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Matt 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and
rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matt 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
Matt 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and
rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matt 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
Matt 6:21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
In a time where materialism rules the minds of people in and out of the Church the above verse seems to be a forgotten scripture. The concept introduced by Jesus in Matt 6:19 -6:21 is the proper view of wealth to be held by followers of Jesus Christ.
In a time where materialism rules the minds of people in and out of the Church the above verse seems to be a forgotten scripture. The concept introduced by Jesus in Matt 6:19 -6:21 is the proper view of wealth to be held by followers of Jesus Christ.
Luke 12:15 And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man's life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance or that which is over and above his needs.
What causes covetousness??? It comes from the root sin of "The pride of life".
There is a principle in these scriptures that we need to comprehend and once we understand we must then embrace. We must understand in our hearts and in our mind what Jesus is explaining here to us concerning riches. The principle here is one that changes our thinking from a worldly perspective, to a GODLY view. There are two kinds of wealth, the wealth that is of the earth and temporal and the wealth from heaven which is eternal. Learning this view from heaven contributes to one of many elements necessary to obtain a renewed mind. Only with a renewed mind can we prove the will of GOD.
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Before our salvation experience our mind saw riches in terms of the accumulation of money and possessions. Lavish living in large spacial mansions, having multiple cars and fat overflowing bank accounts is how we measure wealth and success in life. Of course this is indeed a measure of wealth but it is the temporal kind that can be enjoyed as long as you remain on the earth. But now we see true wealth as defined by Jesus. True wealth is obtained through laying up treasures in heaven and not on the earth.
In regards to the necessary things needed for living Jesus will take care all our needs according to His riches in Glory. By seeking first the Kingdom of GOD all these things will be added to us as well. Jesus says if I gave you a body of course I will clothe you and if I have given you life of course I will feed you. By seeking first the Kingdom of GOD and His righteousness all these things will be given to you as well.
Our efforts in life must be directed in a way that demonstrates we are seeking the Kingdom of GOD. We can not seek the Kingdom of GOD and riches as well, the two are in conflict with each other.
Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
Knowing that the LORD says we need not concern ourselves with the abundance of material things frees us from the pursuit of material things and allows us to seek real treasures and not temporary treasures that pass away in time.
Do you want to know how to pursue treasure in heave?
Matt 19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
In order to obtain treasure in heaven sell your material treasure you own in the earth and then you've earned eternal treasure in heaven. This is a hard concept for the rich, many can not begin to even fathom selling their possessions and giving it to the poor. Yet Jesus says that is how we gain treasure in heaven when we give away our riches to the poor. No wonder the Bible says it is very difficult for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of GOD. The mere thought that of such an act of charity to the vast majority of the rich is utterly ridiculous.
Luke 18:25 "For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Even so there are some RICH who get it !!! Not many as the Bible tells us but there are some.
Acts 4:34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales
Acts 4:35 and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.
Everyone who participated in this generosity by giving the proceeds from the sell of their possessions earned treasure in heaven.
The truth is, in regards to gaining treasure in heaven, many of the rich fall woefully short. The Lord says since you've enjoyed all the creature comforts of the rich in this life there will be NO comfort for you in the next life. The reward for the many rich ends when their life ends.
Luke 6:24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.
Luke 16:22 "Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.
Luke 16:23 "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. Luke 16:24 "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' Luke 16:25 "But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.
