Matthew 6
November 30, 2022
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (v19-20)
It might sound selfish to say it this way, but Jesus wants us to “store up treasure for ourselves” (v19). It’s just that Jesus wants us to stop storing up treasure in a place it won’t last: Earth, and to start storing it up in a place where we’ll be able to enjoy it forever: Heaven. In other words, Jesus’ primary argument against us accumulating earthly things is not that it’s morally wrong, but that it’s not a wise long-term investment strategy – because there’s no way to take our stuff from Earth to Heaven when we die. On the other hand, when we’re generous with the extra the Lord has entrusted to us, Jesus says it’s a way for us to store up for ourselves treasure in Heaven. This is why Randy Alcorn likes to say, “I can’t take it with me, but I can send it on ahead!”
Lord, I praise You for having my best interests in mind, not just for 20 years from now, but 20 million years from now. I confess my tendency to think about making sure I’ll have enough money for those years when I’m not able to work. Remind me that You have been my Provider, You are my Provider, and You will be my Provider (v32-33). But also give me an eternal perspective - so that I’m generous with what You entrust to me, that I might store up for myself treasures in Heaven that I’ll be able to enjoy for eternity.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
