Matthew 6:19-7:14

Measure of Treasure

Jesus warns us about possessions, because even the disciples believed that wealth was a sign of God’s blessing. The rich were viewed as being godly men, and the poor were thought of as being the recipients of God’s judgement. The kingdom can not be measured in possessions or material achievements or for that matter any of our other measures of success. Jesus explains that the eye is the way we perceive things and how we focus on what this world calls success. if we focus on what the world calls success then our perception will be distorted, once our perception is distorted, then our will to live as a member of the kingdom waxes and then our heart will follow shortly after into darkness.

Living in the kingdom means we reject the world’s ways which is the basic issue here. We must abandon concern, worry, and earthly treasures to the Father’s care so that we can concentrate on seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness.

#1 What does the first warning deal with?

It deals with having concern for the goods in this world, rather than abandoning them to seek the kingdom.

Jesus’ second warning about judging, because in our society we judge everything and everyone in every situation and everyday. We set up a pecking order just like chickens do in the roost. We strive to be able to lord over others, even in churches this condition exists.

#2 Why do we struggle for control or yearn to impose our will over others?

If we want to live in the kingdom we must also abandon all claims to a right to judge. We are to approach life by asking, by having a humble spirit of servanthood. A long time ago i was involved with a short term mission trip where we needed to memorize . Why? Because it showed us what servant leadership at its best was through the life and service of Christ himself who being in very nature God did not consider himself equal.

#3 How are we to approach life in the kingdom ?

with a deep sense of our need for God’s good gifts and with trust that our Father in Heaven will supply us all with what we need.

We all have ideas of what a “really fine” Christian is, what a “good” Christian is, what a “lukewarm” Christian is and what a ‘backsliding’ Christian is. Can you think of someone in each of these catagories?Now think of what measure you used to decide who was better…Would you like to be judged by those measures yourself?

Jesus told us not to judge others so let us throw those measuring sticks out so that we don’t focus on the wrong things, but instead turn our eyes Heavenward.