Heavenly Treasures

Title: Heavenly treasures

Text: Matthew 6:19-24

D.T. Where are you investing your resources?

Introduction: (ILLUSTRATION: dirty/nasty penny) The condition of these coins reminds us of a truth Jesus taught us in the sermon on the mount. Do not store for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

Transition- Today we continue our series on “sermon the mount” we’ve recently transitioned from Matthew chapter 5 into chapter 6. Jesus will spend the majority of Matthew 6 by challenging us to check our motivation. We’ve already discussed how Jesus challenges us to check the motivations of our actions and prayers. In our passage today Jesus is going to challenge us to check our motivations in how we handle wealth.

READ Matthew 6:19-24

Matthew 6:19–24 ESV

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

This passage has been regarded as an example of Jesus being “anti-wealth.” However as we study this text, I believe we’ll realize Jesus isn’t being anti-wealth. On the contrary Jesus not only speaks highly of wealth, but suggests that it is something we pursue. Jesus tells us to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. This isn’t a prohibition of wealth, it’s the opposite, it’s instruction for the accumulation of wealth. What Jesus is ultimately doing here is giving investment advice. We know that we cannot take our wealth with us to the afterlife, the Egyptians tried it, they even built giant pyramids to accommodate this need. However, despite their best efforts it didn’t work. We don’t get to take our wealth with us, and he who dies with the most toys still dies. We can however send our wealth ahead. This is what it means to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

Heaven’s most valuable commodity So Jesus tells us to invest our wealth in heaven instead of whatever this world offers. However, that begs a question. Wny? Heaven is already paradise, it’s better than anything we could possibly imagine. What could we possibly do to make it better? Will monetary possessions we accrue in heaven really make the experience better. The very presence of God is going to make heaven the paradise we know it to be. So if heaven isn’t going to be improved by monetary possessions, why bother laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven? Perhaps we need to reevaluate what Jesus means by treasure. What do you think the most valuable treasure in the world is, from a Christian mindset? I think we would all agree it’s the blood of Jesus Christ, it’s the key to our salvation. What does Jesus use his blood to purchase? The souls of those who call to him for salvation. That would mean God’s treasure, and his most valued treasure are his people. So when Jesus encourages us to invest our treasures in heaven, he’s telling us to invest our resources in leading those to salvation in Jesus. The scripture testifies to this time and again. In (READ 1st Timothy 6:17-19

1 Timothy 6:17–19 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Paul confirms we are laying up treasures by investing in our fellow man. This also seems to be what Jesus is implying in the parable of the shrewd servant. Remember the parable of the talents.

What happened to the wicked servant who hid his money? He was punished right? What happened to the servants who used their resources to increase the amount they’d been given? They were rewarded. We should also use our resources to help bring salvation to the souls of mankind. This command is yet another example of Jesus commands for us to carry out the great commission.

Application So what’s the best way for us to do this? How do we lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven by investing in the salvation of others? Offering is perhaps the best and most practical option. Not just your offering to the church, but missional organizations as well. Organizations that operate overseas, as well as those who operate locally as well. However, don't limit yourself. Pray the spirit helps you to see more opportunities, and reveals to you ways you can use what God has given you in order to help your fellow man. How can we use our wealth and possessions to invest in the salvation of others?

Hospitality? Friendship and relationship building

Help? Using your possessions to offer needed help to those in need

Such action might lead to a person's salvation.

Such action might lead to a person's salvation.

Invitation: Accept Jesus, rededication to Jesus, invest in the salvation of Jesus in others. This is what it means to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.