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Where is Your Treasure?
Song: I am running the race to meet my redeemer (2x) Heavenly race (3x) To meet my redeemer Introduction: Matthew 6:19-21, 33 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Earthly treasures – we all know what those are. We can see and touch the shiny cars, the elegant evening dress, the big new home, and all the other creature comforts that money can buy. Compared to vague and elusive heavenly treasures, these things seem so real and attractive, especially when a neighbour has them, and we long for the money to ‘have it all’ too. But why would Jesus warn us about these earthly treasures that seem to make so many people happy? The answer to this may be summed up in two words – temporary and short-sighted. We are destined for eternity, but the treasures of the world are not. It’s short-sighted to set our hearts on things that will fade away. What will last forever, Jesus says, is the treasure of heaven. This treasure really is worth seeking, because it’s the only one thing that will truly satisfy and will last forever. As St. Augustine said: ‘You have made us for yourself oh Lord and our hearts have become restless until they find rest in you’. Remember that our hearts are bigger than any created thing and only God is creator can satisfy the desires of our hearts. Recall the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16 – 21, 16 And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' 20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 21"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." And Jesus said in Luke 12:15: ‘ Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” Prov. 10:22. The two aspects of heavenly treasure The heavenly treasure Jesus promises has two aspects. a. First, there are the rewards waiting for us at the end of time. At the Last Judgement, we will each receive our recompense for: i. Every act of charity done Cup of water offered to the thirsty, food, clothes and money offered to the needy. Shelter offered to the homeless. Even the listening ear given to the person in need of counsel, every act of service rendered, etc Proverbs 11:25 ‘A generous man will prosper; When I was in prison, sick, naked etc Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Hebrews 13: 2 “ Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” ii. Every sinful thought brought captive to Christ Psalm 1: 1 – 2 “ Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” James 1:12 “ Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 4:7 “ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” iii. Every moment submitted to HIS will. Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 “ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Psalm 121: 1 – 2 “ I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 127: 1 – 2 “ Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” Romans 9:16 “ It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.” Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Remember that Jesus has prepared a place for us in the beautiful new Jerusalem, where there is no darkness, sickness, or pain. He will reign there as Lord, and we will see him face to face! Revelation 21: 1 – 4 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." b. The second aspect of heavenly treasure is what we can experience here and now. For those submitted to Christ, life on earth is filled with glimpse of heaven. 1 Corinthians 2: 9 – 10 9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"— out God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. i. Freedom from guilt Romans 8:1 “ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." ii. Clarity and purpose for living, hope for the future Psalm 100:3 “ Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Philippians 3:20 “ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,” iii. Deep friendship with brothers and sisters in the Lord, ability to forgive wrong Hebrews 10:25 “ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Proverbs 27:17 “ As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” iv. Peace in times of trials Philippians 4:7 “ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” John 14:27 “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” v. Divine wisdom for everyday situation Jeremiah 33:3 “ Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” vi. Mighty healings and miracles
God Bless you Evang. Oseh John Bamidele |