Investing in Eternal Treasures: Focus on God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of where our true treasure lies. Jesus, in His final words to His disciples, emphasized the power and authority given to Him and commissioned them to go forth and teach all nations. This call to action is rooted in the understanding that Jesus possesses all power in heaven and earth, and He promises to be with us always. This assurance should embolden us to focus on the mission He has given us, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
We also delved into the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught His disciples about the values of the Kingdom of God. This teaching was not for the casual observer but for those willing to climb the mountain, to seek diligently, and to separate themselves from the crowd. Revelation and understanding come to those who earnestly seek God, and this requires focus and intentionality.
The discussion then shifted to the concept of treasure. Jesus taught that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. This is not merely about physical wealth but about what we truly value. True treasure is not something that thieves can steal; it is the righteousness, peace, and joy that come from a relationship with God. Money, while necessary, is merely a tool and should not be the focus of our lives. Instead, we should seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met.
The message challenges us to examine our focus and priorities. Are we distracted by the pursuit of material wealth, or are we investing in the eternal treasures of God's Kingdom? Our relationships, our faith, and our obedience to God's principles are the true treasures that will last. As we enter the Christmas season, let us remember that the greatest gift we can give is our time and love, reflecting the heart of God in all we do.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' final words to His disciples emphasize His authority and the mission to teach all nations, assuring us of His constant presence. This should inspire us to focus on our mission with confidence, knowing He is with us always. [00:58]
- The Sermon on the Mount teaches us that revelation comes to those who diligently seek God. It requires us to climb the mountain, separate from the crowd, and focus on the values of the Kingdom. [05:28]
- True treasure is not physical wealth but the righteousness, peace, and joy found in a relationship with God. Money is a tool, not the focus of our lives. We should seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. [25:59]
- Our focus and priorities determine where our heart is. Are we distracted by material pursuits, or are we investing in eternal treasures? Our relationships, faith, and obedience to God's principles are the true treasures. [31:26]
- The greatest gift we can give is our time and love, reflecting God's heart. As we enter the Christmas season, let us focus on building the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in our lives. [45:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - The Great Commission
[01:57] - Luke's Perspective
[03:20] - Focus and Revelation
[05:28] - Climbing the Mountain
[09:05] - The Seriousness of Discipleship
[20:41] - The Value of Money
[23:50] - Money as a Tool
[25:59] - True Treasure
[31:26] - The Heart's Focus
[32:20] - Serving God or Money
[34:12] - Trusting God for Provision
[38:04] - Abundance in God
[44:12] - Relationships as Treasure
[45:22] - Kingdom Priorities
[53:26] - Altar Call and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:18-20
- Matthew 6:19-21
- Matthew 6:33
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 28:18-20, what does Jesus emphasize about His authority and the mission He gives to His disciples? How does this relate to His promise of being with them always? [00:58]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Sermon on the Mount being taught to the disciples rather than the multitudes? [05:28]
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of "true treasure" as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21? What are the characteristics of this treasure? [25:59]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between our focus and our heart's priorities, as mentioned in Matthew 6:21? [31:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of Jesus' constant presence in Matthew 28:20 impact the way believers approach their mission to teach all nations? [01:57]
2. What does the sermon imply about the effort and intentionality required to receive revelation and understanding from God, as illustrated by the Sermon on the Mount? [05:28]
3. In what ways does the sermon challenge the traditional view of treasure, and how does it redefine what is truly valuable in the context of Matthew 6:19-21? [25:23]
4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in Matthew 6:33, and what implications does this have for believers' priorities? [45:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current focus and priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are distracted by material pursuits rather than investing in eternal treasures? How can you realign your focus this week? [31:26]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relationships as true treasures. Identify one relationship in your life that you want to invest more time and love into. What specific actions can you take to nurture this relationship? [44:12]
3. As we enter the Christmas season, consider how you can give the gift of your time and love to others. What are some practical ways you can reflect God's heart in your interactions with family and friends? [47:09]
4. The sermon challenges us to seek first the Kingdom of God. What specific steps can you take to prioritize God's Kingdom in your daily life, especially in your decision-making and resource allocation? [45:22]
5. Think about a recent situation where you felt anxious about financial or material needs. How can you apply the principle of trusting God for provision, as discussed in the sermon, to find peace in similar situations? [34:12]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of focus in achieving our goals. Identify one spiritual or personal goal you have. What distractions might be hindering your progress, and how can you overcome them? [48:17]
7. Consider the idea of being a life-giver to those around you. How can you use your words and actions to impart encouragement and support to someone in your community this week? [53:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Great Commission
Jesus' final words to His disciples were a powerful reminder of His authority and the mission He entrusted to them. He emphasized that all power in heaven and earth had been given to Him, and with this authority, He commissioned His followers to go forth and teach all nations. This call to action is not just for the disciples of that time but for all believers today. It is a mission rooted in the assurance that Jesus is with us always, providing us with the confidence and strength to carry out His work. As we embrace this mission, we are reminded that our true treasure lies in fulfilling God's purpose for our lives, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [00:58]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Reflection: Who in your life can you share the message of Jesus with today, and how can you do so in a way that reflects His love and authority?
