Sermon on The Kingdom of God

Chase God, Not the Blessing: A Heart for Kingdom Wealth

Bible Passage: Matthew 6:19-34

Summary: In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus teaches about the futility of storing up earthly treasures, encouraging listeners to focus on spiritual wealth and a dependency on God for their needs.

Application: This passage helps Christians understand the dangers of materialism and encourages a shift in focus from accumulating wealth to seeking a deeper relationship with God, which can lead to peace and contentment even in times of scarcity.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true wealth is not found in material possessions but in a faithful and prioritized relationship with God. It emphasizes the importance of trust in God's provision and the eternal value of heavenly treasures over earthly ones.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader narrative of Scripture, this passage points to Christ as the ultimate treasure, emphasizing that eternal life and fulfillment come through Him rather than through transient material goods. Jesus embodies the Kingdom of God that believers are to seek above all else.

Big Idea: To experience true fulfillment and peace, we must prioritize our relationship with God and trust Him for our needs, rather than pursuing wealth or worldly status.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using your Logos library to explore the historical context of first-century attitudes towards wealth and possessions. Look into commentaries that discuss the significance of the 'eye' metaphor in verses 22-23, as well as studies on the concept of anxiety in biblical literature. Examining the audience Jesus addressed will also provide deeper insights into how these teachings would have resonated with them.

1. Secure Eternal Treasures

Matthew 6:19-21

You could begin by exploring how these verses challenge the belief that material possessions are the key to security and happiness. The focus is on the impermanence of earthly wealth and the need to invest in heavenly treasures that are eternal and secure. This sermon point ties to the Christological theme by suggesting that Jesus Himself is the ultimate treasure, urging believers to store their riches in heaven where their hearts should dwell, encouraging a shift in focus from material accumulation to spiritual dependency on God.

2. Focus on Divine Light

Matthew 6:22-24

Perhaps highlight how Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye to discuss how our focus determines our spiritual health. These verses urge listeners to choose between light and darkness—the Kingdom of God or worldly pursuits. Connecting this to the Christological importance, Jesus as the light of the world, guides our vision towards what truly matters and leads us to serve one master faithfully. This point encourages believers to focus their lives around the teachings of Christ, leading to transformation rather than living under the bondage to wealth.

3. Trust in God’s Provision

Matthew 6:25-34

Maybe you could conclude with Jesus' instructions against worrying, emphasizing God's sovereignty and care for His creation. These verses invite believers to trust in God's provision and seek His Kingdom as a priority. In the context of the whole Bible, Christ's life and resurrection assure us that God fulfills His promises. By prioritizing the Kingdom of God, believers find true peace and freedom from anxiety, reinforcing the idea that our pursuit should be a deeper relationship with God rather than material wealth or security.