Thesis: To teach the hearer to trust in God, not just for the perishable, material things, but also and most importantly for the things which are imperishable, incorruptible, eternal, in the heavenly places.
Text: Matt 6:19-34
Introduction,
In this section of Scripture the Lord uses a series of logical arguments in order to teach the multitudes and His disciples where their priorities are to be.
He points them to the spiritual things, heavenly things, which perish not with the passing
of time.
He speaks of their eye, their inner man, their spirit, their mind, their heart, and the importance of the condition thereof.
He teaches them that divided allegiance is no allegiance.
And that if they would have an active faith toward God and the kingdom/church; God would take care of them.
These lessons are very applicable to us today, materialism is running rampant; money, wealth, riches are the gods of many today, so much so that we often hear not the phrase “the Almighty God”, but rather “the almighty dollar,” this is certainly is a sad situation.
Therefore in this lesson we will look at our Lord’s teaching from 4 perspectives. . .
1) The True Treasure
2) The True Allegiance
3) The True Provider, and
4) The True Priority of Faith
I. THE TRUE TREASURE (v 19-21)
A. (v 19)
Mat 6:19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in (lit. through) and steal,
In ancient days the treasures (wealth) of the people were in the forms of clothing, precious metals and currency.
1. Clothing was very expensive for it was all handmade, and it was better adapted for accumulation then than now, because nothing went out of fashion.
a. Joseph as Pharaoh’s right hand man gave his brethren changes of clothing for gifts (Gen 45:22).
b. Achan coveted, stole, and hid Babylonian garments (Jos 7:21).
c. The king of Syria sent ten changes of raiment to the king of Israel in behalf of Na-a-man (2 Ki 5:5).
d. Soldiers cast lots for our Lord’s garments while He hung upon the cruel cross at Calvary (Mt 27:35).
2. Precious metals and coins that were hid away would rust and turn into dust, little by little, losing weight, thus losing value with each passing moment.
a. The same could be said today, one buys a new vehicle, drives it off the lot, and it has just lost 10% of its value, it cost $ 30,000 and only lasts a few years before it starts having mechanical failures.
b. One buys a new house, and it does nothing but depreciate in value, except in the realm of taxation.
c. Or land is purchased, yet a person cannot put in their own septic system, bury their loved ones there, have their own private garbage dump thereon, etc. So whose land is it in actuality? The government’s? No!!!!!
d. It’s the Lord’s (Ps 24:1), and one day He will prove it (2 Pet 3:10).
e. But the main point here is that these earthly treasures “do not last,” burial shrouds have no pockets, Paul wrote in (1 Tim 6:7) . . .
1Ti 6:7 for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;
3. The thrust of this command is “do not lay up for yourselves,” riches are not sinful in and of themselves, but the manner in which people “attain” and “retain” them is the problem.
a. Thieves would actually dig through the walls of houses which were made of dried mud, or unkilned bricks in order to unlawfully acquire another’s goods, as if possession of things would actually make their life upon earth better
b. The only thing that makes our lives better on this earth is being rich towards God (Lk 12:21), having a relationship with God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit (Jn 17:3).
c. The pursuit of earthly treasures is a disease that feeds and increases upon itself, like gangrene, therefore it is written (Heb 13:5) . . .
Heb 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
d. The hungry pursuit of wealth, or any earthly achievement, often pierces the pursuer through with many troubles, temptations, and snares as well as thrusting him into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in perdition, i.e. that lake of fire (1 Tim 6:9-10).
1Ti 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
B. (v 20)
Mat 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in (lit. through) and steal.
But treasures in heaven are safe, they are spiritual in nature, thus eternal in scope, they are “reserved” in heaven (turn to 1 Pet 1:3-4).
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept (reserved) in heaven for you,
1. The contrast seen here (Mt 6:19-20) is striking; on one hand that which perishes, on the other that which never does.
a. This contrast is presented in order to teach the truth to individuals that makes them free (Jn 8:31-32), free from the love of the things of the world (1 Jn 2:15-17), free from the trouble associated with the perishing nature of those things, and free from the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15).
b. The heavenly treasures are for the individual, not for someone else, they are yours and no one can deprive you of them (2 Tim 2:12b)
2Ti 1:12b for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard (keep) that which I have committed unto him against that day.
c. All that one does for the kingdom of God will accrue credit, not even a single cup of cold water given for the advancement of the gospel will lose its reward (Mt 10:39-42).
