Text: Matthew 6:19-21
There are many investments that one can make (stocks, real estate, collectibles, cryptocurrency, etc.). All of these have to do with financial growth and security in this life. Yet there are certain investments we are to make that are spiritual in nature, and these are most important. In this series, we are going to discuss some of these investments we are to make. In this seventh and final lesson, we are going to talk about treasures in heaven.
We Have the Choice
- Where will we choose to have our home? – we can choose to go to heaven; it is not for an arbitrarily chosen few; instead, it is open to all (Titus 2:11)
- But will we choose to go to heaven? – there is more to getting there than just deciding that we want to be there; choosing heaven means we are choosing to serve the Lord (cf. Matthew 6:24)
- To make a wise decision about where to lay up our treasures, we need to weigh the options
The Two Options
- What is it about heaven that should cause us to want to go there? – presence of God (Revelation 22:3-4); rest (Matthew 11:28-30; Revelation 14:13); no troubles or trials (Revelations 21:4); eternal life (Romans 6:23)
- Compare that with the alternative (hell) – away from the presence of God (2 Thessalonians 1:9); no rest (Revelation 14:11); weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30); eternal torment (Revelation 14:11; Matthew 25:46)
This World Is Not Our Home
- We just contrasted heaven and hell – but in our text, Jesus contrasted heaven and this world; that is the comparison the devil will make; no one in their right mind would choose hell over heaven; but many choose the here and now over the hereafter (cf. Luke 12:18-19)
- We must remember that we are strangers here (1 Peter 2:11) – our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20)
- This world is temporary (1 John 2:17; 2 Peter 3:10) – we must not choose it over eternity in heaven
What Is Important to Us?
- Are we pursuing spiritual things or material things? – this is the theme of our lessons in this series
- We need to make sacrifices to obtain these things – but it is more than worth whatever it costs us
Conclusion
- The things we are to value are not tangible or material – but they are real
- We must “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) – keep focused on the goal of heaven
