Storing Up Treasure in Heaven

Introduction – Describe the A&E show Hoarders –

10-15 Million People suffer from Hoarding disorder.

First defined as a mental disorder by the 5^th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013. – TV shows go back to 2009

Hoarding is a response that some people develop to address one of several felt needs.

                Certainty

                Love and Connection (keeping items that remind them of special relationships)

                Security

People who are hoarders also frequently suffer from anxiety and OCD.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A16-34&version=NASB

Jesus knew that trusting in earthly treasures would only lead to anxiety and fear, so at this point in his sermon he explains the best alternative. He said to Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. I’d like for us to talk about how to do that.

First What are some specific actions that are NOT examples of storing up treasures in heaven?

What would you consider some examples of “Storing up treasures in heaven?”

What good is heavenly treasure?

Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Which comes first, your heart or the location of your treasure?

Lance’s quote on confidence, “Fake it till you make it”.

V24 says you cannot serve God and wealth.

Rick Exell (Lifeway) says that money is a means, not an end.

What are some other things that you cannot serve along with God? Food, Power, Popularity, Fitness, LONG LIST.

Of those things, why do you think that Jesus pointed out this one in His sermon?

 V25 Jesus points out that life is more than food and clothing. Why does He point out that life is more than food and the body is more than clothing?

He knows that life is made up of dreams, goals, relationships, faith, raising kids, grandkids, work, fun, sleep, and many other components. It seems that he is pointing out that we should not so concerned with the material things that we miss the most important things.

Jesus points out that seeking His kingdom and His righteousness should be a priority, then our needs will be met. There might be a couple of different ways to look at this promise. You could say, If I seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, I will get all the food and drink I need. But you might also be able to say, If I seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, I will be so focused on what God cares about that my needs will become insignificant.

Sometimes when we hear sermons or participate in CG discussions on stewardship or giving we think that the motivating reason for such a topic is to boost giving to the church. You may have thought something like “giving is down, so here comes a sermon on how we should give to the church”.

Going back to the Sermon on the Mount, Do you think Jesus preached on this topic so that preachers would one day be able to use this sermon topic to coerce people into giving more to the church? If not, then why would he spend he preach on this?

If time permits:

How would you summarize this passage?