Investing in Eternal Treasures: A God-First Life
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored a profound section of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on three key principles that Jesus teaches us. First, our hearts can be drawn to earthly treasures, but Jesus encourages us to live for heavenly treasures. Earthly treasures are temporary and can be destroyed or stolen, whereas heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. Jesus is not against treasures; He simply wants us to invest in what truly lasts.
Second, Jesus speaks about the importance of having a healthy eye, which He equates to a generous eye. A healthy eye provides light to the whole body, symbolizing a life filled with generosity and goodness. Conversely, an unhealthy eye fills the body with darkness, representing selfishness and greed. Our vision and desires determine the direction of our lives, and Jesus calls us to fix our eyes on Him, the ultimate source of light and life.
Third, Jesus makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and money. We must choose where our loyalty lies. Money can be a useful servant but a terrible master. Jesus invites us to put our trust in God rather than in wealth, emphasizing that our relationship with money reveals the priorities and values of our hearts.
Jesus' teachings are not about following a set of rules but about transforming our hearts to align with God's will. He gives us the freedom to choose, just as He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Our choices reveal our true desires and ultimately determine whether we are pursuing life or death, earthly or heavenly treasures.
In practical terms, living a God-first life means putting God at the center of every area, including our finances. This involves recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and honoring Him with our first fruits. By doing so, we break any stronghold that money might have over us and experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. Heavenly vs. Earthly Treasures: Jesus teaches us to invest in heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones. Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable to decay and theft, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. This principle encourages us to focus on what truly matters and has lasting value. [02:58]
2. The Healthy Eye: A healthy eye symbolizes a generous and pure heart, providing light to the whole body. In contrast, an unhealthy eye represents selfishness and darkness. Our vision and desires shape the direction of our lives, and Jesus calls us to fix our eyes on Him, the ultimate source of light and life. [13:37]
3. Serving God vs. Money: Jesus makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and money. We must choose where our loyalty lies. Money can be a useful servant but a terrible master. By putting our trust in God rather than wealth, we align our hearts with His priorities and values. [23:21]
4. Freedom to Choose: Just as Adam and Eve had the freedom to choose in the Garden of Eden, we too have the freedom to choose between earthly and heavenly treasures. Our choices reveal our true desires and ultimately determine whether we are pursuing life or death. [06:28]
5. Living a God-First Life: Putting God first in every area of our lives, including our finances, is essential. This involves recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and honoring Him with our first fruits. By doing so, we break any stronghold that money might have over us and experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises. [27:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
[02:09] - Jesus is After Our Hearts
[02:58] - Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasures
[04:27] - The Best Investment Advice
[05:46] - The Choice Between Life and Death
[07:17] - Treasuring the Right Thing
[08:51] - Money and Possessions Reveal Our Priorities
[10:05] - Enjoying Earthly Things vs. Pursuing Kingdom Things
[13:37] - The Healthy Eye and Vision
[15:18] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[17:51] - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body
[19:21] - Generosity and True Light
[23:21] - Serving God vs. Money
[27:01] - Living a God-First Life
[29:19] - Honoring God with First Fruits
[33:13] - Kingdom Principles and Trusting God
[34:42] - Breaking the Stronghold of Money
[36:14] - Generosity and Spiritual Growth
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:19-24 (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. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
2. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
> "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about storing up treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven? (Matthew 6:19-20)
2. How does Jesus describe the eye in relation to the body, and what does a healthy eye symbolize? (Matthew 6:22-23)
3. According to the sermon, what choice do we have to make regarding serving God and money? [23:21]
4. What does Hebrews 12:1-2 encourage us to do with our eyes and our focus?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of where we store our treasures? How does this reflect our heart's priorities? (Matthew 6:19-21)
2. In what ways can having a "healthy eye" impact our overall life and actions? How does this relate to generosity? (Matthew 6:22-23, [13:37])
3. What does it mean to serve God versus serving money? How can this choice affect our daily lives and decisions? (Matthew 6:24, [23:21])
4. How does fixing our eyes on Jesus, as described in Hebrews 12:1-2, help us in our spiritual journey and daily challenges?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there any "earthly treasures" that you are holding onto that might be hindering your relationship with God? How can you shift your focus to "heavenly treasures"? [02:58]
2. Think about your daily actions and decisions. How can you cultivate a "healthy eye" that is generous and filled with light? What specific steps can you take this week to practice generosity? [13:37]
3. Consider your relationship with money. Are there areas where you might be serving money instead of God? What practical changes can you make to ensure that God is your master, not money? [23:21]
4. Hebrews 12:1-2 talks about fixing our eyes on Jesus. Identify one distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What can you do this week to minimize that distraction and keep your eyes on Him?
5. Jesus gives us the freedom to choose between life and death, earthly and heavenly treasures. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did it align more with earthly or heavenly values? How can you make more God-centered choices in the future? [06:28]
6. How can you honor God with your finances? Consider the principle of first fruits mentioned in the sermon. What steps can you take to put God first in your financial decisions? [27:01]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of living a God-first life. What is one area of your life where you struggle to put God first? How can you work on prioritizing God in that area this week? [27:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Investing in Eternal Treasures
Jesus teaches us to invest in heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones. Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable to decay and theft, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. This principle encourages us to focus on what truly matters and has lasting value. Earthly possessions can be lost, stolen, or destroyed, but the treasures we store in heaven are imperishable. By prioritizing heavenly treasures, we align our lives with God's eternal purposes and find true fulfillment.
