The Treasure Principle – Promise of Joy
Stewardship Series
2/19/06 ~ Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls…
In these verses Jesus teaches the treasure principle.
There are more verses that deal with money than with just about any other topic in the entire Bible. In fact, 15% of everything Christ said relates to money and possessions.
To Jesus there was a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle what we have.
Even pagans like Zacchaeus knew that when they got right with God their wallets naturally reflected that. --Luke 19:8
Our approach to our treasures isn’t just important – it is central to our spiritual lives.
Time and time again there are promises connected to our dealing with our treasures.
Promises like: Open flood gates, A place where moths cannot eat nor rust destroy, Running over into your lap, All these things will be given to you as well…
There’s more –
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found
it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought
that field. --Matthew
13:44,
…in his heart Zach just might have been thinking, “It’s just money.”
The real promise about stewardship is JOY!!!
When we see our time, talents, treasures and tendencies as God’s possessions and our trust, there is joy in pleasing the Master with how we distribute it.
The couple who gave that money knew one important thing – it was not their money! --1 Chronicles 29:11–13
… He was holding on tight to a lot of things and not about to let go. --Mark 10:21-22, TMNT
His treasures held him!
Jesus looked at him and loved him. Jesus wanted him to have joy.
Can we trust God’s promises and can God trust us?
Jesus tells us to take our earthly investments and transfer them into heavenly investments. –Matthew 6:20
Jesus was not against storing up treasures, He was all for it!
The Kingdom of Heaven is that treasure - in four parts:
PERSON Jesus
PLACE Heaven
These treasures will last!
You can’t take it with you, but you can send it ahead.
Kingdom investments here of my TIME, TALENT, TREASURE and TENDENCIES will affect the PERSON, PLACE, POSSESSIONS AND PROMISE of eternity!