Aligning Our Hearts: Treasures in Heaven
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into Matthew 6:19-34, where Jesus addresses the topic of wealth and its impact on our spiritual lives. Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth, which are temporary and vulnerable to decay and theft, but to store up treasures in heaven, which are eternal and secure. He emphasizes that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also, highlighting the importance of aligning our values with God's kingdom.
Jesus also speaks about the eye being the lamp of the body, explaining that a generous eye fills the body with light, while a stingy eye fills it with darkness. This metaphor underscores the significance of generosity and the dangers of greed. He further states that no one can serve two masters; we cannot serve both God and wealth. This calls us to examine our loyalties and ensure that we are serving God wholeheartedly.
The sermon also touches on the futility of worry, using examples from nature to illustrate God's provision. Jesus points out that if God cares for the birds and the lilies, how much more will He care for us? He encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, assuring us that all our needs will be met when we prioritize our relationship with Him.
In conclusion, the sermon challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and align our lives with God's eternal perspective. By sowing into heavenly treasures, serving God alone, and seeking His kingdom first, we can experience true wealth and freedom from anxiety.
### Key Takeaways
1. Heavenly Treasures vs. Earthly Treasures:
Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Earthly treasures are temporary and susceptible to decay and theft, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. This calls us to focus on what truly matters and align our values with God's kingdom. [01:30]
2. Generosity vs. Greed:
The metaphor of the eye being the lamp of the body illustrates the importance of generosity. A generous eye fills the body with light, bringing blessings and joy, while a stingy eye fills it with darkness, leading to a life of anxiety and fear. Generosity aligns us with God's heart and opens us to His blessings. [03:58]
3. Serving One Master:
Jesus makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and wealth. Our loyalties must be undivided, and we must choose to serve God wholeheartedly. This choice impacts our entire life, as serving God leads to true freedom and fulfillment, while serving wealth leads to anxiety and emptiness. [05:10]
4. God's Provision and Care:
Jesus reassures us of God's provision by pointing to nature. If God cares for the birds and the lilies, how much more will He care for us? This truth invites us to trust in God's care and provision, freeing us from the worries and anxieties of daily life. [08:12]
5. Seeking First the Kingdom of God:
The core message is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with God and align our lives with His will, all our needs will be met. This principle transforms our experience of life, bringing peace, rest, and provision. [09:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Introduction and Scripture Reading
[02:53] - Personal Testimony: Trusting God in Transition
[03:58] - The Struggle Between Anxiety and Faith
[05:10] - Practical Righteousness in Everyday Life
[06:31] - The Reality of Following Jesus
[08:12] - The Eternal Perspective
[09:48] - Jesus on Wealth and Anxiety
[11:04] - The Pursuit of Worldly Treasures
[12:31] - Defining Treasures and Their Impact
[13:47] - The Futility of Chasing Wealth
[15:07] - Sowing Right: Investing in Heavenly Treasures
[16:29] - Serving Right: Choosing the Right Master
[18:02] - The Impact of Generosity
[19:28] - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body
[20:44] - The Battle Between God and Mammon
[22:09] - Neurological Study on Worship and Wealth
[23:17] - The Heart of the Matter: Serving God Alone
[25:00] - Seeking Right: Prioritizing God's Kingdom
[26:39] - The Principle of Pursuit and Experience
[28:13] - The Kingdom of God in Everyday Life
[29:42] - The Core Idea: Seek First God's Kingdom
[30:56] - Conclusion: Aligning Our Hearts with Heaven
[32:24] - Living Off the Interest of Eternal Investments
[33:50] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:19-34
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean by "treasures in heaven" and how does He contrast them with "treasures on earth"? ([01:30])
2. How does Jesus describe the eye as the lamp of the body, and what does He imply about generosity and greed? ([03:58])
3. According to Jesus, why can no one serve two masters, and what are the implications of trying to serve both God and wealth? ([05:10])
4. How does Jesus use examples from nature to illustrate God's provision and care for us? ([08:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives? ([01:30])
2. How does having a "generous eye" fill the body with light, and what are the consequences of having a "stingy eye"? ([03:58])
3. Why is it important to choose to serve God over wealth, and what does this choice reveal about our priorities and loyalties? ([05:10])
4. How does seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness transform our experience of life, according to Jesus? ([09:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there any "earthly treasures" you are holding onto that might be hindering your relationship with God? How can you start focusing more on "heavenly treasures"? ([01:30])
2. Think about a recent situation where you had the opportunity to be generous. How did you respond, and what can you do to cultivate a more generous spirit in the future? ([03:58])
3. Examine your daily life and identify any areas where you might be serving wealth instead of God. What practical steps can you take to shift your loyalty to God? ([05:10])
4. Consider a time when you were worried about your needs. How did you handle it, and how can you better trust in God's provision moving forward? ([08:12])
5. Jesus encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God. What specific actions can you take this week to prioritize your relationship with God and align your life with His will? ([09:48])
6. How can you remind yourself daily of God's care and provision, especially when facing anxiety or worry about the future? ([09:48])
7. Identify one area of your life where you can start sowing into heavenly treasures. What steps will you take to invest in this area? ([16:29])
Devotional
Day 1: Storing Up Eternal Treasures
Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Earthly treasures are temporary and susceptible to decay and theft, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. This calls us to focus on what truly matters and align our values with God's kingdom. By investing in heavenly treasures, we are aligning our hearts with God's eternal perspective and ensuring that our lives reflect His priorities. This shift in focus helps us to live with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that our efforts are contributing to something that will last forever. [01:30]
Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Reflection: What are some earthly treasures you find yourself clinging to? How can you begin to shift your focus towards storing up treasures in heaven today?
