Aligning Our Treasures: God, Relationships, and Purpose

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we are inherently treasuring creatures. We are drawn to things, people, and experiences that hold value in our hearts. This is a fundamental aspect of our humanity, yet it often leads to disordered treasuring, where we place undue importance on things that may not truly matter. The story of the man with the withered hand, who was healed by Jesus, serves as a reminder that grace comes to us in our inadequacies. We must recognize that while we cannot do everything, God can, and we should let Him guide us.

Treasuring is deeply connected to our sense of identity and purpose. It is about having a kingdom, a realm where our will is effective and where we count. Jesus teaches us to treasure God and His realm above all else, as this is the essence of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When we treasure God, we align our lives with His purposes, finding wisdom, safety, and fulfillment.

Our treasures are not limited to material possessions. They include our relationships, reputation, and even our sense of security. The story of Mr. Stevens and Miss Kenton from "Remains of the Day" illustrates how our treasures reveal our vulnerabilities and the deep pain that can come from exposing them. Respecting each other's treasures is crucial, as it honors the dignity and spirit of each person.

Intimacy between individuals is built on mutual knowledge of each other's treasures. Parents, in particular, must respect the treasure space of their children, as it lies at the core of their being. The story of John Samuel and his beloved Sleepy Dog highlights the importance of honoring these seemingly insignificant treasures, as they hold deep emotional significance.

Ultimately, we must discern between noble, gratuitous, and disordered treasures. Noble treasures, like treasuring God, are worth our devotion. Gratuitous treasures, such as sentimental objects, enrich our lives. However, disordered treasures, like an excessive attachment to money or reputation, can lead us astray. By letting go of these disordered attachments, we find freedom and peace.

Key Takeaways:

- Treasure God Above All: Our primary treasure should be God and His kingdom. By making God our ultimate treasure, we align our lives with His purposes, finding true wisdom and fulfillment. This alignment allows us to treasure our neighbors rightly, as God treasures them. [03:05]

- Respect Others' Treasures: Intimacy and respect in relationships are built on understanding and honoring each other's treasures. This respect is crucial for maintaining the dignity and spirit of individuals, especially in parent-child relationships. [05:52]

- Discern Your Treasures: We must distinguish between noble, gratuitous, and disordered treasures. Noble treasures, like God, deserve our devotion, while gratuitous treasures enrich our lives. Disordered treasures, such as excessive attachment to material wealth, can lead us astray. [07:58]

- Let Go of Disordered Attachments: Releasing our grip on disordered treasures, like reputation or ego, brings freedom and peace. This process often requires intentional effort and sometimes external circumstances to force us to let go. [08:44]

- Treasure People: People are treasures because God treasures them. We must cherish our relationships, as the opportunity to treasure others is fleeting. Express love and care for those around you while you have the chance. [10:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - The Fellowship of the Withered Hand
- [00:45] - Disordered Treasures
- [01:01] - Treasuring Objects
- [01:32] - The Divine Conspiracy
- [02:03] - Protecting Our Treasures
- [02:49] - Treasuring God
- [03:23] - Human Condition and Treasures
- [03:58] - Vulnerability and Treasures
- [05:38] - Intimacy and Treasures
- [06:16] - Childhood Treasures
- [07:10] - Treasures in Adversity
- [07:44] - The Soul and Treasures
- [08:13] - Categories of Treasures
- [09:01] - Treasuring Life and Letting Go
- [10:07] - Treasuring God and People
- [11:11] - Closing and Resources

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) - "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
2. Mark 3:1-5 (NIV) - The story of the man with the withered hand, healed by Jesus.
3. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

Observation Questions:
1. In the story of the man with the withered hand, what was the one thing Jesus asked him to do, and how did grace manifest in this situation? [00:31]
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of "disordered treasures" that people might cling to? [00:45]
3. How does the sermon describe the connection between treasuring and our sense of identity and purpose? [01:45]
4. What role does mutual knowledge of each other's treasures play in building intimacy, according to the sermon? [05:38]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of treasuring God above all else relate to the commandment in Deuteronomy 6:5? What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength in practical terms? [03:05]
2. The sermon mentions the story of Mr. Stevens and Miss Kenton from "Remains of the Day." How does this story illustrate the vulnerability associated with our treasures? [03:58]
3. What might be the consequences of failing to respect the treasure space of children, as discussed in the sermon? [06:03]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can find freedom and peace by letting go of disordered attachments? [08:44]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some treasures you hold that might be considered disordered? How can you begin to let go of these attachments this week? [08:44]
2. Consider your relationships: How can you show respect for the treasures of those closest to you, especially in your family or close friendships? [05:52]
3. Think about your spiritual life: In what ways can you actively treasure God more in your daily routine? What specific actions can you take to align your life with His purposes? [03:05]
4. Identify a "gratuitous treasure" in your life, such as a sentimental object. How does this treasure enrich your life, and how can you use it to connect with others? [08:13]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt vulnerable because of something you treasured. How did you handle that situation, and what did you learn from it? [03:58]
6. How can you intentionally treasure the people in your life this week? Consider reaching out to someone you haven't connected with in a while. [10:25]
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your treasures align with your values and faith? How can you involve God in this process? [09:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Treasuring God as Our Ultimate Priority
When we make God our ultimate treasure, we align our lives with His purposes, finding true wisdom and fulfillment. This alignment allows us to treasure our neighbors rightly, as God treasures them. Treasuring God above all else is not just about prioritizing Him in our thoughts but also in our actions and decisions. It means seeking His kingdom first and trusting that everything else will fall into place. By doing so, we find a deeper sense of purpose and direction in life, as our values and actions reflect His love and grace. [03:05]

Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to prioritize God in your daily routine, ensuring that His kingdom is your ultimate treasure?


