Scripture References: Matthew 6:19-24; Matthew 19:16-22; Acts 2:42

Intro: Welcome to this sermon exploring Jesus' challenging words in Matthew 6:19-24. As with other topics in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus goes beyond surface actions regarding money, revealing how it connects deeply to our heart's treasures, focus, and ultimate allegiance.

Key Points:

1. Treasure: Storing on Earth vs. Heaven (vv. 19-21): Jesus urges us to "Stop storing up" treasures on earth. Why? Because earthly wealth is temporary and vulnerable (moth, rust, thieves), leading to anxiety, not security. Instead, He directs us to invest in eternal, secure heavenly treasure. The primary way? Sacrificial generosity, especially toward the poor (Matt 19). Our spending reveals our true values; where treasure goes, the heart follows.
2. Focus: The Eye as the Lamp (vv. 22-23): Our "eye"—what we focus on and allow to capture our attention—determines whether our life is full of light or darkness. A healthy eye is singularly focused on God and His kingdom. A "bad" eye, distracted by worldly desires or blinded by the deceitfulness of greed (a sin often unrecognized in ourselves), leads to spiritual darkness and stumbling.
3. Allegiance: Serving God or Mammon (v. 24): Jesus presents a clear choice: we cannot serve two masters. It's not about having two jobs; it's about slavery. We are either fundamentally submitted to God or enslaved by the pursuit and care of money/possessions (Mammon). We must choose who or what holds our ultimate loyalty.
4. Living Generously as Citizens of Heaven: Counter the world's pervasive scarcity mindset by embracing contagious generosity, like the early believers (Acts 2). Live as sojourners whose true treasures are eternal, valuing people (including the unborn – Sanctity of Life) over possessions.

Conclusion: Our finances are a spiritual diagnostic tool, revealing our true master and heart condition. Jesus calls us from anxious hoarding of temporary things to faithful investment in His eternal kingdom through open-handed generosity. He offers forgiveness for past greed and healing from related wounds.

Call to Action: Honestly evaluate where your treasure truly lies by examining your spending and priorities. Confess any hold materialism or greed has on you. Make a conscious decision to serve God, not money. Practice sacrificial generosity as a way to store treasure in heaven. Seek healing and forgiveness where needed.

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The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus and Money (Matthew 6:19-24)
with Travis Aicklen

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