REFLECTION: COLOSSIANS 3:1-2 SERMON TEXT: MATTHEW 6:19-24 BENEDICTION: 2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-17 SUMMARY: Jesus knew the tug would be so strong between what the Bible teaches and what our consumer society tells us about worldly riches which cannot feed our souls. God alone promises the riches that will not fail us - they're out of this world! 1. TRUE : Pursue Heavenly Treasures! Matthew 6:19-21 Treasuring Earthly Treasures. What is NOT forbidden? He is NOT banning possessions. He is NOT banning saving for a rainy day. He is NOT banning of good things. 1 Timothy 6:6-8; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 What IS forbidden? Selfishness Extravagant and Luxurious living at the expense of the needy Hard Heartedness Foolish value given to possessions Materialism James 5:1-6 “Whenever the Gospel is taught and people seek to live according to it, there are two terrible plagues that always arise: false preachers who corrupt the teaching, and then Sir Greed, who obstructs right living.” -Martin Luther Ecclesiastes 5:10 Heavenly Treasures acquired by… suffering persecution for Jesus’ sake (Matt. 5:12), loving one’s enemies (5:46), generous gifts to the poor (6:2-4), fervent and sincere prayer (6:5-6), and humble fasting (6:16-18). 2. TRUE WISDOM: Pursue over Darkness! Matthew 6:22-23 See Psalm 82:5; 18:28; 1 Peter 2:9; John 3:19-21 DIRECT OR MISDIRECT: your perspectives on life your priorities what you value most/truest “The good eye is the one fixed on God, unwavering in its gaze, constant in its fixation…" -D.A. Carson 3. TRUE : Pursue God over Money! Matthew 6:24 Jesus isn't asking to be a part of your life. Jesus isn't asking for PROMINENCE in your life. He demands PREEMINENCE in your life - HE IS LORD! Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:5-6 “You gotta serve somebody.” -Bob Dillan AND Romans 6:16 “The Christian lives in this world, but his sights are set on the world above.” - Daniel Boerman Meditate on Proverbs 4:23