Laying Up Treasures    EBC   Wednesday Night Bible Study  6/16/04

I. The Command

  A. Last command Jesus told us how to give. We are to do it secretly as a gift to the Heavenly Father not for the applause of people.

  B. This command tells us why to give. He wants our treasures to last throughout eternity not just for a little while.

  C. Our hearts should be focused on eternity (Matt. 6:21)

  D. A key factor in being the light of the world is generosity. Generosity is a natural expression of a loving heart.

II. The Meaning

  A. Lay up – to accumulate, to heap up, to store for the future

    1. 1 Cor. 16:2 -

      a. Laying aside – dedicating the money to God

    2. Mal. 3:10-11 –

      a.  Martin Luther – “I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all; whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess”. 

      b. God promises to rebuke the devourer so our resources will go farther

  B. Boll Gothard – “a farmer does not plan a crop based on seeds he hoards but on seeds he sows”.

  C. New Testament giving verses Old Testament tithing –

    1. In Old Testament the followers of God were required to give 10% of their increase. Beyond that they were encouraged to give an offering

    2. God promises to reward those who tithe by increasing their productivity

      a. Prov. 3:9-10 -

    3. New Testament tells us to give as God has blessed us and a way of investing treasures in Heaven

      a. 2 Cor. 9:6-8 -

      b. Matt. 19:21 –

      c. Mark 10:17-24 –

  D. Generous gifts given to others will be enjoyed for an eternity

1. Matt. 6:19 -

2. Bill Gothard – “giving to those in need is a deposit in a Heavenly account”.

  a. Moth and rust – possession not used properly or not properly cared for.