Sermon on the Mount Part 9 – Making Wise Investments

Sermon on the Mount

Part 9 – Making Wise Investments

Matthew 6:19-24

Jesus continues to emphasize that we, as His followers, are to be from popular culture.

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:19-24

Invest resources in treasures with significance.

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

Storing up treasures on earth does not forbid:

• personal possessions or private property.
• for a rainy day or for retirement.
• the good things of this earth which God has kindly given us.

Jesus doesn’t want us to be consumed with or even luxurious living to the detriment of the spiritual and physical needs of others.

15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15

16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He 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 my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain 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 whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21

Jesus calls us to invest in treasures in heaven that are and .

20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20

What are examples of treasures in heaven?

• Developing a Christ-like .
• our faith, hope and love.
• the lost to Jesus.
• Using our resources for Christ’s sake.

7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Our treasures are a reflection of our .

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23

When our eyes are fixed on Christ, we will live with Godly and !

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:22

We can serve our or any object of our own , but not both.

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

3 “You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3.

62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62