Mat 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Mat 10:40 "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.
Mat 10:41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.
Mat 10:42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
2. The word translated “lay up” here (Mt 6:20) is “the-sau-ri-zo” from which we derive our word “treasure,” it is interesting that it is the same word translated “store it up” or “in store” in 1 Cor 16:2 referring to the collection for the saints (look at 1 Cor 16:1-2),
1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.
1Co 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you (plural) is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
a. Thus the giving for benevolence, evangelism, and edification, the basic works of the church (Eph 4:12), are also included in these treasures, both on the congregational and personal levels (Gal 6:10).
Gal 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
C. (v 21)
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Here is the main reason for laying up treasures in heaven and not on earth, because where our heart is, where our focus is, what we are fervent about, what we are inclined to, there is our source of joy, it is that which drives/motivates us.
1. The Lord is concerned where our hearts are, and knows where they need to be.
a. If it is primarily on earthly things, then all we partake of is uncertain, it could be gone at any moment because of its God ordained perishing nature (Gen 3:17; Rom 8:20), and will be lost forever when we leave this world.
b. But if our hearts are upon heavenly things, and we demonstrate that in a life of faithfulness unto God, (doing His will, His way) then whatever happens in this world cannot and will not affect our treasures, our hearts, our hope in the heavenly places.
c. In fact as each moment passes, and we close in on the day of our physical death, separation of body and spirit (Ja 2:26), we are getting further and further away from that which the gospel has called us out of (the world), and getting closer and closer to that which we have been called unto, (eternity with God and the faithful), this is the “True Treasure” as seen in Rev 14:13 (turn there) . . .
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds (works) follow them!"
3. Our works follow us out of this realm and into the next, and we will be judged according to them (Mt 25:31-46; Rom 2:6; 2 Cor 5:10; 1 Pet 1:17; Rev 21:12).
a. We need to understand that we are not saved “by” our works but “for” the doing of good works (Eph 2:10), we are saved by God through the gospel (Rom 1:16), through Jesus, through the Holy Spirit.
b. But we will have to give an account of our works within salvation (Mt 25:31-46), and that is where the parables of the talents (Mt 25:14-30) the minas, or pounds (Lk 19:11-27) comes in, all this is purposed to bring about a focus shift for God’s people, from earth to Heaven (Col 3:1-4).
4. Also I believe this (Rev 14:13) speaks of that Sabbath rest (Heb 4:9-11) promised to those who by faith coupled with obedience (the obedience of faith; Rom 1:5; 16:26) look forward to, as they await the resurrection and the ushering in of the new heavens and the new earth wherein righteousness dwells
5. Let us end by looking at a section of scripture that pictures our eternal inheritance (Rev 21:1-7) . . .
Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
Rev 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Rev 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Rev 21:5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are (faithful) trustworthy and true."
Rev 21:6 And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Rev 21:7 The one who (overcomes) conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son (child).
a. And how does one overcome or conquer? Rev 12:11 gives us the answer
Rev 12:11 And they have (overcame) conquered him (Satan/Devil/the Accuser) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
b. By the blood of Jesus which we access through the gospel (Rom 6:3; Jn 19:33-34), and by our speaking of God, Jesus, the Spirit, the gospel, even though we may be troubled for it, we overcome, we conquer sin and death, unto God’s good glory! Amen!
II. THE TRUE ALLEGIANCE (v 22-24)
A. (v 22)
Mat 6:22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy (single, good, clear), your whole body will be full of light,
Here the figure switches from one’s heart to their eye, but the subject really hasn’t changed, we need to be focused (as an eye would be) upon heavenly directives, doing the will of God, it is the most important and most enduring thing we can do.
1. If our eye, our mind, our hearts, our inner persons are focused upon the things of God, first and foremost, then we will be whole spiritually, and full of the eternal light, that which nothing on earth can extinguish (look at Mt 5:14-16).
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
a. Our good works here would again refer to giving (benevolence), bringing forth the gospel (evangelism), and teaching spiritual truths (edification), the basic works of the church (Eph 4:12), both on the congregational and personal levels (Gal 6:10).
b. When we do this because of God, unto His glory, because we are followers, imitators of Christ, (Christians), then we are where God wants us to be, full of eternal light, shining out to others.
