not rust or decay, they are subject to being stolen. All that we accumulate down here will one day fade away or be left behind.

2. Heavenly Treasure – Those things that are laid up in heaven do not suffer the same consequences; they are safe and secure in the Lord. Heavenly treasure is not subject to rust, rot or decay. There are no thieves in heaven to steal that which we have laid up there. All that one lays up in heaven will be there throughout eternity.

C. The Priority (21) – For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. We know this is absolute truth. If you want to know what someone is passionate about, just consider where they spend their time and put forth their effort. Whatever is valuable to us, we will certainly spend time and effort to secure and ensure its well being.

Where have you spent the majority of your time this week? I know we have to work, and most spend the bulk of their time there, but is that where your heart is? Do you live to work or work to live? Have we put forth any effort this week that will last throughout eternity?

II. The Assessment of Treasure (22-23) – Here Jesus deals with how we view our treasure. These verses have a varied application that would be beneficial in many aspects, but since we are considering our treasure, I want to consider them in their context. Consider: