Storing Up Treasures in Heaven

The sermon opens by observing that human life has two dimensions: the visible, outward part and the hidden, inward part known only to the individual and to God. Jesus Christ repeatedly warns us not to practice our faith merely for outward show, whether in giving, prayer, or our attitude toward money and material possessions.

The first section examines the relationship between money and the heart. Scripture does not forbid owning wealth, and poverty is not equivalent to holiness — Abraham, Job, and Zacchaeus were all wealthy. Yet 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that the love of money is the root of all evil. Jesus teaches that when accumulating wealth becomes the sole purpose of life, those treasures will be destroyed by moths, rust, or thieves. The parable of the farmer and his two calves illustrates how people often decide to give God the least valuable thing, revealing what is truly in their hearts.

The second section addresses the relationship between money and the spirit through the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body (Matthew 6:22-23). What the eye constantly gazes upon and desires reflects the true longings of the heart. Those who allow the dazzling lights of this world — diamonds, money, luxury — to flood their souls will find their whole inner life in darkness. By contrast, those who choose the light of God's truth will have a spirit full of light. The contrast between Lot and Abraham illustrates this: Lot's eyes saw only fertile land and missed the sin of Sodom, while Abraham's eyes were fixed on God.

The third section poses the fundamental question: who is the master of your life — God or money (mammon)? Jesus clearly distinguishes between worry and wise planning: wise planning means preparing and making decisions in faith, while worry stems from a failure to trust God. The sermon also raises a sobering picture of church giving patterns: the average believer gives less than 3% of income, about 20-25% give nothing at all, and only 7 families or individuals contribute nearly 60% of total offerings.

The closing lesson uses the story of the servant who fled from Death in Baghdad to Samarra — only to meet Death there as scheduled — as a reminder that wealth does not last and no one can take it when they die. A comparison table between earthly and heavenly treasures summarizes the message: earthly wealth is temporary and easily lost, while heavenly wealth endures forever. Therefore, believers are called to store up treasures in heaven by using their finances to serve God's work.