B. (v 23)
Mat 6:23 but if your eye is bad (evil; corrupted; diseased; i.e. spiritually blind), your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
He who lays up for himself treasures upon the earth, who keeps the gospel to himself, is selfish, he has a bad, an evil eye, as opposed to those who lay up treasures in heaven, they have clear spiritual vision, they are seeing and acting properly in the sight of God.
1. Those who lay up earthly treasures primarily for themselves and not for others are full of darkness, this darkness produces a void, this void produces a craving, lust.
a. Individuals attempt to fill this void, this lust with all types of earthly/sensual things, sex, money, drugs, alcohol, business, pleasures and so on.
b. But all these earthly things cannot satisfy, fulfill that void, only God’s light within us, doing God’s will, God’s way, can satisfy the soul (Ps 42:1; 107:9).
Psa 107:9 For he satisfies the longing soul, And the hungry soul he fills with good.
2. We should also look at the eye here that is evil, as the eye that is not focused, one that doesn’t see with spiritual clarity, one that sees “double vision.”
a. This is the eye of a hypocrite, the double-minded person (Ja 1:8),
Jas 1:8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
b. This is the eye of one that attempts to live for God, “and” the things of the world simultaneously, this is a great evil in the sight of God, James writes (Ja 4:4) . . .
Jas 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
C. (v 24)
Mat 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and (mammon) money (i.e. earthly wealth).
What we are looking at here is an antithesis (a comparison) between physical wealth and spiritual wealth, these two are opposed one to the other, in the way they are attained, and the way they are retained (Gal 5:17).
Gal 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
1. One (the spiritual) is attained and retained by giving, the other (the earthly [fleshly]) is attained and retained by taking,
a. Thus the very act of obedience to one of these masters is in fact an act of disobedience to the other (Mt 12:30; Rom 6:16-18; Ja 2:10).
Mat 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
b. Therefore it is easy to see why the Lord states in Acts 20:35b . . .
Act 20:35b It is more blessed to give than to receive.
2. The word “serve” here (in Mt 6:24) is doul-eu-o and would be better translated “to be a slave,”
a. Being a slave requires giving “all”, 100% of what you have to your Master, the Lord states (Luke 14:33) . . .
Luk 14:33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
b. You cannot be a slave 100% to one master, and at the same time give 100% of yourself to another master, you only have 100%, so the best you can do is 50%-50%, 60%-40%, 70%-30% and so forth, now your allegiance is divided and you are no servant (slave) at all, but rather a double-minded person (Ja 1:8).
c. This is a huge problem in the church today, individuals initially believe and obey the gospel, then some fall away (represented as the rocky soil; Luke 8:13).
d. While others initially believe and obey, then take a half-hearted approach to their service unto God, yet believe that they are in a right relationship to God, these are represented as those that are choked out by the thorns (Luke 8:14).
e. There is only one type of allegiance acceptable to God, “the (total thus) True Allegiance,” 100% (the good ground; Luke 8:15). As it is written (1 Pet 1:15-19; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Tit 2:14)…
1Pe 1:15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct (every aspect of your life; CEB),
1Pe 1:16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
1Pe 1:17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds (works), conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile (sojourning),
1Pe 1:18 knowing that you were ransomed (redeemed) from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,
1Pe 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
1Co 6:20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Tit 2:14 who (Christ) gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify (make us holy) for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
f. One of the big reasons Jesus gave Himself for us, is that we would see and realize the great love He manifested in that act (Jn 15:13) . . .
Joh 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
g. And that we would return that love (1 Jn 4:19)
1Jn 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
h. And keep His commands (Jn 14:15)
Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
i. Exhibiting, showing forth, living a life of faith working through love (Gal 5:6) . . .
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
j. This is the “True Allegiance”
III. THE TRUE PROVIDER (v 25-32)
A. (v 25)
Mat 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
“Do not be anxious” (ASV; ESV) “take no thought” (KJV) “do not worry” (NKJV) here does not reflect the full import of this word mer-im-nah-o, this is that from which we derive the word “melancholy” and it refers to a state of despondence.
1. It expresses not a mere mental act of thinking, but the state of that which results from a despondent view of the future, that state which is described as “without God and without hope” (Eph 2:12), which reflects upon one’s attitude towards God and His providence, His abilities to provide for His own, here is what the scriptures teach concerning His providing abilities (Ps 23:1; 34:9-10) . . .
Psa 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd (caretaker); I shall not want.
Psa 34:9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack (want)!
