— Excel At Giving — 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. Treasure Test Giving What should a Christian’s attitude toward material possessions be? Your reward for giving is a secure & prosperity. 1 Timothy 6:19 (NLT) 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. What does Jesus have to add on the topic of storing up future treasure & wealth? Matthew 6:19–24 (NLT) 19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Why is Jesus focusing on this “treasure” topic? 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Why do we have heart & treasure problems? 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! Our to our own greed is severe. It’s our that illuminates what our heart desires. Why should I get serious about locating my treasure? No one can serve God if they’re to their money. 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” WHAT NOW? Look for practical ways to consistently give to God’s church. 2 Corinthians 9:12 (NLT) 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION QUESTIONS 1. you noticed what or who you spend your money on most easily? (Self, home, tech, kids, car, savings, etc) 2. Why do you think Jesus says that if you’re enslaved to your money, it's impossible to serve God? 3. How have you been (or how could you start) relocating your time, talent or treasure into God’s church family? 4. Jesus forfeited his heavenly wealth to pursue & rescue you (whom he treasures) and to make you eternally rich. Have you ever noticed that as you discover this eternal meaning & value you become less addicted to the meaning & value found on earth?