Embracing the Treasure of God's Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God Has Come Near—Repent and Believe

Jesus announced that the time had come and the kingdom of God had drawn near, calling all to respond by repenting and believing the good news. This is not just a distant hope but a present reality: God’s reign is breaking into our world through Jesus, inviting us to turn from our old ways and trust in Him. The arrival of God’s kingdom means restoration, healing, and transformation for all who receive it, and it demands a personal response—will you turn from your own path and embrace the life Jesus offers? The urgency of this invitation is clear: the time is now, and God’s kingdom is available to you today. [43:47]

Mark 1:15 (ESV)
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God inviting you to turn away from your old ways and trust Him more fully today?

Day 2: The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like Treasure—Its Value Surpasses All

Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field, so valuable that a man joyfully sold everything he owned to obtain it. The story reminds us that God’s kingdom is of incomparable worth—far beyond anything else we might possess or pursue. When you truly see the value of life with God, everything else pales in comparison, and you are moved to reorder your priorities and desires around this one great treasure. The joy that comes from finding God’s kingdom is not forced or reluctant; it is a natural overflow of recognizing its surpassing value. [55:45]

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 is one “treasure” or priority in your life that you sense God asking you to hold more loosely so you can pursue Him more wholeheartedly?

Day 3: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also

Jesus taught that our hearts follow our treasures, urging us not to store up earthly wealth that fades, but to invest in heavenly treasure that endures. The things we value most shape our desires, decisions, and direction in life. If God and His kingdom are truly your treasure, it will be evident in your choices, your generosity, and your daily focus. Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable, but the treasure of knowing Christ and living for His kingdom is secure and eternal. [01:15:44]

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 is one practical way you can invest in “treasure in heaven” today—through your time, resources, or relationships?

Day 4: The Transforming Power of God’s Kingdom in Everyday Life

When God’s kingdom comes near, it brings real transformation—lives are changed, families are healed, communities are renewed, and even nations can be transformed. The gospel is not just a message to believe but a power that brings light into darkness and hope into brokenness. Every time someone places their faith in Jesus, every act of reconciliation, every step toward freedom and healing, is evidence of God’s kingdom at work. You are invited to participate in this movement, allowing God’s Spirit to bring change in and through you. [47:37]

Romans 14:17 (ESV)
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection: Where do you see God’s transforming work in your life or community, and how can you join Him in bringing His kingdom to others today?

Day 5: Letting Go of Lesser Treasures to Embrace the Greatest Treasure

We all have “little treasures” or trinkets—things we value, pursue, or cling to—that can distract us from the surpassing worth of God’s kingdom. Jesus calls us to examine what we are holding onto and to be willing to let go of anything that keeps us from fully embracing Him as our greatest treasure. When God is your treasure, your priorities shift, your relationships deepen, and your life is reoriented around what truly matters. The invitation is to sell all—figuratively or literally—so that nothing stands in the way of knowing and loving Christ above all. [01:14:00]

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. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”

Reflection: What “little treasures” or distractions might you need to surrender today so that Jesus can truly be your greatest treasure?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered to seek God’s presence, to pray for our church’s leaders, and to remember that God is faithful and near to us. As we offered our lives, our struggles, and our joys to Him, we also lifted up our board members, asking for wisdom and guidance as they serve. We were reminded that our worship extends beyond singing and praying—it includes our giving, both in regular tithes and in special offerings like our “one dollar offering” for Love Life of Charlotte. This act of generosity is a tangible way to join in God’s mission, teaching even our children the value of giving and partnering with organizations that embody Christ’s compassion for families, mothers, and children.

Turning to the heart of the morning, we explored what it means for the gospel—the good news of Jesus—to intersect with our everyday lives. Jesus Himself defined the gospel as the arrival of God’s kingdom: “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” This is not just a message to be heard, but a reality to be entered into—a kingdom that transforms individuals, families, communities, and even nations. The story of England’s revival contrasted with France’s revolution illustrates how the gospel’s power can reshape the destiny of an entire people.

Jesus described this kingdom as a treasure hidden in a field, so valuable that a man joyfully sells everything he owns to possess it. The parable challenges us to consider: Is God’s kingdom truly our treasure? Do we see its worth, or are we blind to it, distracted by lesser treasures? The value of God’s kingdom does not depend on our recognition; it is inherently priceless. Yet, when we truly see it, joy and radical reprioritization follow. Our lives will bear the signs—God becomes our priority, His word our sustenance, His people our family, and His will our desire.

