SOTM 27—Treasure

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/som-07/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>This talk (13 mins) challenges us to store up treasure in heaven, not on earth. Although it can be challenging to discern exactly how much wealth we should hold on to, and how much should be given away, we are not excused from the responsibility to prayerfully and honestly wrestle with the Lord's words in Matthew 6:19-20!</p><p><strong>Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20).</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Observations</strong></p><ul><li>Treasures in two locations</li><li>Wealth is never really safe. Moths eat away at fine garments, rust corrodes metal and coins, thieves break (dig) in and try to find where our treasure has been hidden (e.e. under the floor.)</li><li>Are we to make as much money as possible? Are we "maxed out" in the pursuit of wealth?</li><li>I do read this not as as forbidding riches—however they are defined—but warning us of the dangers of wealth and encouraging us to be emotionally invested in the right place.</li></ul><p><strong>Sell our possessions?</strong></p><ul><li>“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (<strong>Luke 12:32-34</strong>).</li><li>Jesus lived simply; the apostles lived simply; the early Christians lived simply.</li></ul><p><strong>Two martyrs</strong><br />Cyprian and Lawrence were both martyred in the Valerian Persecution in 258 AD:</p><ul><li><i>Cyprian:</i> “The fool who was to die that very nigh