Discovering the Hidden Treasure of the Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Passionately following Jesus means embracing a life that is deeply rooted in community, growth, vulnerability, hope, restoration, and service. Real life is found in following Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. The sermon focused on Matthew 13:44, where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field. This treasure is so valuable that a man sells everything he has to buy the field. This passage teaches us about the incomparable worth of the kingdom of heaven and the joy that comes from discovering and pursuing it.
The kingdom of heaven is a hidden treasure, not in the sense of being inaccessible, but in the sense that it is not immediately obvious to everyone. It is a present treasure, available to us right now through Jesus Christ, who brought the kingdom to us. It is also a revealed treasure, made known to us by God's grace. The man in the parable serves as an example of how we should respond to this treasure: he finds it, treasures it, and seeks it with urgency, comprehensiveness, and joy.
We are all seeking some form of treasure in our lives, whether it be money, relationships, success, or happiness. However, these earthly treasures are fleeting and cannot satisfy the deep longing in our hearts. Only the kingdom of heaven offers lasting joy and fulfillment. To take hold of this treasure, we must reorient our value systems, unclutter our hearts, and seek God with all that we have. This involves investing our time, talents, and treasures in the kingdom rather than in earthly pursuits.
Paul's example in Philippians 3 shows us what it looks like to treasure the kingdom above all else. He considered everything he once valued as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This is the kind of devotion and pursuit that we are called to. The treasure of the kingdom is not something we earn; it is a gift we receive by faith. Therefore, we must press on, seeking the kingdom with urgency, comprehensiveness, and joy, knowing that in Christ, we have already been made His own.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Kingdom of Heaven is a Hidden Treasure: The kingdom is not immediately obvious to everyone, but it is available to those who seek it. This hidden nature calls us to be more formed by God's word than by the culture around us. The kingdom is the reality of God's perfect reign over and with His people, and it is a treasure worth seeking with all our hearts. [29:49]
2. The Kingdom is a Present Treasure: Jesus brought the kingdom to us, and it is available right now. We often look forward to heaven as a future reality, but Jesus teaches that the kingdom is at hand. This means that God's reign, redemption, and life-giving power are available to us today. We are invited to live in this reality now, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that come from knowing God. [34:03]
3. The Kingdom is a Revealed Treasure: Sin has blinded us to God's goodness, but Jesus came to open our eyes. The treasure of the kingdom is revealed to us by God's grace. If you are in Christ, you are blessed to know the truth and to have God's word. This revelation is a miracle and a testament to God's mercy and grace. [35:49]
4. Treasure the Treasure: To truly take hold of the kingdom, we must treasure it above all else. This involves reorienting our value systems, uncluttering our hearts, and making it a point of prayer. We must assess what we truly value and ensure that our primary ambition is to know, enjoy, and honor God. This requires intentional effort and a willingness to let go of lesser treasures. [47:39]
5. Seek the Treasure Urgently and Comprehensively: The man in the parable sought the treasure with urgency and comprehensiveness. We are called to do the same, investing our time, talents, and treasures in the kingdom. This means prioritizing God's kingdom in every aspect of our lives and seeking it with joy, knowing that it will bear fruit. Our pursuit of the kingdom is not about earning it but responding to the gift we have already received in Christ. [53:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:41] - Introduction and Personal Testimony
[24:39] - Reading of Matthew 13:44
[25:43] - The Concept of Treasure
[26:57] - The Desire for Wealth and Prosperity
[27:39] - The Real Treasure in Jesus
[29:02] - Jesus' Teachings on the Kingdom
[29:49] - The Kingdom as a Hidden Treasure
[31:16] - The Kingdom as a Present Treasure
[34:03] - The Kingdom as a Revealed Treasure
[35:49] - The Man Who Found the Treasure
[37:26] - Treasuring the Treasure
[38:59] - Seeking the Treasure Urgently
[40:26] - Seeking the Treasure Comprehensively
[41:59] - Seeking the Treasure Fruitfully
[43:25] - The Central Truth: The Kingdom is a Treasure
[46:10] - Application: Treasure the Treasure
[47:39] - Assess and Reorient Your Value System
[50:02] - Unclutter Your Heart
[52:31] - Make it a Point of Prayer
[53:06] - Application: Seek the Treasure
[55:28] - Invest in the Kingdom
[57:36] - Example of Paul in Philippians 3
[01:00:41] - Press On and Seek the Kingdom
[01:02:08] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 13:44 (ESV): "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the man in the parable do when he finds the hidden treasure? ([24:39])
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of earthly treasures people often seek? ([26:18])
3. How does the man in the parable respond to finding the treasure in terms of his actions and emotions? ([37:26])
4. What are the three characteristics of the kingdom of heaven mentioned in the sermon? ([29:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the kingdom of heaven described as a hidden treasure, and what does this imply about how we should seek it? ([29:49])
2. How does the concept of the kingdom being a present treasure change the way we live our daily lives? ([31:16])
3. What does it mean for the kingdom of heaven to be a revealed treasure, and how does this revelation impact our faith? ([34:03])
4. In what ways does Paul's example in Philippians 3 illustrate the idea of treasuring the kingdom above all else? ([57:36])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current value system. What are some earthly treasures you find yourself seeking, and how can you reorient your values to prioritize the kingdom of heaven? ([47:39])