Day 2: The Light of Generosity
The metaphor of the eye being the lamp of the body illustrates the importance of generosity. A generous eye fills the body with light, bringing blessings and joy, while a stingy eye fills it with darkness, leading to a life of anxiety and fear. Generosity aligns us with God's heart and opens us to His blessings. When we choose to be generous, we reflect God's character and become conduits of His love and provision to others. This not only blesses those around us but also brings a sense of fulfillment and joy to our own lives. [03:58]
Proverbs 22:9 (ESV): "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to be generous. How did it make you feel, and how can you cultivate a more generous spirit in your daily life?
Day 3: Choosing the Right Master
Jesus makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and wealth. Our loyalties must be undivided, and we must choose to serve God wholeheartedly. This choice impacts our entire life, as serving God leads to true freedom and fulfillment, while serving wealth leads to anxiety and emptiness. By choosing to serve God, we are making a conscious decision to prioritize His will and purposes above our own desires for material gain. This decision requires daily commitment and intentionality, but it ultimately leads to a life of peace and contentment. [05:10]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What are some ways you can demonstrate your commitment to serving God over wealth in your daily decisions and actions?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Provision
Jesus reassures us of God's provision by pointing to nature. If God cares for the birds and the lilies, how much more will He care for us? This truth invites us to trust in God's care and provision, freeing us from the worries and anxieties of daily life. When we trust in God's provision, we are acknowledging His sovereignty and faithfulness. This trust allows us to live with a sense of peace and security, knowing that our needs will be met according to His perfect timing and wisdom. [08:12]
Psalm 37:25 (ESV): "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How can this memory strengthen your trust in Him for your current needs?
Day 5: Seeking God's Kingdom First
The core message is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize our relationship with God and align our lives with His will, all our needs will be met. This principle transforms our experience of life, bringing peace, rest, and provision. By seeking God's kingdom first, we are placing our trust in His ability to provide and guide us. This shift in focus helps us to live with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that our efforts are contributing to something that will last forever. [09:48]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can seek God's kingdom first in your daily life? How can you ensure that your priorities align with His will?