Day 2: Honoring the Treasures of Others
Intimacy and respect in relationships are built on understanding and honoring each other's treasures. This respect is crucial for maintaining the dignity and spirit of individuals, especially in parent-child relationships. When we take the time to understand what others hold dear, we show them that they are valued and loved. This understanding fosters deeper connections and strengthens the bonds we share with others. By respecting the treasures of those around us, we create an environment of trust and mutual appreciation. [05:52]

Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where you can better honor the other person's treasures. What specific action can you take today to show them respect and appreciation?


Day 3: Distinguishing Between Different Types of Treasures
We must distinguish between noble, gratuitous, and disordered treasures. Noble treasures, like God, deserve our devotion, while gratuitous treasures enrich our lives. Disordered treasures, such as excessive attachment to material wealth, can lead us astray. By identifying and categorizing our treasures, we can better understand their impact on our lives and make conscious choices about where to invest our time and energy. This discernment helps us focus on what truly matters and avoid the pitfalls of misplaced priorities. [07:58]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities. Are there any disordered treasures that you need to let go of to focus on what truly matters? What steps can you take to realign your priorities today?


Day 4: Finding Freedom in Letting Go
Releasing our grip on disordered treasures, like reputation or ego, brings freedom and peace. This process often requires intentional effort and sometimes external circumstances to force us to let go. By surrendering these attachments, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace and experience a deeper sense of peace and contentment. Letting go is not about losing something valuable but about gaining the freedom to live authentically and purposefully. [08:44]

Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV): "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

Reflection: Identify one disordered attachment in your life. How can you begin the process of letting go, and what freedom might you experience as a result?


Day 5: Cherishing People as God's Treasures
People are treasures because God treasures them. We must cherish our relationships, as the opportunity to treasure others is fleeting. Express love and care for those around you while you have the chance. Recognizing the inherent value in each person allows us to build meaningful connections and reflect God's love in our interactions. By treasuring people, we honor God's creation and participate in His work of love and redemption in the world. [10:25]

1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to feel treasured today? What specific action can you take to show them that they are valued and loved?

Quotes


Grace came to him and so it is with us I can't God can I think I'll let him and the Deep part of the truth of Our Lives is our hearts get wrapped around Treasures a basic human problem is disordered Treasures we cannot stop ourselves from treasuring. [00:37:12]

Jesus teaches us about our Treasures Treasures of things we try to keep because of a value we place upon them they may be of no value whatsoever in themselves nevertheless we treat take great pains to protect such things we are said to treasure them. [01:18:74]

The most important commandment of the judeo-christian tradition is to treasure god and treasure God's realm more than anything else that's what it is to love God with all your heart soul mind and strength it is to make you God my treasure. [02:09:68]

Everyone has Treasures this is an essential part of what it is to be human to have nothing that one Treasures is to be in a non-human condition and nothing degrades people more than to scorn or destroy or deprive them of their Treasures. [03:26:22]

A main part of intimacy between two persons is precisely Mutual knowledge of their Treasures Treasures are directly connected to our spirit or our will and thus to our dignity as persons it is for example very important for parents to respect the treasure space of children. [05:41:46]

We reveal what our Treasures are by what we try to protect secure and keep sometimes our Treasures are totally worthless to other people sometimes they are not that of course is the case with money wealth material Goods. [07:10:28]

There are noble Treasures to treasure God above all because God is worth treasuring and then there are gratuitous Treasures to wrap my heart around um sleepy dogs some object or a song something that doesn't have great intrinsic value but it becomes an object of my heart's desire. [07:58:00]

One of the things that I've had to learn is to let go of treasuring my reputation and then doing that in many ways that was kind of forced by a situation there was a great Freedom that comes on the other side of ceasing to treasure a disordered attachment. [08:36:59]

Treasure your life treasure each moment treasure a meal that you have with a friend treasure a piece of music that you love treasure the sky or a tree or what it is that God has created. [08:58:20]

Treasure God I can seek to direct my treasuring onto what is worth it God above all God thank you that you made me and that you love me and that you're with me and that you guide me and that Jesus is my friend who gave his life for me. [09:53:76]

Treasure people because God treasure Treasures people God Treasures us because we were treasured by Jesus and it is the case with every person that the day will come when I will no longer be able to treasure them. [10:23:16]

While it's here tell them love them reach out to for to them touch them care for them treasure people have second thoughts about today's treasure. [10:47:39]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?