2. The sermon mentioned uncluttering our hearts to better treasure the kingdom. What are some specific distractions or "clutter" in your life that you need to address? ([50:02])
3. How can you make seeking the kingdom of heaven a point of daily prayer? Share a specific prayer you can incorporate into your routine. ([52:31])
4. The man in the parable sought the treasure urgently and comprehensively. What steps can you take to seek the kingdom of heaven with the same urgency and comprehensiveness in your own life? ([40:26])
5. Consider the ways you invest your time, talents, and treasures. What changes can you make to ensure you are investing more in the kingdom of heaven rather than in earthly pursuits? ([53:06])
6. How can you emulate Paul's attitude in Philippians 3, counting all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ? What practical steps can you take to adopt this mindset? ([57:36])
7. Think about a specific area of your life where you have been hesitant to fully commit to seeking the kingdom. What is holding you back, and how can you overcome this hesitation? ([40:26])
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom of Heaven is a Hidden Treasure
The kingdom of heaven is not immediately obvious to everyone, but it is available to those who seek it. This hidden nature calls us to be more formed by God's word than by the culture around us. The kingdom is the reality of God's perfect reign over and with His people, and it is a treasure worth seeking with all our hearts. The man in the parable of Matthew 13:44 found a treasure hidden in a field and sold everything he had to buy that field. This illustrates the immense value of the kingdom and the lengths we should go to obtain it. The kingdom is not hidden to keep people out but to invite those who are truly seeking to find it.
The hidden nature of the kingdom means that it requires effort and intentionality to discover. It is not something that can be stumbled upon casually; it demands a deliberate and wholehearted pursuit. This pursuit involves immersing ourselves in God's word, seeking His presence in prayer, and aligning our lives with His will. As we do so, we begin to see the kingdom more clearly and experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living under God's reign. [29:49]
Matthew 13:44 (ESV): "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek the kingdom of heaven more intentionally in your daily life?
Day 2: The Kingdom is a Present Treasure
Jesus brought the kingdom to us, and it is available right now. We often look forward to heaven as a future reality, but Jesus teaches that the kingdom is at hand. This means that God's reign, redemption, and life-giving power are available to us today. We are invited to live in this reality now, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that come from knowing God. The kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality that transforms our lives here and now.
Living in the present reality of the kingdom means recognizing that God's power and presence are available to us every day. It means allowing His reign to shape our decisions, relationships, and priorities. As we embrace the kingdom's present reality, we experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. This involves trusting in God's provision, seeking His guidance, and living in obedience to His commands. By doing so, we become witnesses to the transformative power of the kingdom in our own lives and in the world around us. [34:03]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: How can you live in the reality of God's kingdom today, recognizing His presence and power in your life?
Day 3: The Kingdom is a Revealed Treasure
Sin has blinded us to God's goodness, but Jesus came to open our eyes. The treasure of the kingdom is revealed to us by God's grace. If you are in Christ, you are blessed to know the truth and to have God's word. This revelation is a miracle and a testament to God's mercy and grace. The kingdom is not something we discover on our own; it is revealed to us by God. This revelation is a gift that we receive by faith, and it transforms our understanding of what is truly valuable in life.
The revelation of the kingdom changes our perspective and priorities. It helps us see beyond the temporary and fleeting treasures of this world and recognize the eternal value of knowing God and living under His reign. This revelation is not something we can earn or achieve; it is a gift of grace that we receive with gratitude and humility. As we grow in our understanding of the kingdom, we are called to share this revelation with others, inviting them to experience the joy and fulfillment that come from knowing God. [35:49]
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (ESV): "But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."
Reflection: How has the revelation of God's kingdom changed your perspective on what is truly valuable in life?
Day 4: Treasure the Treasure
To truly take hold of the kingdom, we must treasure it above all else. This involves reorienting our value systems, uncluttering our hearts, and making it a point of prayer. We must assess what we truly value and ensure that our primary ambition is to know, enjoy, and honor God. This requires intentional effort and a willingness to let go of lesser treasures. Treasuring the kingdom means prioritizing it above all other pursuits and allowing it to shape every aspect of our lives.
Reorienting our value systems involves a deliberate and ongoing process of examining our hearts and aligning our desires with God's will. It means letting go of anything that competes with our devotion to God and seeking to honor Him in all that we do. This may involve making difficult choices and sacrifices, but the reward is a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with God. As we treasure the kingdom, we experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living in alignment with God's purposes. [47:39]
Matthew 6:19-21 (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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What are some lesser treasures in your life that you need to let go of in order to fully treasure the kingdom of heaven?