Psa 34:10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
a. Paul stated (Phili 4:11b)
Phi 4:11b for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
2. The Lord’s statement here (Mt 6:25) is a straightforward commandment; it is as binding as any other, to disobey this is to show distrust to the Lord, and without faith (trust) we cannot please God (Heb 11:6).
Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
a. The Lord is not forbidding acting responsible about the future, in fact industry and responsibility are commanded in the NT (2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8).
2Th 3:10 . . . this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.
1Ti 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
b. What He is forbidding here is “dwelling with over-concern” upon the necessities of life, we cannot serve Him properly with this mindset.
c. In other words, the gift of life is more than the sustaining thereof, and the body is to be used for more than a mere clothes hanger.
d. These things were created by and for God through Christ (look at 1 Cor 3:16-17; 6:13-14; Col 1:16; Ps 100:3-5),
1Co 3:16 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
1Co 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.
1Co 6:13 "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food"—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
1Co 6:14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Psa 100:3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Psa 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
e. Thus the gift of life and one’s body are to bring God glory, to serve Him through it, and for Him to dwell in it, and for Him to raise up on the Last Day, therefore their importance and purpose is to be that of an eternal nature, not so much for the temporal.
B. (v 26)
Mat 6:26 Look at the birds of the (heaven; sky) air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Birds do not sow, reap, nor store; they merely eat what God has provided, yet there is no suggestion of anxiety on their part concerning their future provisions.
1. God gave them certain natural functions to fulfill, and they accomplish these duties perfectly without worry.
a. And also he gave mankind certain functions to fulfill (turn to Eccl 12:13-14; Isa 43:6-7).
Ecc 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Isa 43:6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth,
Isa 43:7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
b. God created us to keep His commands, in other words to accomplish His will, and He also created us to lift Him up, to exalt Him, to give Him the credit, the glory that such an entity truly deserves.
c. Now if He provides for these lower life forms, how much more will He provide for man, the crowning achievement of His creation (Ps 8:5), those made in His very image (Gen 1:26).
d. Therefore, why should a faithful child of God, who is well aware of his Father’s abilities and loving concern be filled with such anxiety?
C. (v 27)
Mat 6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life (or “one cubit to his stature”)?
What good can anxiety accomplish; it will not change the situation, it will not add length to your life, rather it probably will lead to making it shorter, from the self-imposed stress; and a short person can worry until he is blue in the face, yet he will still be short.
1. It is useless and detrimental to worry about things of which we have no power over, it deprives us of strength which we could use to solve another problem over which we might be concerned, and in this mental state, we are useless for service in the kingdom of God.
a. God has already appointed the day of our death (Heb 9:27), what He did through Jesus is He took away our fear of death (Heb 2:14-15) and rather made it something to look forward to (Phili 1:21).
b. And concerning our physical characteristics (whether we are short, tall, fat or small, God has predetermined that also through our genes, worrying about such things will do no good also, we are each one unique and precious in the sight of God, so much so that He sent His Son to die for us that we might live for Him and not for ourselves.
c. This types of things are simply snares of Satan, that he uses to bring to naught the effectiveness of the children of God, we who are spiritually minded ought to be able to recognize this, we should not be ignorant of the devils devices (2 Cor 2:11b), and we ought to be able to sidestep them (Ja 4:7).
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
D. (v 28)
Mat 6:28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
The lilies do not have to partake of anxiety driven labor to produce the beauty they show forth, they simply do the will of God concerning themselves unto His glory.
a. God has initially created them and provided all that they need to shine forth, if they could worry and work needlessly, they wouldn’t, thus, why should we?
b. We should simply do the will of God concerning ourselves in similar fashion, keeping His commands unto His glory.
E. (v 29)
Mat 6:29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Solomon who was the possibly the richest man ever to live, and was the most glamorously attired of Israel’s kings, could not compare with these simple wildflowers.
1. Ironically he by the inspiration of God declared the vanity of everything compared to doing the will of the Father (read the book of Ecclesiastes), and that is the same lesson we are learning here.
F. (v 30)
Mat 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Seeing that the timber supply around Palestine was used up long before NT times, they used the dried grass which sprang up in the fields in stone ovens for their daily cooking.
1. And if our growth-giving God keeps clothing the fields with this fuel, even though such is used as quickly as it comes up.
a. Surely He has provided a means to clothe us, this is a matter of faith in God Almighty (Heb 11:1).
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
b. We can be assured that if we do God’s will, He will provide for us that love Him and keep His commandments (John 14:15).
c. And we always need to couple our faith (trust in Him) with prayer (look at Phili 4:6-7).