Quotes
1. "I remember praying and praying. And I remember there was just a huge challenge that I was feeling a huge pressure. I was feeling a struggle, you know, it was almost like anxiety and doubt just tries to grab you. You know what I'm talking about? It's like, it's like you're minding your own business and you're walking into the peace and joy of the Lord. But then all of a sudden that what if question comes up and how is this going to happen? It comes up and all of a sudden you're like, eh, what am I going to do? And I remember just standing there, God, you got to help me. You've got to talk to me. You've got to lead me. And I, and I just remember it really, it was, it really came down to, am I going to give in anxiety and fear or I'm going to trust God?" [03:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We're in this world but here's the challenge for every Christian is we're not a part of this world anymore we don't belong to this world anymore we're still here and while we're here we got work to do yes there are people who need to know that god is loving and god is gracious and god is merciful and god is kind there are people that need to hear the good news that no matter how bad their life is been no matter what they've gotten themselves involved in no matter how how dirty they become because of their sin there is a god who will cleanse them who will redeem them who will adopt them who will save them that's why we're still here because it's not god's desire that any should perish but we forget that this life we're living in now is preparation for the one to come" [08:12] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "See, if we treasure the wrong things, they lead to serving the wrong God. And when we serve the wrong God, we're driven by fear, anxiety, and lack. So what does Jesus do? Make heaven your treasure. In his righteousness, your greatest pursuit. Don't chase after that wealth that's going to pass away. Don't chase after that stuff that's demanding more. Isn't that how that goes? I mean, the more money you have, what do you got? You got to get more. Why? The proverb is funny because the proverb says that money actually grows wings and flies away. Doesn't that say you ever, you know, we might say it burns a hole in our pocket, right? But back in the day, the writer of Proverbs said, hey, he said, that money in your pocket grows wings and flies away." [13:47] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus addresses the fear and the anxiety we have about basic things we value in life, food, clothing, stuff. And there's a simple principle that's working behind this. What you pursue has an impact. On what you experience in this life. I'm going to say that again. What you pursue has a dramatic impact on how you experience this life. And when you pursue worldly wealth and earthly treasure, you'll begin to serve it. Because like I said before, I will always sprout wings and fly away. They're always going to, them brands are always going to make a new shirt, make a new style. Though really, if we're being honest, they're just borrowing styles from like the 90s and bringing it back. They're recycling stuff and you're paying for it again." [28:13] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The kingdom of God is not just for eternity in the future. The kingdom of God is available right now. Seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness will transform our experience in everyday life. We'll find peace and rest for our souls. We'll experience provision for God because God knows what you need. He will give you what you need. He will give you what you need. He wants to give it to you. So here's the thing. And this is probably the most important point. And this is, if you really look, kind of like the middle of Jesus' sermon. And most of the times when they did a thing called chiasm, they would work their way up to a middle point and down from that point. So literally, if you're, man, I'm getting too nerdy. But if you're like a literature person or, y'all remember like the ABAB kind of poems and stuff like that? Well, one of the things was called a chiasm. And what they would do is they would build upon each other and they would go to a central point. And it wasn't point number one that was the most important point. It was point number two. It was the center thing. They would work their way up to it and then draw their way back. And it would follow the same pattern of statements. That's how you know it was a pattern. But now I done lost you in the sauce. But let me bring it back. What is the point? The point is Jesus is getting to the central idea. Seek first God. Seek first his righteousness and everything you need in this life." [29:42] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The conclusion on this section on practical righteousness is really simple. It follows the same general pattern all the way through. Examine your heart, look to God and receive the reward of righteousness. This applies to how we practice our righteousness towards others, right? That generous giving, how we practically bless other people matters to God. How we practice righteousness towards God in prayer and worship and adoration. Matters how we practice righteousness towards ourselves with discipline and making sure that as we fast and as we, as we humble ourselves before God, we keep the right view so that we can experience the right things. All of these practices bring blessing to our lives and we continue these things. And we summarize these things basically in how we sow and how we serve, who we serve and what we seek. When we sow heavenly treasures and serve God only, we seek his kingdom and his righteousness. And what happens to our hearts is they get aligned heavenward they keep us in the righteousness of God because we have a tendency to drift, don't we? Practices, practicing these things produces a life with less anxiety in the face of trouble and confidence that God loves us and provides for every need." [30:56] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You know, it's kind of like this. The best example I could give you is, you know, if you take a really wealthy person and they invest their money, what do they tend to do? They tend to live off the interest, right? Wouldn't you like to have so much money sitting in the bank that you can just withdraw on the interest and never touch the original amount and still see your income multiply and multiply and multiply? I mean, some of these really rich folks, like they've, people have calculated how much they make per second. It's insane. That's how much money they got. You know, this is, this is really the Christian life. We invest in eternal things and we enjoy the interest today. We live off of it right now. We're living off of it right now. And over the course of our lives, we're living off of it right now. And over the course of our lives of faith, we'll store up for ourselves treasures in heaven as we live today with eternity in mind. So I encourage you, sow in the right things, invest in the right things, if that's a better term for you. Because what you value, your life orients around." [32:24] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And just remember, you can only serve one master. And if you don't make sure that it's God each and every day, then I promise you it's not. And your life will reveal it. And we'll see that because chapter seven starts a whole session about judgment. So y'all ready for judgment in church, but that's what Jesus is going to talk about. And then seek the right things because that keeps you going in the right direction. And when we're in the right place, guess what? The blessings just, they know where to find us. They know how to chase us down. Amen. They're pursuing us each and every day of our life. Why? Because your heavenly father loves you. He knows what you need. You don't have to stress. You don't have to worry. You don't have to be afraid. Just follow God. Just trust in God. He's got you. He knows you. He loves you. Amen." [33:50] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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