Laying Up Treasure in Heaven
Greed and materialism have this unique ability to slowly but surely take over our heart, and here's the problem, we [don't even realize it]
Jesus says watch out, be on your guard against [all kinds of greed]
Jesus is calling us to invest our treasures in one direction toward one vision for [one master]
With greed and materialism, what happens is they slowly take over our heart and we never think [it's a problem]
- When have you found yourself surprised by how much something material had taken hold of your heart? What helped you recognize it?
- Ask God to reveal any area where greed or materialism might be quietly taking root in your life. What is one step you can take this week to invest in eternity instead?
Do not lay up for yourselves [treasures on earth]
For where your treasure is, there your [heart will be]
At some point, all of those things are gonna be where, they're gonna be in the [junkyard].
Jesus is saying, it just doesn't make any sense for you to take these material things, these money, these possessions and make them the [treasure of your heart]
- What possessions are you most tempted to find security or joy in? How can you hold them more loosely this week?
- Reflect on Matthew 6:21: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Where does your spending and saving reveal your heart is?
To lay up treasures in heaven means we use all that we have for the [glory of God]
We're totally open-handed with every gift that [God has given us]
Material possessions in and of themselves, please hear me, are not inherently [evil].
Here's what is a sin. When those possessions [possess you]
- What is one possession God is calling you to be more open-handed with? How could you use it this week for His kingdom?
- Is there a financial decision you've been holding onto tightly? Invite God into that area and ask how He wants you to steward it.
You have to begin with the [end in mind]
If you're a Christian, you will stand before God and give an account of what you've done with [your life]
Are you investing your treasures and resources now in such a way that your joy will be [multiplied then]
- Imagine standing before God and giving an account of how you used your resources. What do you hope He will say to you?
- How many people might be worshiping around the throne because of how you steward your money and possessions? What steps can you take today to increase that number?
A steward is someone who manages something that belongs to [someone else]
If you see yourself as owning the money, here's the question you're gonna ask. God, thanks for all this. How much do I [have to share]
But if it's gods, here's the question you ask. God, what do you want me to do with [all this]
He began to feel this conviction that he was very light in his investments that actually had [eternal value]
- Do you see your money and possessions as fundamentally yours or as God's? How would your financial decisions change if you truly believed they belong to Him?
- What is one area of your life where God is calling you to live more as a steward than an owner?