Php 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and (thoughts) your minds in Christ Jesus.
d. Are you anxious? Give it to God and rest assured, for He has got a handle on everything (1 Pet 5:7; Eph 4:6).
1Pe 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
G. (v 31-32)
Mat 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
Mat 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Therefore do not be overly concerned about the necessities of life.
1. God gave us this physical realm, our minds, our bodies, our abilities, thus He has provided for all these things, they are there for the taking.
a. But to think these things are of a first importance would give us the same mindset of those who are without God and without hope in the world (Eph 2:12).
b. We ought to have the mindset of those that followed God in ancient times, like Samuel in 1 Sam 3:9-10 who stated “speak LORD, thy servant heareth” we need to be both hearers and doers of God’s word (Ja 1:22), as wise ones building our house upon the Rock, and that Rock is Christ (1 Cor 10:4).
2. Yet that which we “want” and that which we actually “need” may be two different things.
a. But through the renewal of the Holy Spirit, of our minds, by study and application of the gospel of Christ, the gap between these two ought to be closing up considerably (Rom 12:1-2) . . .
Rom 12:1 I implore you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
Rom 12:2 And be not fashioned according (conformed) to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and you may prove (show forth) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3. And we must trust that God “the True Provider” knows our “needs,” and will supply them, and learn to be content in whatever state which we are in, knowing that is where “He” Who is “over all” has put us (Phili 4:11-13).
Phi 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
Phi 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
Phi 4:13 I can do all things in him (Christ) who strengthens me.
4. In Christ we are in the world, but not of the world, we are physically here, but mentally, spiritually we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Eph 2:6), let us keep our focus there, being new creatures, with heavenly hopes and godly goals, trusting in our Father to provide for our earthly needs as He sees fit, until He brings us home.
IV. THE TRUE PRIORITY OF FAITH (v 33-34)
A. (v 33)
Mat 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
This is the key verse in the context, if one desires the essentials just named, let him meet the requirements of this verse;
1. Let us keep in mind that Christ came to put mankind back where it belongs, before sin entered into the world. The birds, the flowers, the grass of the field all for the most part do what they have been created to do since the beginning of creation; yet mankind is another story, fellowship with God is not to be second place in one’s life, this type of thinking is after the wisdom of men, not of God, and it ends in eternal death (Pro 14:12).
Pro 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
a. God is never to be ignored, but to be always in view, for God is always there, seeing both the good and the evil (Pro 15:13), so let us walk with God, being agreed, instead of away from Him, living contrary to His will.
2. “Seek” here is in the present-active tense (which denotes “now” and it is “ongoing”), and it is in the imperative mood (which denotes a matter of “utmost importance”).
a. Summed up we are to be always, actively, diligently seeking the things of God’s kingdom, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as it is written (Heb 11:6) . . .
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (MJKV)
3. “First” gives the priority of our diligent search, it is to be above all things.
a. Nothing is to equal or surpass in importance that of this search, the Lord put it this way in Mt 10:37-39 . . .
Mat 10:37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
4. “The kingdom of God” is the church on earth and in Heaven, the “ekklesia”, the group of called out ones, “called out” of this world of sin and death, and called into God’s marvelous light, “called to be holy” as God is holy (1 Pet 1:15-16) . . .
1Pe 1:15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct (every aspect of your lives; CEB),
1Pe 1:16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
5. Let us keep in mind that it is Christ’s church (that which belongs to Christ; Rom 16:16), for He has been given all authority (Mt 28:18), therefore let us as the church be subject to that authority (Col 3:17).
a. These two terms (kingdom/church) refer to the same entity in Mt 16:18-19. where the Lord states He will build His church based upon the apostles preaching Him as the Son of God.
b. When one comes to the church (Heb 12:23), one receives a kingdom (Heb 12:28).
c. Christ said that the Lord’s Supper would be observed in the kingdom (Mt 26:29; Mk 14:25; 22:18), Paul gave instructions concerning the observance thereof in the church (1 Cor 11:20-22).
d. When one believes (Jn 3:16) and obeys the gospel (Rom 10:16) they are added to the church (Acts 2:47), translated into the kingdom (Col 1:13), baptized into that “one body” (1 Cor 12:13), which is the church (Eph 1:22-23; 5:23), into that location known as “in Christ” (Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27).
