- Two treasures (v.19-21)
- Treasures visions (vv.22-23)
- Treasure masters (v.24)
Summary:
In Matt. 6:19-24, Jesus calls his followers to a life of single-minded devotion to God. In order to make His point, Jesus utilizes three couplets: two treasures, two visions, two masters. In this sermon we considered all three couplets but focused primarily on the two visions and the two masters. Jesus wants us to see that where we put our heart dramatically effects our spiritual lives. To put it negatively, if we accumulate money and possessions in this short life, that is, if our spiritual eye is fixed on material treasures, then we will lose spiritual vision and find ourselves serving money, not God. But, more positively, if we seek to be rich toward God in this life by piling up good works done out of pure motives, then we will enjoy clear spiritual vision and find ourselves serving God, not money.
In Matt. 6:19-24, Jesus calls his followers to a life of single-minded devotion to God. In order to make His point, Jesus utilizes three couplets: two treasures, two visions, two masters. In this sermon we considered all three couplets but focused primarily on the two visions and the two masters. Jesus wants us to see that where we put our heart dramatically effects our spiritual lives. To put it negatively, if we accumulate money and possessions in this short life, that is, if our spiritual eye is fixed on material treasures, then we will lose spiritual vision and find ourselves serving money, not God. But, more positively, if we seek to be rich toward God in this life by piling up good works done out of pure motives, then we will enjoy clear spiritual vision and find ourselves serving God, not money.
Discussion Questions:
- Review: what are material treasures and spiritual treasures?
- How do Jesus' commands in vv.19-20 show his care and love toward us?
- What is the relationship/connection between the two treasures and the two visions?
- What does it mean that they eye is the lamp of the body in physical terms?
- What does it mean that they eye is the lamp of the body in spiritual terms? (cf. 5:29;7:3)
- Reflect on this statement: "obedience clarifies, sin clouds."
- How does having dim vision effect our relationship with God?
- How does having dim vision effect our witness in the world? (cf.Luke 11:33-36)
- What is the meaning of the term "master"? Why is it impossible to serve two masters?
- Reflect on this statement: "Duel devotion is a mirage"
- Reflect on this statement: “we will either use money to serve God or use God to serve money."
- If spiritual vision is cloudy, what does that say about our treasure and our loyalty?
- What has personally challenged you most in the past two sermons on Christian simplicity?
Application Questions:
- Am I currently enjoying clear spiritual vision (i.e. Do i have purpose, drive, holy ambition, passion to love God and others, etc.)? If not, what might this say about what I'm treasuring and where my loyalty actually is?
- What changes is God calling me to make in order to live a life of single-minded devotion?
- Confess ways your heart has been in the wrong place leading to dim vision and disloyalty.
- Praise Jesus for living a life of perfect loyalty to the Father and for dying on a cross so that you might become a His loyal and faithful servant!
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to put and keep your heart in the right place, to maintain clear spiritual vision, and to lean more fully what it means to serve Christ as Master.
