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Pearls of the Kingdom 7/12/23
Recap from our last time together.
Matt 6:19-21 “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.”
We agreed that there are two treasures mentioned here.
Treasures on Earth
Treasures in Heaven
Looking at Earthly Treasure, we found how “unstable” this treasure is. How the “elements” (moth & rust) can destroy, corrupt the value and where thieves can easily steal.
For this week can we look at the second part of this passage regarding “Treasure in Heaven?”
Consider some additional scriptures:
Matt 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Matt 20:20-22 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”
Luke 12:33-34 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Can we note some interesting points regarding this Treasure in Heaven?
First and fore most this treasure is in heaven.
This treasure in heaven is safe and secure.
No one better to hold, guard and protect this treasure.
Thieves can not steal this treasure in heaven.
No “earthly elements” like rust or moth can corrupt this treasure in heaven.
There is a “purse” in heaven where treasure is kept. This purse does not grow old, does not wear out, tear and develop holes.
Death will not separate us from, but brings us to our treasure in heaven.
Some further scriptures to consider:
1 Cor 13:3 “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”
Luke 12:16-21 “Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
1 Tim 6:18 “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.”
With all of this today, my key take away, “whatever resources are available to me and resources is so much more than just my finances, I must also include my time and my talents. Are these resources being used here on earth to bless, to benefit others?
I close with these words of Jesus: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Pastor Jeff
jlippincott@zionfellowship.net