Treasures that Matter

Sermon Notes

The important treasures are found in places no one sees…no one, but you and Jesus. 

Are you storing up treasures that matter?

The treasure of authentic worship

Heart checkup

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Ti 1:5.

It is clear that by these precepts our whole intention is to be directed toward the joys that are within (emphasis mine), lest we become conformed to this world by seeking a reward that is without (emphasis mine), and lest we thus lose the promised blessedness, which is all the more sound and firm according as it is in the inner man—the blessedness by which God has chosen us to become conformed to the image of His Son.

Augustine of Hippo, Commentary on the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount with Seventeen Related Sermons, ed. 

Secret obedience

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking

at worthless things, and give me life in your ways. Ps 119:36–37.

The treasure of Godly investments

Lasting possessions

Treasures in heaven are ‘stored up’ by obedience to God in all areas of life; they are the reward of the disciple who puts God first. Treasures on earth give no permanent security or satisfaction; they can be destroyed by moths and other vermin

T. France, Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 1, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries.

Inner light

“If man divides his interest and tries to focus on both God and possessions, he has no clear vision, and will live without clear orientation or direction. Life not focused on God’s claim and command is lost in spiritual darkness.”

V. Filson, A Commentary on the Gospel according to St. Matthew.

Serving God

It is not so much the disciple’s wealth that Jesus is concerned with as his loyalty. As v. 14 will make explicit, materialism is in direct conflict with loyalty to God. And the danger of amassing possessions is that the treasure will command the disciple’s loyalty, that material affluence will breed materialism

T. France, Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 1, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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. 1 Ti 6:9–10.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Heb 13:5.

Are you storing up treasures that matter?