February 20 , 2005
"Searching for Buried Treasure"
"Treasure Principle"—Part 1
Matthew 13:44
1. You are God's treasure.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
—Matthew 13:44-46
"Jesus had no doubts that you were worth the cost."
Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
—Acts 20:28
You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
—Revelation 5:9
"The Treasure Principle begins with this truth: I am God's treasure!"
Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
2. God wants you to pursue treasure that will last.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Fore where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
—Matthew 6:19-21
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
—Jim Elliot
"What does it mean to lay up treasure? To use all you have for the glory of God."
"It is not wrong for you to possess things, but it is wrong for things to possess you."
Question: What is a treasure that will last?
- A relationship with Christ
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ...
—Philippians 3:8
Read Mark 10:29-30
- Knowing the Word of God
I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
—Psalm 119:162
- Investing in people
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
—Proverbs 11:30
Read Luke 16:9
The Treasure Principle: You can't take it with you—but you can send it on ahead.
Lifework
What treasure are you living for? Eternal joy comes from storing up heavenly treasure. How are you investing your earthly resources so that they will pay the greatest dividends now and for eternity? What one investment change can you make this week?
Prayer: Dear Father, you have given us all things for our enjoyment. May we be always grateful for your provisions. Thank you for loving us so much, even seeing us as your treasure. Help us to invest our lives, our time, our talents and our treasure in serving you. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
I'm God's Treasure—Week 1
Personal and Small Group Study
Read Chapter 1 of The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn three times this week.
Getting Started
- What needs sorting out in your garage right now? What are you likely to find in your storage: more trivia, trash, or treasure?
- With the proceeds of a garage sale, what worthy item would you buy?
Digging Deeper: Read Matthew 13:44-46
- What do the parables in verses 44-46 teach about the Kingdom? What are the two lessons you can learn from these verses? (What do you learn about God? What application is there for you?)
- Why are the words "in his joy" (v. 44) so important to recognize? Why did Jesus use two different parables that seem very much the same?
- How is the traveler in the opening parable different than people today? How is he the same?
- Why are mony and possessions central to our spiritual lives/ What do you learn about Jesus' ideas of money and possessions?
- Read Matthew 6:19-21. What alternatives does Jesus propose with respect to treasures?
- State the "Treasure Principle" in your own words. What are the three treasures we will receive in heaven? Ho do we sent treasure on ahead?
Applying It To My Life
- Compared to the man and the merchant, how valuable is the kingdom of Heaven to you and why?
- Why do we find it so easy to divide life into spiritual and material? How is your attitude toward wealth a mark of your spirituality?
- Considering this past week, is your "bank" on earth or in heaven? What do you need to do to make sure you are getting your treasure into the right account?