March 6 , 2005
"Eyes On Eternity"
The Treasure Principle—Part 3
Ecclesiastes 2 and Luke 16
Treasure Principle #1
I am God's Treasure!
Treasure Principle #2
God owns everything—I am His money manager.
The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done.
—Matthew 16:27
1. If I don't have an eternal perspective...
...pleasure seems fleeting
"Let's go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!" But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke.
—Ecclesiastes 2:1 (MSG)
...a fun filled life seems absurd
What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane! My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it?
—Ecclesiastes 2:2 (MSG)
...work seems unfulfilling
Then I took a good look at everything I'd done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing.
—Ecclesiastes 2:11 (MSG)
...wisdom seems foolish
And then I took a hard look at what's smart and what's stupid. But I did see that it's better to be smart than stupid, just as light is better than darkness. Even so, though the smart ones see where they're going and the stupid ones grope in the dark, they're all the same in the end. One fate for all—and that's it.
—Ecclesiastes 2:12-14 (MSG)
...life seems grievous
I hate life. As far as I can see, what happens on earth is a bad business.
—Ecclesiastes 2:17 (MSG)
2. Life is preparation for eternity!
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
—Ecclesiastes 3:11
3. How do I prepare for eternity?
- Make sure I know Christ.
He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.
—John 1:11-12 (NASU)
- Use my time for eternal purposes.
...make the most of every opportunity.
—Colossians 4:5
- Use my talents for eternal purposes.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.
—1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Use my money for eternal purposes.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 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 6:18-19
Use your money to do good... always being ready to share whatever God has given you. By doing this you will be storing up real treasure for yourselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And you will live a fruitful Christian life down here as well.
—1 Timothy 6:18-19 (TLB)
Treasure Principle #3
My heart always goes where I put God's money
The best investment:
Helping people know my Savior!
I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
—Luke 16:9 (NIV)
The Treasure Principle—Week 3
Personal and Group Study
Getting Started
- For what creative stunt in High School/College are you remembered? What creative project in High School/College do you remember most? What material goods are on your all-time wish list?
- What inscription do you want on your tombstone?
Digging Deeper: Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
- What paradox does the writer find in hedonism?
- What do these key phrases tell you about the perspective of this passage: a) "During the few days of their lives" (v.3)? b) "Under the sun" (v. 11)? c) "A chasing after the wind" (v. 11)?
- What projects does the writer undertake? What desires were such projects meant to satisfy?
- Read Luke 16:1-15. Why would it be important for Jesus disciples to hear this parable?
- What crisis does the manager find himself in? What plan does he devise? In light of his deceit, why does the owner commend the manager?
- How does Jesus summarize the parable (v.9)? What do you think he is commending here? How do verses 10-12 help you understand the point?
- What is the problem with trying to serve two masters?
Applying It To My Life
- What is the most important project you have undertaken? How do you measure your success?
- How do passages like these help you focus on the truly important things in life? What are they?
- How do you view your money: (a) It's mine, keep you hands off? (b) It's my creditors', here today, gone tomorrow? (c) It's God's, I just manage it? Why?
- How could you manage your money to be an eternal "Kingdom Builder"?