The Hidden Treasure: Worth the Sacrifice

**Text**: Matthew 13:44

- **Main Idea**: The Kingdom of Heaven is of incomparable value, worth any sacrifice.

- **Hook**: *“Imagine for a moment that you’re out on one of the scenic trails here in Elk Grove, lice Jacinto Creek Trail, just taking a walk through an old, quiet field. As you’re walking, you stumble upon a rusty, old treasure chest. You pry it open, and inside you find something that’s beyond anything you could ever imagine—endless wealth, peace, and security for you and your family. But there’s a catch: to own it, you’d have to sell everything you have. Would you do it? Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven is like that—a treasure so valuable, it’s worth giving up everything. But the real question for us today is: Do we truly see its worth?”

- **Key movements**:

Discovery: The Joy of Finding Something Truly Valuable

• Relate this to discovering a new local favorite spot in Elk Grove, like finding a hidden gem of a café or park.

Finding Roundhouse Deli, Crest Cafe, Best of all Faithway Baptist.

• Talk about the joy and excitement of discovering something new and valuable, whether it’s a small business that becomes a staple or a community event that brings people together.

• Connect this joy to the moment we understand the true value of God’s Kingdom. It’s not just an idea—it’s a discovery that brings profound joy.

Romans 14:17 KJV 1900

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

John 1:12 KJV 1900

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Sacrifice: What Would You Give Up for Something of Infinite Value?

• Ask the congregation to think about the sacrifices they make in daily life: staying late at work, saving for their children’s education, or working hard to build a business. We’re all willing to give up time, comfort, and resources for things we see as valuable.

• Share stories of people in Elk Grove or California who have given up comfort, careers, or financial security to follow a higher calling—whether starting a non-profit, dedicating time to community service, or choosing a simpler lifestyle for a greater purpose.

• Encourage reflection: What if we viewed the Kingdom of God with the same willingness to sacrifice?

Philippians 3:7–8 KJV 1900

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Priority: Seeing the Kingdom’s Surpassing Worth Over Earthly Treasures

• Elk Grove is a community that values family, growth, and prosperity. These are good things, but they can become distractions if they replace God’s Kingdom as our priority.

• Use examples of prioritizing: like when you save for that down payment on a house, plan a big family event, or invest in your children’s future. These are priorities that demand attention, focus, and sometimes tough choices. Jesus challenges us to see His Kingdom as the ultimate priority.

• Reflect on how making God’s Kingdom a priority might change the way we handle our time, money, and decisions.

Matthew 6:19–20 KJV 1900

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Illustration:

Use stories of people from Elk Grove or California who have taken bold steps to follow God’s calling—whether it’s moving to serve in missions, starting a ministry, or choosing a career that aligns with their faith rather than just chasing financial gain. These are modern-day examples of people who have found the Kingdom of God worth more than anything else.

Denis

Anthony

Gary

Unnamed donor

Big Question:

“What are you willing to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God? Is there something you’re holding onto that might be preventing you from fully embracing the treasure God offers?”

Conclusion:

Encourage the congregation to imagine what Elk Grove would look like if every believer truly grasped the value of God’s Kingdom. What if we all lived like we had found the greatest treasure? How would that change our community, our families, and our own lives?

Benediction:

“As we leave this place today, may you walk with the awareness that the Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure of incomparable worth, one that invites us to see beyond the temporary and embrace the eternal. May you have the courage to let go of what holds you back, and the wisdom to prioritize what truly matters.

Go out into this week with open hearts, willing to discover where God is calling you to invest your time, your talents, and your life. Let your conversations reflect the joy of those who have found something precious, and may those around you see the light of a Kingdom that changes everything.

And as you go, may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

Discussion Prompt:

“Before you go, take a moment to ask someone around you: What’s one thing you would change this week if you truly believed the Kingdom of Heaven was the greatest treasure? Let’s encourage one another to live out that answer.”