6. Thus it is in the church, in Christ, in the kingdom, by means of God’s Spirit working in us (Phili 2:12-13), that we are able to work righteousness (Eph 2:10), and be obedient to the will of God (Rom 8:5-14), to become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor 5:21), for apart from Christ we can do nothing in the realm of spiritual gain (John 15:5).
a. If we do this (seek first God’s kingdom), then all these things (food, clothing, etc.) will be thrown in as an added blessing.
b. The primary blessings of the kingdom are spiritual in nature, eternal in the heavenly places (Eph 1:3) . . .
i. There is prayer unto the all-powerful God, Who hears you as His very own child (Gal 4:6-7).
Gal 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Gal 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
ii. There is the joy that is produced, knowing that one is in a right relationship with God (Rom 5:10-11).
Rom 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Rom 5:11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
iii. There is the resurrection to eternal life instead of the resurrection of judgment (John 5:28-29).
Joh 5:28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
Joh 5:29 and come out (forth), those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
iv. There is the spending of that one eternal Day with God and the redeemed in those many mansions in Heaven (John 14:2-3; Rev 22:3-5)
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms (mansions; abiding places). If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;
Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.
Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
v. And these material blessings on earth are given “to boot.” (Phili 4:19-20).
Phi 4:19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Phi 4:20 Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
B. (v 34)
Mat 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (evil).
Since God, Who cannot lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18) promised if we put Him first He will care for our material needs, let us, by faith, believe, and live our lives upon this earth according to His will and not according to the faithless.
1. Let us not borrow from tomorrow’s possible troubles and struggles; there are more than a sufficient number of these in each day.
a. Keep in mind that God allows these troubles for our spiritual growth, not our demise (Ja 1:2-4).
b. Therefore let us cross bridges when we come to them.
c. Let us not be filled with worry of what evil might arise tomorrow, but rather let the peace of God that surpasses understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phili 4:7), for we know our Father is over all (Eph 4:6).
d. For today is the day of salvation, that of ours, and of others (2 Cor 6:2), God wants all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4), and that includes us.
2. Therefore let us give the more diligence in that area, making our calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:10), by having a faith that works, through love (Gal 5:6).
a. Let that be our focus, and we can’t go wrong.
Conclusion;
1) THE TRUE TREASURE is those things that perish not, eternal in the heavens, good works done through Christ, in the kingdom, the church, which are credited to our account on the heavenly tablets.
2) TRUE ALLEGIANCE is not divided, but 100% of all we have, given for accomplishing God's will upon earth as it is in Heaven.
3) THE TRUE PROVIDER is our God and Father Who is in heaven, Who gives all we need, all we are, and all we have, day after day after day, and on unto eternity.
4) Therefore THE TRUE PRIORITY OF FAITH is to put God and the things of God first and foremost on our list, and He will put us first on His, for whatever a person sows, that also they will reap (Gal 6:7-8).
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
5) Yet we must enter into Christ, into the kingdom, into the church to walk in these TRUTHS, the question is how? The bible makes it very clear; nothing has changed since the 1st century . . .
1. One must hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17), the gospel (1 Cor 15:1-4).
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2. One is to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Lord and Savior (Acts 8:37),Who died for our sins, was raised from the dead (1 Cor 15:1-4) and ascended into Heaven (Mk 16:19; Lk 24:51; Acts 1:9), and believe that He is the Living Hope of our resurrection (1 Pet 1:3-4), our Forerunner into Heaven (Heb 6:20). Belief (faith) is the crossover point from spiritual death to life (Jn 5:24), wherein we enter into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15) . . .
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
3. A person is to repent of their sins, turn away from self, and turn to God, and His revealed will, His Way (Luke 13; 3, 5; Acts 2:38; 17:30).
Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
Act 17:31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
4. Christ is to be confessed with the mouth, and with one’s life, shining as lights in this sin-darkened world (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9).
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
5. And one is to be baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) wherein His blood was shed (John 19:34), which was poured out unto (for) the remission of sins (Mt 26:28; Acts 2:38; 22:16), which is that consummating act of obedience and “doth also now save us” (1 Pet 3:21) . . .
1Pe 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
6. And one is to live a holy life unto God, being holy as God is holy in every aspect of their earthly lives (1 Pet 1:15-16), imitating Jesus (1 Cor 11:1), and thereby bringing holiness to completion (2 Cor 7:1), without which no one will see the Lord (Heb 12:14; Rev 22:4).