Day 2: Seeking Revelation on the Mountain
The Sermon on the Mount is a profound teaching that calls for a deeper commitment to seeking God. Jesus taught that revelation and understanding come to those who are willing to climb the mountain, separate themselves from the crowd, and focus on the values of the Kingdom of God. This requires intentionality and a willingness to seek God diligently. It is not for the casual observer but for those who desire a deeper relationship with Him. As we seek God with all our hearts, we are promised that we will find Him and gain the wisdom and understanding needed to live according to His will. [05:28]
Jeremiah 29:13-14 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to intentionally seek God and separate yourself from distractions that hinder your spiritual growth?
Day 3: Discovering True Treasure
True treasure is not found in physical wealth but in the righteousness, peace, and joy that come from a relationship with God. Jesus taught that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. This means that our focus and priorities should be on the eternal treasures of God's Kingdom rather than the temporary pursuits of material wealth. Money is a necessary tool, but it should not be the focus of our lives. Instead, we are called to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met. By aligning our hearts with God's values, we discover the true treasure that cannot be stolen or destroyed. [25:59]
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 area of your life where you can shift your focus from material pursuits to investing in the eternal treasures of God's Kingdom?
Day 4: Aligning Our Hearts with God's Priorities
Our focus and priorities determine where our heart is. Jesus challenges us to examine whether we are distracted by the pursuit of material wealth or if we are investing in the eternal treasures of God's Kingdom. Our relationships, faith, and obedience to God's principles are the true treasures that will last. As we align our hearts with God's priorities, we find fulfillment and purpose in living according to His will. This requires a conscious effort to evaluate our lives and make adjustments where necessary, ensuring that our hearts are set on things above rather than on earthly pursuits. [31:26]
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 is one practical step you can take today to align your priorities with God's values and invest in relationships and faith that reflect His Kingdom?
Day 5: Giving the Gift of Time and Love
As we enter the Christmas season, we are reminded that the greatest gift we can give is our time and love, reflecting the heart of God in all we do. This season is an opportunity to focus on building the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in our lives. By prioritizing our relationships and showing love to those around us, we embody the values of God's Kingdom and demonstrate His love to the world. This requires a willingness to be present, to listen, and to serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did. As we give the gift of time and love, we reflect the heart of God and bring His light into the lives of those around us. [45:22]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: How can you intentionally give the gift of your time and love to someone in your life this week, reflecting the heart of God in your actions?
Quotes
"I think they might be some of the most important things he could say right before he leaves. And so he says, all power in heaven and earth is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore. Everybody say, because of this, go. Go ye therefore. The therefore ties it to the previous statement. Because all power. Power in heaven and earth is given to him. Go ye therefore. And teach all nations. Say, teach." [00:01:03] (31 seconds)
"And God has things that he wants to reveal to us, but it's only going to be to those that are willing to climb that mountain, make that sacrifice, separate themselves from the crowd, leave the comfort of the valley. So that they can get to a place where God can reveal things to them. Revelation comes to those that seek it." [00:05:28] (22 seconds)
"If the thief can take it, it's not real treasure. Did you hear me? If the thief can take it, it's not treasure. Read it again. If the thief can take it, it's not treasure. It's what the thief can't steal. Boy, I feel the Holy Ghost. He can't take your righteousness. He can't take your peace. He can't take your joy. My God." [00:25:29] (40 seconds)
"Come on, some of you are wondering, boy, why am I going through this in my life? You've already got more treasure than this world ever hoped to attain. You got Jesus. You found salvation. Your sins were washed away. You can't take your faith. He can't take your hope." [00:26:08] (21 seconds)
"Money is not a money issue. It's a faith issue. Clothing is not a money issue. It's a faith issue. Food is hello. Amen. He says, you got to have faith to believe. God will supply your needs I'm going to I'm just going to submit to you right now that's worth more than money in the bank all right I am." [00:37:20] (29 seconds)
"Money's not the problem he's after your heart not everybody's going to be a millionaire is that okay i hope so because i'm not there hallelujah but i hope you are i have no problem i have no problem seeing other people reap resources and benefits and blessing you know why i hope that if you're so in a million that you can make a hundred million why not it's only a hundred times more god's math is 700 times more come on let's get out of the mentality of how much and let's start looking at what's really valuable what's really valuable the purpose of resources it's the benefit the kingdom of god not make me look good it's not to put better clothes on and eat better food but it's to build the resources of the kingdom of god." [00:38:50] (60 seconds)
"Absolutely. Money is not the treasure. Relationships are valuable. Friendships are valuable. The church is valuable. Your children are valuable. Your wife is valuable. Your husband is a treasure. People are treasures. The attitude you have toward people can be a treasure or a curse in your life." [00:44:33] (29 seconds)
"I don't think this is just talking about putting your cash somewhere else. I think this is talking about there's something in the heart of a Christian that's more valuable than you. It's more valuable than money. Amen. It's a relationship with God and when you get around them, it rubs off on you. Amen. Their intimacy with God affects everyone and everything around them. Amen. That is treasure. That's treasure. That is treasure." [00:45:22] (30 seconds)
"Now we're in the Christmas season. This is the season where people give gifts. Amen. But the best gifts you can ever give is your time. The best gift, the greatest gift you could ever give your family, sir, is your time. It's not more money." [00:46:52] (17 seconds)
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