Jesus is not against having treasures; He simply wants us to invest in what truly lasts. When we focus on accumulating wealth and possessions, we risk losing sight of what is truly important. Instead, Jesus calls us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing the things that have lasting significance. This shift in focus helps us to live more purposefully and to invest our time, energy, and resources in ways that honor God and benefit others. [02:58]
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 is one earthly treasure you find yourself clinging to? How can you begin to shift your focus towards investing in heavenly treasures today?
Day 2: The Light of a Generous Heart
A healthy eye symbolizes a generous and pure heart, providing light to the whole body. In contrast, an unhealthy eye represents selfishness and darkness. Our vision and desires shape the direction of our lives, and Jesus calls us to fix our eyes on Him, the ultimate source of light and life. When our hearts are filled with generosity and goodness, it illuminates our entire being and influences our actions and decisions.
Conversely, when our hearts are consumed by selfishness and greed, it leads to darkness and a distorted perspective on life. Jesus emphasizes the importance of having a healthy eye, which means having a heart that is aligned with God's values and purposes. By cultivating a generous and pure heart, we allow God's light to shine through us, impacting not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. [13:37]
Proverbs 22:9 (ESV): "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a more generous heart this week? How can you let God's light shine through your actions and decisions?
Day 3: Choosing Between God and Money
Jesus makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and money. We must choose where our loyalty lies. Money can be a useful servant but a terrible master. By putting our trust in God rather than wealth, we align our hearts with His priorities and values. Our relationship with money reveals the priorities and values of our hearts, and Jesus invites us to trust in God's provision rather than relying on material wealth.
When we serve money, it can lead to anxiety, greed, and a constant pursuit of more. However, when we serve God, we find peace, contentment, and a sense of purpose. Jesus calls us to make a deliberate choice to prioritize our relationship with God over the pursuit of wealth. This choice reflects our trust in God's faithfulness and our commitment to living according to His principles. [23:21]
1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV): "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with money. Are there areas where you find yourself serving money rather than God? How can you begin to shift your loyalty towards God today?
Day 4: The Freedom to Choose
Just as Adam and Eve had the freedom to choose in the Garden of Eden, we too have the freedom to choose between earthly and heavenly treasures. Our choices reveal our true desires and ultimately determine whether we are pursuing life or death. Jesus gives us the freedom to choose, and our decisions reflect the condition of our hearts and our commitment to His teachings.
The choices we make each day, whether big or small, have a significant impact on our spiritual journey. By choosing to prioritize heavenly treasures and align our lives with God's will, we demonstrate our desire to pursue life and eternal significance. This freedom to choose is a gift from God, and it calls us to be intentional in our decisions, seeking to honor Him in all that we do. [06:28]
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days."
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. Did it reflect a pursuit of earthly or heavenly treasures? How can you make more intentional choices that align with God's will?
Day 5: Living a God-First Life
Putting God first in every area of our lives, including our finances, is essential. This involves recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and honoring Him with our first fruits. By doing so, we break any stronghold that money might have over us and experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises. Living a God-first life means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and seeking to honor Him in all aspects of our lives.
When we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God, it changes our perspective on possessions and wealth. We become stewards of God's resources, using them to further His kingdom and bless others. This mindset shift helps us to live with greater purpose and fulfillment, knowing that we are contributing to something eternal. By putting God first, we experience the abundant life that Jesus offers and find true contentment in Him. [27:01]
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Reflection: In what ways can you honor God with your finances and resources? How can you begin to live a God-first life in practical terms today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus is not after a bunch of rules that you and I need to follow, he's not about you and I being religious people. He's after our heart, and he's going to speak directly to our heart. He wants you and I to have a heart that connects with him, that's in relationship with him, that loves him." [02:09] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is saying, I want to help you, so let me give you some investment advice. Make sure you put your treasures in the right place. We will actually benefit more by storing up treasures in heaven than by storing up treasures on earth." [05:05] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Fix your eyes on Jesus. Let's let him be the direction that we're just going towards in life. Jesus, I'm going after you. You are all that I want." [15:18] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You and I were created to have relationship with our creator, the one who loves us, and then to serve him, follow him, worship him, walk with him, put him first in every area of our life." [27:01] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus has given everything. So what do I do? I want to give everything back to him. I want to, Jesus, man, you've given your life for me. I give my life to you. I want to live. I want to live for you and put you first in my life. It's the God first life." [28:48] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "How we relate to money and possession, it reveals our priorities, and it reveals our values. God's not out to get your money. He's not out to get your possessions. He just wants to make sure those things don't get you." [08:51] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is saying, we need to have a true light, a pure light, a genuine light. That's what healthy is. It's pure. It's genuine. It's sincere. That's the call. That's the kind of light that would come out of our life, but it starts with our heart." [22:27] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You and I can put our trust or confidence in God, or we can put our trust or confidence in our wealth. We have a choice again. This is the choice we have." [24:19] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Money, it makes a great servant, but a terrible master. And we can serve money. Jesus is speaking to it. We've all probably found ourselves being there, right? It's a terrible master. Now, again, this is a hard issue, right? It's not about how much money I have, or don't have, or want to have, or used to have. It's not about that. Wherever I'm at, it's still about my heart." [25:58] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Every time I give, I am breaking any stronghold that money could ever have on my life. There's something supernatural that happens as I worship God through giving, friends, that you cannot explain. But if you struggle with money and possessions, you begin to give, become generous. Say, God, help me. I need your grace in this area. You watch that bond to be broken over your life and you will no longer be enslaved to money." [34:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?