Sermon Tone Analysis

PROCLAIM: Begin Title Slide (first slide in the Sermon Presentation) just before pastor begins to preach.

Keep this slide displayed until the Scripture Text slide.

PROCLAIM: DO NOT VIEW SERMON SLIDES WHILE "ON AIR" until slides are actually used for the sermon.

IF IT HAPPENS, take proclaim "OFF AIR," CANCEL the audio publishing dialogue box (which will display automatically), and then go "ON AIR."

Introduction

Recently I purchased a printer--and I was eager to get it set up.

It came with a very thick users manual--very intimidating.

However, it also came with a quick-start guide.

If one described the Bible as the operating manual for living, it is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 that serves as our quick-start guide.

The mission of Jesus was not just to save us through His death and resurrection--He came to teach about Kingdom living--about how a person should live life that pleases and honors God.

He addressed attitudes, relationships, purpose, prayer--and many other important aspects of following God faithfully.

One of the subjects Jesus addressed in this Sermon on the Mount was money.

Because, Jesus knew how important money is to the life of each one of us--how money permeates through almost every part of living.

Money and possessions often become so important that it influences many of our decisions.

Money and things--or the lack thereof places so much pressure on our lives, that if we are not careful, it has an adverse affect on our marriages, family relationships, our own wellbeing--and even our relationship with God.

So it makes perfect sense that Jesus would address this subject head-on.

In the course of the next three weeks, we are going to identify and learn about the biblical principles of faithful stewardship--to apply them in such a way that will positively impact our relationship with God, with our families, and with our community of faith (the church).

CONGREGATION: Matthew 6:19-21,24

PROCLAIM: Do not display Scripture Text slide until pastor begins to read the passage.

Transition

Jesus pinpoints a serious potential problem that can disastrously affect our relationship with God--and what needs to be done to safeguard your heart.

We cannot afford to ignore, dismiss, water-down, or reject what Jesus says and teaches.

The implications are significant.

And, it begins with a choice!

And, what is the choice Jesus is wanting us to make?

Value Obedience to God in all Areas of Our Lives.

Jesus identifies a choice every person must make.

Two options!

Two ways of living!

Two objects of worship!

Two different kinds of treasure.

There is the treasure on earth.

In the ancient world (and even in many parts of our world today), wealth consisted of precious metals and cloth.

Owners of these "treasures" were constantly worrying about loss due to decay or theft.

However, it was natural, as it is today, to focus on getting as much as you can--that somehow this would provide the security one needed to survive life.

For the religious leaders of Jesus' day, there was the belief that wealth and possessing much was an indicator of God's favor and blessings.

This justified selfishness, pride, and a lack of compassion.

There is the treasure in heaven.

This kind of treasure includes everything that believers can take with them beyond the grave.

So, what can we take with us?

Holiness of character, souls won for Christ, compassion, material resources used for the Kingdom, and maturing faith.

This kind of treasure has eternity in view.

What should we do--and more importantly, what should we become that will prepare us for eternity?

Jesus presents to all humanity a choice--a choice to make.

Do we focus on the here and now, or do we focus on eternity?

If we focus on eternity--it affects the here and now!

If we choose to value obedience to God in all areas of our life--we will soon discover that our choice exchanges selfishness for compassion, worry for assurance, and fear for courageous faith.

We become a happier person--a confident person--a faithful person!

So whether you have a lot of stuff, or just trying to get by--choose what will have a lasting benefit to your life.

The Apostle Paul put it this way:

Transition

So, how do we cultivate desire and action to obey God in everything?

Here is what Jesus said:

So how do we keep our heart focused on God?

Maintain Loyalty and Affection to God and His Redemptive Plan

Throughout Scripture, the heart refers to the center of one's being, involving emotions, reason, and will.

Jesus alerts us to a fundamental observation: a person's affections are inherently drawn to his or her treasure.

If our treasure is heavenward--our values and passions center on glorifying and honoring God--if our desire is to keep eternity in view--where salvation and worshipping God is our priority--then naturally we will display unwavering loyalty to God and what He wants us to do.

And, what does God want us to do?

If we are loyal to God--and He is the center of our affections--then we are going to strive with our whole hear to align fully with is plan.

So, what is His plan:

Transition

If we do not possess a passion for the things God is passionate about (like the lost), then we must conclude that something is wrong--and our loyalty and affections for God are deficient.

So, how do we protect ourselves from deficient loyalty and affection?

Guard Against Mixed Loyalty.

Look at what Jesus said in verse 24 (of Matthew chapter 6):

Jesus gives only two options: you must choose between competing loyalties.

God or money.

Now, this word that Jesus uses for money is not just referring to the change in your pocket or the balance in your bank account.

It refers to all of a person's material resources.

Of course, many people do try to cherish both God and possessions, but ultimately only one will be chosen.

The other will be "hated," even if only by neglect.

"Love" and "hate" in Jewish thought are often roughly equivalent to choose and not choose.

The great danger in affluent cultures, such as ours, is the all-pervasive materialism.

Jesus is crystal clear--unless we are willing to serve him wholeheartedly in every area of life, but particularly with our material resources, we cannot claim to be serving him at all.

This is tragically illustrated in Matthew 19.

The commandment that this rich young man ignored was: "Have no other God's before me."

His possessions were is god.

His possessions were more important than the invitation given by Jesus.

And, his choice brought great sadness.

Transition

To how can we avoid mixed loyalties?

Jesus said in verse 33 (Matthew 6)

Seek First the Kingdom of God

One of the side affects to divided, conflicted, mixed loyalties is fear and worry.

We are prone to worrying about everything--about the future, about our possessions, about our bank account balances, about our health, about our relationships, about politics--just about everything.

But, this should not be the attribute of a believer.

In fact, according to Jesus, worry is a result of a lack of genuine belief in God's goodness and mercy.

Scholar and theologian Matthew Mounce suggests that "worry is practical atheism and [is] an affront to God.

Anxiety characterized pagan religions, which were dominated by fears of despotic deities who constantly had to be appeased.

In its modern, irreligious garb, pagan anxiety displays a great preoccupation with trying everything to make one feel better: the latest diet, the latest exercise craze, the latest motivational book, the latest whatever.

But, Jesus identifies the secret to overcoming a life filled with fear and anxiety: When priorities in heaven and on earth are right, God will provide for fundamental human needs.

And, getting our priorities right means to seek first God--and that means to obey all that Jesus commands.

Conclusion

When we seek God first, we remove the conflict--we settle to serve God and His purpose--viewing money are material resources as opportunities to seek God first.

This will change everything in your life.

So, who or what are you going to serve?

Money, things, worry, or God?

Worship Team to enter platform and begin instrumental (Jesus, the Center)

In ancient Israel, their long-time, larger-than-life leader, Moses had died.