A Contrast in Treasure | Matthew 6:19-24

Scripture

• Matthew 6:19–24

About this sermon

The people of God are different from anyone else on earth. We are different because we are spiritually alive. Different because we are new creations in Christ Jesus. Because WE are different, it is certain that our LIVES will be different. But it is also true that because we ARE different, we are COMMANDED to live different lives. God commands us, in Scripture, to live lives that are fitting with what He has graciously done in our lives through His Son. Philippians 1:27 (ESV) Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, Ephesians 4:1 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, That difference contrasts with ALL other people on the planet. Jesus made clear, when dealing with prayer, that the distinctiveness of His people will be seen, not only in contrast with Jewish hypocrites — but also with pagans. Look at the people who are lost but operate in the name of the true God and look at the people who are lost and worship false gods, and THE TRUE PEOPLE OF GOD are different from both. In this sermon Christ is especially mindful of religious hypocrites, but He is also declaring our uniqueness when compared with the world at large. And that uniqueness shows up everywhere, including religious practices. God’s people will be different in prayer, in giving, and in fasting. Now, beginning in verse 19, He demonstrates that His people will be different in their everyday life in the world. NOT JUST RELIGIOUS PRACTICES, BUT REGULAR, EVERDAY, LIVING. And the first place He begins is with our TREASURE. God’s people CONSIDER TREASURE IN TERMS DIFFERENT THAN THE REST OF THE WORLD. What is most important to us has changed. Salvation IS treasure. IT IS ABOUT THE ONE WHO IS TO BE TREASURED ABOVE ALL — GOD, who is known in His Son Jesus Christ. IT IS ABOUT WHAT IS MOST VALUABLE IN EVERY PERSON — THE SOUL. IT IS ABOUT WHAT IS FLEETING VERSUS WHAT IS LASTING — TIME AND ETERNITY IT IS ABOUT WHAT WASTES A LIFE VERSUS WHAT ENRICHES THE LIFE — SIN AND RIGHTEOUSNESS IT IS ABOUT WHAT BINDS PEOPLE UP IN MISERY VERSUS WHAT SET THEM FREE IN FREEDOM — GUILT AND FORGIVENESS In Christ, we have discovered the true riches. We have discovered this because God has graciously opened our eyes to it. Matthew 13:45–46 (ESV) 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. 1 Timothy 6:17–19 (ESV) 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. That is what our text addresses. The believer’s perspective of treasure contrasted with a lost person’s perspective of treasure. But not just our perspective of treasure — our PRACTICE because of WHAT WE CAN PERCEIVE. WHEN YOU HAVE DISCOVERED THE TRUE TREASURE, HOW DO YOU LIVE? The fruit of genuine salvation is that your perspective of treasure has been transformed. What really matters most in your life has changed and it shows by how you live.