Day 5: Seek the Treasure Urgently and Comprehensively
The man in the parable sought the treasure with urgency and comprehensiveness. We are called to do the same, investing our time, talents, and treasures in the kingdom. This means prioritizing God's kingdom in every aspect of our lives and seeking it with joy, knowing that it will bear fruit. Our pursuit of the kingdom is not about earning it but responding to the gift we have already received in Christ. Seeking the kingdom urgently and comprehensively involves a wholehearted and joyful pursuit of God's purposes.
This pursuit requires intentionality and dedication. It means making the kingdom our top priority and allowing it to shape our decisions, relationships, and actions. It involves investing our resources in ways that advance God's kingdom and bring glory to Him. As we seek the kingdom with urgency and comprehensiveness, we experience the abundant life that Jesus promised and become instruments of His grace and love in the world. [53:06]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: How can you prioritize seeking God's kingdom in every aspect of your life today, and what steps can you take to invest your time, talents, and treasures in ways that advance His purposes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We all want to have some kind of wealth. For many of us, it's money, right? We just, we want to be rich. For many of us, it's relationships. I want to be surrounded by people who bring life and who make me feel good and who I esteem is valuable. For some of us, it's success in our job or in our personal lives. For others, it's just happiness. But all of us want to prosper in some way. All of us want to have plenty. All of us want pleasure and joy to the fullest possible measure. And here's the deal. That's not a bad thing. That's how God made us." [26:18](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There is a treasure for us in Jesus Christ, amen? There is an invitation and a call to seek it and by God's grace, there is a promise that all who seek it will never seek in vain, will never be put to shame and they will gain the one thing, that will never lose its worth. That's what God is offering us today in Jesus." [28:19](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. This is the word of the Lord. Amen. Okay, so this passage is all about treasure. More specifically, it's about buried treasure." [24:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of heaven is the reality of God's perfect reign over and with his people. The kingdom of heaven is the reality that God is, he's God over everything. He's the king, but he's not just that. He's also the God who is with and for his people. The Bible isn't just the story of God. It's the story of God with us." [31:16](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want the life that the gospel holds, you need more than awareness. The man doesn't just see the treasure. You know what he does? He apprehends the treasure. How does he do that? First, he treasures it. He treasures the treasure. You know how I know he treasures it? Why else would he have hid it? The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Why did he hide it? Because he knows this thing is so valuable. If anybody else finds it, I'm going to lose it." [38:59](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The kingdom of heaven is a hidden and a present treasure, and it is also the revealed treasure, right? It's like a treasure hidden in a field which a man found. The treasure doesn't stay hidden. This is obvious, but it's super important because in it, we see God's grace. One of the universal effects of sin that the Bible talks about over and over again is the blindness to God's goodness and glory that sin has caused. The Bible says that because of sin, no one seeks after God. Because of sin, all have gone astray. What that means is that even if there is a treasure, because of sin, I can't find it. Then comes Jesus." [34:03](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you want to treasure the kingdom, you must not live with the voice of this world constantly pumping into you. It will clutter your heart. I promise you it will. Podcasts, music, YouTube, Netflix. I think sometimes we focus on the world, we don't focus too much on like, is what I'm watching explicitly bad? Like how much can I get away with on that line of bad to not bad? Look, some of us need to ask that question. But we also need to ask what is the collective effect of habits which constantly leave me without time to reflect, time to pray, time to meditate, time to deal with what's going inside of me and rather are filling my head and my heart with fading things." [51:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you are in Christ, the treasure of the gospel is this, not that you can make Christ your own, but that Christ has made you his own. The call to invest yourself in the kingdom is not a demand that you must meet in order to be saved. It's an invitation to apply, to enjoy, to walk in what you've received. So in your life, please press on. There is more for you and I. When it comes to laying aside the things of this world and seeking the kingdom of God, press on. Keep that prize in front of your eyes, always." [01:00:41](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. And in his joy, he goes and he sells all that he has and buys the field. How can we summarize all of this into one central truth? Here it is. The kingdom is a treasure. Take hold of it. The kingdom is a treasure. Take hold of it. I don't know where most of you are at today because I don't interface with y'all regularly. I don't know if you're really feeling this reality or if you really need a reminder or if you're totally unsure that this is true, but here's what God's word is telling you and me. The treasure. The treasure of treasures is knowing and submitting to and enjoying fellowship with the God of heaven through his son, by his spirit, forever and ever." [43:25](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want to grow in treasuring the kingdom, make it a point of prayer. I love this one because it tells me that God is not alone. It takes all the pressure off me. You guys, God can change our hearts. If you're here today and you are in Christ or even if you haven't followed him yet, but you say, man, I want to treasure the gospel. I want to believe that Jesus is supremely worthy, but sometimes I just don't feel that. Ask God, Lord, as I try to do this, as I try to unclutter my heart and reorient my values, please help me to see you rightly. I pray that prayer like every day. Lord, help me see you rightly. Help me love you rightly." [52:31](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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