Scripture
Matthew 6:19-24, 33
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Spend some time in worship.
Observation
Matthew 6:19-24, 33
These verses state that earthly treasure is temporary and will fade away, whilst heavenly treasure is ever-lasting. Whilst it is not wrong to possess treasure here on earth, it is of no permanent value and it is a waste of time for the Christ-follower to focus their attention wholly on increasing what they have.
They should rather hold earthly treasure as a steward.
Treasure in heaven though will never be destroyed. Holding earthly treasure lightly, and being willing to use it for another person’s benefit provides a sense of well-being and contentment. The good that the Christ-follower does in this way builds the Kingdom of God on earth and results in eternal blessings for the giver. It is not possible to accumulate earthly and heavenly treasure at the same time. Matthew wrote that light enters the body through our eyes. ‘Good eyes’ are focused on heaven which
implies a spirit of generosity and/or single-mindedness, and these characteristics bring light into our lives. A focused and generous Christ follower is contented. However someone who has ‘bad’ eyes is envious and mean-spirited. The attitude a person possesses towards material treasure determines whether there is light or darkness in their lives.
There is a choice. No one can serve two masters. They can only be loyal to the one and despise the other. The origin of the term mammon is not certain. Some think it may be the name of a pagan god; others that it derives from the Hebrew word meaning trust or confide because people are inclined to trust riches. Whatever its definition, it is a term for wealth personified. The way people use their money is an indication of their relationship with God and who their god is. It does not matter whether a person is wealthy or poor, anyone can serve mammon, just as anyone can serve God. Only they can decide for themselves whom they will serve.
6:33
The priority of the Christ-follower must be seeking God’s Kingdom first. If they do not do this, their lives will be riddled with worry. But Jesus says worry can be replaced by focusing on the Kingdom of God. When this is done, the believer will experience peace, blessing and fellowship with God. Every choice that is made as the believer follows Christ must be made in the light of this decision – to seek God’s kingdom first.
Icebreaker:
What did you worry about most as a child? How did your worries ‘help’ you to overcome whatever was worrying you? What would you say in regard to worry to that younger you now?
Application
- What does your focus in life say about your priorities? Are you aware of what that focus is? What does it say about your relationship with God?
- Is Jesus on the throne of your life? What makes you respond in this way? Are you at peace with your answer? What changes may you need to make, if any for Him to take His rightful central place in your life?
- What does a righteous person look like? How do you feel about the role righteousness plays in your life? Do you consider yourself to be righteous – or not? Why do you define yourself in this way? Are you willing to ask God to make you righteous? Why/why not? What might hold you
back from taking this step? - How can you seek first the Kingdom of God when you have a family to provide for, a place of work to go to every day, a passion for a sport or hobby that takes up time? Do you trust God to take care of you and give you all you need? How could your life change if you did?
- How did you respond to the three questions that were asked at Gracepoint this Sunday? They
were:
o How will you act in setting proper priorities?
o How will you act in seeking personal purity?
o … and secure the promise
Are you serious about these responses? What action have you already taken towards making any changes you need to make? Are you willing to be accountable to one another in this regard? If so, divide into threes and let each other know how you are doing. - How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group.
Service
If you have not already done so, take the first steps towards seeking first the Kingdom of God. Let it
resonate through your life this week.
Bibliography
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