Big Idea: Where we invest our time, money, and energy reveals what we value most. 1. Your Heart Follows What You Value Most "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust 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 good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, 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 he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:19-24 (NIV) Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4 (NIV) Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Proverbs 13:11 (NIV) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV) 2. Worry Is a Sign of the Wrong Values "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:6-13 (NIV) 3. Seek God First and Trust Him with The Rest "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or 'What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:28-34 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:5-10 (NIV) Where am I investing most of my time, money, and energy? I will take my next right step by: Choosing to pray instead of worry Choosing contentment in every situation Signing up for Vertical Marriage May 3, 10 to 3:30 [$35 per person] [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Big Idea: Where we invest our time, money, and energy reveals what we value most. Icebreaker: If you received a sudden bonus of $10,000, what would you do with it? How would your choice reflect what you value most? Opening Prayer: “Lord, help us to evaluate our hearts today. Show us where we have been placing our trust and priorities. Teach us to store up treasures in heaven, seek You first, and trust in Your provision. Transform our desires so that we live for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” 1. Your Heart Follows what You Value Most Read: Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures. What kinds of treasures do people tend to pursue today? How can we tell if our hearts are focused on temporary things instead of eternal ones? Read: Proverbs 10:4 & Proverbs 13:11 How do these verses apply to this teaching of Jesus? 2. Worry Is a Sign of the Wrong Values Read: Matthew 6:25-27 Why does Jesus connect worry with what we treasure? What are some common things people worry about? Read: Philippians 4:6-13 How does focusing on God’s promises help us overcome anxiety about material things? What are some things we can focus on to move from worry to worship? How can we be more content with our current situation? 3. Seek God First and Trust Him with The Rest Read: Matthew 6:28-34 Jesus tells us to seek God’s Kingdom first—what does that practically look like in our daily lives? How have you experienced God’s provision when you prioritized Him over material concerns? Read: Proverbs 3:5-10 What are some small changes we can make to ensure God is first in our finances, time, and decisions? Close in prayer