To View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fIkAINN3NFw
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to Episode 225 of the Hope Rescue Podcast! This week, we wrap up our series on money with an exploration of how to find the greatest treasure. In Episode 223, we discussed how to be financially blessed, and last week, we covered how to avoid financial failure. Today, we're diving into what scripture says about true treasure and how to pursue it.
What is the True Treasure in Life According to Scripture?
Hunt for True Treasure
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:19-20
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Jesus teaches that the true treasure is what we give towards eternal things, storing up our treasures in heaven, which are secure and everlasting.
Reject the World's Definition of Treasure
Scripture Reference: James 5:1-6
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you."
James warns the rich who gained wealth through fraudulent means. He highlights the fleeting and corruptible nature of earthly riches and condemns unjust gain. It's not wrong to have wealth, but it is wrong when it comes at the expense of others' well-being.
Treasure the True Treasure
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:21
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Jesus emphasizes that we need to consciously decide to treasure the right things—those that are eternal and honorable. When our hearts are set on the true treasure, our desires align with God's will, and we find contentment.
Luke 12:13-31
The Parable of the Rich Fool (verses 13-21)
"Someone in the crowd said to him, 'Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.' But he said to him, 'Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?' And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' And he told them a parable, saying, 'The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, "What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?" And he said, "I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry." But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.'"
A man asks Jesus to mediate an inheritance dispute, but Jesus warns against greed. He tells a parable of a rich man who stores up wealth but is called a fool by God because he will die that night, leaving his wealth behind. The lesson is clear: accumulating wealth without being "rich toward God" is foolish.
Do Not Be Anxious (verses 22-31)
"And he said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.'"
Jesus instructs his disciples not to worry about their basic needs. He points out how God provides for the ravens and clothes the lilies, emphasizing human value to God. He encourages seeking God's kingdom first, with the assurance that all needs will be met.
By learning to be grateful for what we have and treasuring what truly matters in life, we find true, lasting joy. When our focus shifts from earthly wealth to heavenly treasure, we align our hearts with God's eternal purposes.
Comments