Where is your Treasure? What is of Greatest Value?

Pastor Steve Poole

Matthew 13:45-46 - “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

1. Two Interpretations of Matthew 13:45-46

* God/Jesus is the merchant and we are the pearl of great price

* We are the merchant and Jesus/the kingdom is the pearl of great price

2. Three Questions

* Have your eyes been opened to see the value of Jesus?

* Do you really see God’s will and way as more valuable than yours?

* What treasure are you withholding from God?

3. Do you really see God’s way as more valuable than yours?

* Is loving my enemy really better than retaliation or grudge holding?

* Is tithing 10% and giving extra offerings as God calls me really better than that _____?

* Is moderation in _______ really better than indulging in that excess ______?

* Is Romans 5:3-4 really the abundant life?

* Is God’s plan of for sex being one man and one woman who are married really the better than…

...The gratification I feel from pornography?

...My own sexual desires outside of His will?

...Our cultures definition of positive sexual expression?

* Is God’s timing really better than mine?

* Is honesty really better than lying?

* Is confronting someone who is wrong really better than just talking about them behind their back?

* Is praying for our governmental officials really better than trashing them on social media?

Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What treasure are you withholding from God?