Where Is Your Treasure?

Luke 12:31-34

Introduction:     In this section of Scripture Jesus is asking his disciples, that includes you and me, to evaluate what is important in life.  Where or what is your treasure?  seems to be the question he wants us to think about.  On what do we spend our time and money?  What or whom do we trust?

I. The Father is giving you the kingdom    vs. 31-32

    A. Strive

         1. We must work at letting God rule (It is not easy!)

         2. zhte/w - (1) as a searching for what is lost - seek, try to find, look for; (2) of man's quest for God and what can be obtained only from him - seek, search for, try to obtain; (3) of what God requires or expects from man - seek, demand; (4) as making inquiry or investigation - examine, question, deliberate (JN 16.19); (5) of man's effort to obtain something - pursue, endeavor to obtain, strive for; (6) of man's desire toward something - seek for, wish for, want

         2. Man prayed to win the lottery. God said Help me out; buy a                        ticket

    B. Do not be afraid

         1. vs. 7

         2. Don’t be afraid or worried about not having something

         3. Fear and worry can be conquered only by trusting God to act in our best interest

    C. “Little flock” speaks of smallness, weakness, insecurity (Only occurrence in NT)

    D. “Your Father” speaks of bigness, strength, confidence

    E. “Good pleasure” says “Not that he was reluctant to do it or that he was merely willing, but that it ‘pleased’ him to do so.”  Jim McGuiggan  Spirit

    F. God is promising to rule in your life in ways that are best for you

II. Sell your possessions      vs. 33

    A. Jesus is not commanding all disciples of all ages to own nothing

    B. However, he did command one man to sell his property (Rich                  young ruler)

         1. If you wish to be perfect  Matthew 19:21

         2. You lack one thing   Mark 10:21

         3. There is still one thing lacking   Luke 18:22

    C. “He is emphasizing that believers must not be dominated by their possessions.  Trust in riches prevents trust in God.”    Morris

    D. Whatever stands in the way of trusting God, get rid of it (money, job)

    E. Use your possessions to put treasures in Heaven

         1. Only heavenly treasures are lasting

         2. How can I use my money to do that?

             a. Give it away

             b. Help the poor

             c. Support evangelistic efforts

             d. Build something that honors God

III. Make the kingdom your treasure     vs. 34

    A. Strive for (vs. 31); accept the gift (vs. 32)

    B. Value God in your life above all else

         1. More than money

         2. More than job

         3. More than relationships  Luke 14:26-33

    C. This is one of those circular situations:  value something and you put your interests there; put your interests into something and you will value it.

Conclusion:   Nothing and on one can be trusted like God can!  Are we indicating by our use of money and time that we trust Him?  Does He know?  Can other people tell by our behavior and our talk that God is the one that we trust absolutely?  If something is standing in our way, we need to get rid of it!

Wichita, KS.  Central.  July 10, 1999.  PM.