We are invited to examine what “trinkets” or lesser treasures we cling to, and to let them go for the sake of the one true treasure. Jesus’ words remind us: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” May we find our greatest joy and purpose in making God and His kingdom our treasure, knowing that everything else pales in comparison.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Kingdom Is Near and Demands a Response Jesus announced that the kingdom of God has come near and calls us to respond by repenting and believing. This is not a passive message; it’s an invitation to turn from our own ways and embrace the reality of God’s reign in our lives. The urgency of Jesus’ words reminds us that the time to respond is now, not someday in the future. The kingdom’s nearness is both a comfort and a call to action. [43:47]
2. The Gospel Transforms More Than Individuals When God’s kingdom is established, it brings transformation at every level—personal, familial, communal, and even national. The revival in England, which led to the abolition of the slave trade, shows that the gospel’s reach is not limited to private spirituality but extends to societal renewal. True gospel impact is seen when lives are changed, relationships are healed, and justice prevails. The kingdom’s power is both spiritual and practical, moving us from darkness into light. [48:45]
3. The Incomparable Value of God’s Kingdom Jesus likened the kingdom to a hidden treasure, emphasizing its surpassing worth. The parable challenges us to consider whether we truly see God’s kingdom as our greatest treasure, or if we are distracted by lesser things. The value of the kingdom is not diminished by our blindness; it remains priceless whether we recognize it or not. The tragedy is not in the treasure’s absence, but in our failure to see and seek it. [55:45]
4. Joyful Sacrifice Flows from True Treasure When the man in the parable found the treasure, he joyfully sold all he had to obtain it. This joy-driven sacrifice is the mark of someone who has truly seen the worth of God’s kingdom. Our priorities, resources, and affections are reordered when Jesus becomes our treasure. The signs of this transformation are visible in our lives—what we pursue, how we give, and where we invest our hearts. [69:15]
5. Letting Go of Lesser Treasures We all have “little trinkets”—lesser treasures that compete for our devotion and attention. Jesus calls us to let go of these, not because they have no value, but because they cannot compare to the treasure of His kingdom. The process of releasing these idols is ongoing, requiring honesty, courage, and grace. As we do, we discover that in losing lesser things, we gain the joy and fullness of life that only God can give. [74:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Opening Prayer and Board Member Blessing
[07:00] - Congregational Prayer and Reflection
[13:00] - Offering and Generosity in Worship
[17:30] - Introduction to the One Dollar Offering
[21:00] - Love Life of Charlotte: Mission and Partnership
[27:00] - Video Testimony: Love Life’s Impact
[32:00] - Praying for Love Life and Our Community
[36:00] - The Gospel in Life: Series Introduction
[40:48] - The Billion Dollar Scenario: What Would You Do?
[42:57] - Defining the Gospel: Jesus’ Own Words
[45:23] - The Kingdom Has Come: Urgency and Restoration
[48:45] - The Power of the Gospel: England’s Transformation
[53:58] - The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
[55:45] - The Value of Treasure: Stories and Reflections
[58:52] - Finding and Securing the True Treasure
[65:14] - Is God’s Kingdom Treasure to You?
[69:15] - Joyful Sacrifice and Signs of True Treasure
[74:00] - Letting Go of Lesser Treasures
[75:44] - Where Your Treasure Is: Jesus’ Final Word
[77:31] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 1:15 — “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”

Matthew 13:44 — “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

Matthew 6:19-21 — “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.”

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in Mark 1:15, what two actions does he call people to take in response to the arrival of God’s kingdom?
In the parable from Matthew 13:44, what does the man do after finding the hidden treasure, and what emotion motivates his actions?
What are some of the “signs” mentioned in the sermon that show when God’s kingdom is truly someone’s treasure?
In Matthew 6:19-21, what contrast does Jesus make between earthly and heavenly treasures?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus describes the kingdom of God as a hidden treasure rather than something obvious and visible? What does this say about how people might respond to it?
The man in the parable sells everything he owns to gain the treasure. What does this radical action suggest about the value of God’s kingdom compared to other things in life?
The sermon mentioned that the gospel transforms not just individuals, but families, communities, and even nations. How does this broader impact challenge the idea that faith is only a private or personal matter?
Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How does this statement help us evaluate what we truly value?

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to consider what “trinkets” or lesser treasures we might be holding onto. What are some specific things in your life that compete for your attention and devotion, and how might you begin to let them go?
When the man in the parable found the treasure, he responded with joy and a willingness to give up everything else. Is there an area of your life where you sense God inviting you to a joyful sacrifice? What would it look like to say “yes” to that?
The sermon described practical “signs” that God’s kingdom is our treasure—like making God our priority, valuing his word, and loving his people. Which of these signs is most visible in your life right now, and which one do you want to grow in?
Jesus’ call to “repent and believe” is urgent and not just for someday in the future. Is there a step of faith or obedience you’ve been putting off? What would it look like to respond today?
The story of England’s revival showed how the gospel can bring about real change in society. Is there a need in your community or city where you feel God’s kingdom could make a difference? How might you or your group join in God’s mission there?
The “one dollar offering” was described as a way to teach generosity and partner with God’s work. What is one practical way you can practice generosity this week—either with your resources, time, or encouragement?
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If someone looked at your calendar, your spending, and your conversations, what would they say is your treasure? Is there anything you want to change about that?

Sermon Clips

Jesus has one more word for us about treasures in a different place in Matthew reading from Matthew 6 and we'll close with this Jesus says 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 treasure 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 [01:15:44] (46 seconds) Edit Clip

Because however valuable all these other things were to him, they did not compare to the incredible value of this treasure. And Jesus is telling us, look, God's kingdom is far more valuable than anything else in your life. Combine it all together. It still falls short. The gospel good news is far beyond what you can imagine. And if you understood this, you would sell everything you had just to secure it. Just to make sure you could have it. [01:10:30] (40 seconds) Edit Clip

See, when Jesus is your treasure, you will know joy as you follow him. Is Jesus your treasure or is he your boss? Is Jesus your joy? Or is he something else? [01:09:15] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

So one question for us is man what what little trinkets in our lives are we holding on to that are keeping us from experiencing God's kingdom as treasure man sell them all sell them all sell it all and secure the treasure God has for you because they're not worth it that doesn't mean they're not valuable of course they are but they're not the one true treasure the one treasure that's above all others [01:14:10] (42 seconds) Edit Clip

Now, by establishing his kingdom on earth, we talked about this a couple of weeks ago, what God is doing when we say he's establishing his kingdom, what he's doing through Jesus is to restore all of his creation back to its original beauty and perfection and purpose. And guess who is a part of that, of God's creation? You and me. [00:45:54] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

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