In Our Finances
Reliable • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Reliable:
Reliable: Because God doesn’t change, we can trust Him with every part of our lives.
Main Idea: Because God is reliable, we can trust Him with our provision.
Daddy Tax: On any treat that I purchased for the kids.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
Store: Save / Treasure: Wealth
Now, let’s be clear about what Jesus is and isn't saying. He isn't saying it’s a sin to have a 401(k) or to be successful.
But when you “store up” for yourself, you’re basically saying, I’m the boss of my own security. Jesus is talking about the direction of your trust.
You cannot truly trust God while you are simultaneously trying to insure yourself against the need for Him.
When we store up for ourselves, we are trying to find Reliable in the Unreliable.
Jesus wants us to see that the Reliable God is the only one who doesn't change when the market changes.
When we “store up” for ourselves, we are acting like orphans who don't have a Father. We are saying, God, I’m not sure You’ll be there next month, so I better make sure I have enough to survive without You.
Security isn’t found in what we store; it’s found in who we trust.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
You can’t stop the “moths” of inflation or the “thieves” that hack your account.
In 1922, Howard Carter uncovered and stepped into the tomb of King Tut, and the world was breathless at what he found. It was the most well-preserved royal tomb in history. Tut was buried with over 5,000 artifacts estimated value today is more than $2 billion: golden chariots, solid gold coffins, even food and wine for the afterlife. Why? Because the Pharaohs believed they could take it with them.
But here is the irony Jesus is pointing out in verse 19. The very things Tut “stored up” to ensure his glory actually became the primary reason his tomb was disturbed. The gold didn't protect him; the gold invited the “thieves” in the form of archaeologists and museum curators. They broke in and took it all anyway.
Today, Tut is a mummy in a glass box: Pic in Flock
His “treasure” is now on a world tour behind velvet ropes. He spent his whole life storing up for a future he couldn't control. He tried to build a “Reliable” eternity out of “Unreliable” materials.
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
What does it actually mean to “store up treasure in heaven”? This is where many people get confused. They think it’s a celestial transaction. If I give money here, I get a bigger mansion there.
To store up treasure in heaven is to invest in the things that God loves.
When you invest in heaven, you’re investing in people. You’re investing in the local church. You’re investing in the Great Commission. You’re investing in eternity. This will change your Monday morning! Suddenly, you aren't just working for a boss or a paycheck; you’re working for a Kingdom. Your “Reliable” God becomes your business partner.
When you live with this mindset, you don't give out of “guilt” or “obligation.” You give out of “vision.” You realize that you have the opportunity to take something temporary: Money “Treasure” and turn it into something eternal, changed lives.
That’s the greatest trade-off in the history of the world! God is saying, “Trust Me with the temporary, and I’ll give you a stake in the eternal.” When your treasure is in heaven, your security is tied to the Throne of God.
Imagine I give you ten Skittles. They’re colorful, they’re sweet and they represent everything God gives you.
Now, God says, “I want you to take one of those Skittles, just one. And give it back to me. I want you to tithe.
Now, why does He do that? Does God need your Skittle? Is God in heaven saying, “Oh no, if Jason doesn't give me that orange Skittle, the pearly gates are going to fall off the hinges!”? No! He’s the Creator of the Skittle factory!
2. He doesn’t demand your money, He desires your trust.
He’s saying, “Give me that one Skittle to show me that you know where the whole bag came from.
When you give that one Skittle back, you’re “storing up treasure in heaven.” You’re saying, “God, I trust that You are the source of the other nine, and You’re the one who can provide more tomorrow.”
Storing up treasure in heaven is just putting that Skittle back in the hands of the One who gave you the bag in the first place.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Notice the order. We usually think our treasure follows our heart. We say, "I’ll give to the church once I feel more spiritually connected. Once I love God more, or make more. Then I’ll be more generous.” But Jesus says it’s exactly the opposite.
3. Your heart follows your treasure.
If you put your money into your house, your heart will be consumed by your house.
If you put your money into your status, your heart will be consumed by how people perceive you.
But if you put your money into God’s work, your heart will begin to care about what God cares about.
You see, money is a magnet for the soul. If you want your heart to be in the things of God, you have to move your treasure there first.
You can’t “feel” your way into a heart for God; you have to “invest” your way there. When you trust God enough to give to Him, you are essentially “tethering” your heart to Him.
If you want to experience the reliability of God, you have to put your treasure in His hands. Once your treasure is safe with Him, your heart will finally feel safe too. Security isn’t found in what we store—it’s found in who we trust.
