Sermon Audio: LINK

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 6:19-34, ESV

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

“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 money.

“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? Look at the birds of the 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? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 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? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Introduction 

In our home, we don’t watch much TV. With a three-year-old, it’s mostly “Sesame Street” or “VeggieTales,” and once she’s asleep, we enjoy the quiet. But when my wife and I did watch more, we enjoyed a show called “Antiques Roadshow.” If you’ve never seen it, people bring in old items (paintings, jewelry, furniture, etc.) hoping they’re valuable. Experts examine them, revealing whether they’re hidden treasures or just sentimental keepsakes with no real worth. That moment of revelation, when something’s true value is exposed, is what makes the show so captivating.  

In a way, life is a lot like “Antiques Roadshow.” We all have things we treasure; goals we chase, priorities we pursue. We all have our own “treasures.” These are the things that we invest our time, energy, and resources into, the things that we believe matter most. But what if, in the light of eternity, we’ve been valuing the wrong things? What if, on the day of judgment, it’s not furniture or heirlooms being appraised, but our very lives? What if we discover that we spent our days chasing after things that, in the end, amounted to nothing more than dust in the wind? It’s a sobering thought, one that should cause us to pause and reflect. In today’s passage, Jesus teaches us how to recognize what truly lasts, so that we are not left standing on the last day realizing we traded a heavenly kingdom for an empire of dirt. 

I. The Two Measuring Rods for Life 

The world measures success by wealth, possessions, and status. We strive after things that can be counted, accumulated, and displayed. But Jesus warns, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15, ESV). Material success may appear fulfilling, yet it never truly satisfies. Many sacrifice integrity, relationships, and even their souls in pursuit of wealth, only to find it empty. Jesus exposes the frailty of earthly riches, saying, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19, ESV).  

In Jesus’ time, wealth was often stored in fine clothes, precious metals, and grain, yet moths could destroy garments, rust could corrode metal, and food could spoil. Even valuables hidden at home were vulnerable to thieves. Today, the threats have changed, but the principle remains the same. Fortunes can vanish overnight in a market crash, possessions can be lost in a natural disaster, and power fades with time. Yet people still chase after wealth as if it somehow guarantees security.  

This is the great paradox of Western Christianity: how do we reconcile Christ’s call to “deny yourself” (Luke 9:23, ESV) with a culture that glorifies self-indulgence? The world tells us to gain as much as we can, but Jesus asks, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36, ESV). The world says, “Get ahead or be left behind,” but Jesus teaches, “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:30, ESV). The world tells us to seek life in our own success, but Jesus warns, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39, ESV).  

Instead of pursuing temporary wealth, Jesus calls us to store up eternal treasures: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20, ESV). But what are these treasures? They are not material things but the eternal rewards of a life shaped by Christ; love, humility, faithfulness. They are found in investing in people rather than possessions, for relationships in Christ last forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). They are found in using our resources for God’s glory rather than personal gain (Matthew 25:21). Unlike earthly riches, these treasures cannot be lost or stolen, and they bring lasting fulfillment.  

Paul exhorts the wealthy, “Set your hope not on riches, but on God… be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share, storing up treasure for the future, so that you may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19, ESV). True life is not found in money but in knowing and trusting God. This is why Jesus warns, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, ESV). Our hearts follow what we treasure, if we live for wealth, our thoughts and energy will be consumed by financial security and material gain. But if our treasure is in heaven, our hearts will be fixed on God’s kingdom, shaping our desires, decisions, and priorities accordingly.  

This is why Scripture repeatedly warns against the love of money. Wealth itself is not evil, but placing our trust in wealth is spiritually dangerous. Paul echoes this, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation… the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10, ESV). In the end, what we treasure most will define our lives and determine our eternity.

II. The Danger of Divided Loyalties  

Sadly, most people are so consumed with immediate pursuits that they rarely consider their final destination. Even Christians are not immune to this danger. Jesus warns that we cannot follow Him while also living for ourselves. Jesus teaches, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness… No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:22-24, ESV). In ancient thought, the eye was a gateway through which light entered the body. A “healthy” eye, in the Greek sense, is not just physically well. It signifies undivided focus and wholehearted devotion to God. Conversely, a “bad” or “evil” eye was a common Jewish metaphor for greed and selfish ambition (Proverbs 28:22; Matthew 20:15). It represented a corrupted vision, seeing the world through the lens of materialism and self-interest.  Jesus’ warning is clear: when our spiritual sight is distorted, our entire being is plunged into darkness. And if the very thing meant to bring light becomes darkness, how can we hope to see clearly? 

Jesus then makes His point unmistakable: “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24, ESV). Notice He does not say, “You should not” or “It is difficult.” He says, “You cannot.” In Jesus’ day, a servant belonged entirely to one master. Attempting to serve two would create constant conflict and contradiction. “Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Love here means full commitment, while “hate” implies rejection or prioritization of one over the other.  

Consider a husband who claims to love his wife but constantly pursues other women. No matter how often he professes his love, his actions prove otherwise. In the same way, when we continually prioritize worldly desires over Christ, we show Him not love, but rejection.  

Finally, Jesus declares, “You cannot serve God and Mammon.” Mammon, an Aramaic word for wealth and material gain, is personified as a rival master. Again, wealth itself is not evil. It is a tool that can be used for good or harm. But when it becomes our source of security, the focus of our ambitions, or the measure of our success, it enslaves us.  

Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our hearts. Where is our focus? Who truly rules our lives? If our spiritual vision is clouded and our loyalties are divided, we cannot serve God fully. But if our eyes are fixed on Christ, with undivided devotion, we will walk in the light of His truth and grace.

III. The Call to Trust in God’s Provision  

Now Jesus knows the human heart. As the author of Hebrews reminds us, “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:12, ESV). Many of us worry about finances, the economy, inflation, and having enough for ourselves and our families. Some of these teachings about heavenly treasures sound nice in principle, but we have bills to pay. College is expensive. We’d like to be able to retire at some point. Is Jesus being unreasonable in all of this?

Jesus never said following him was easy. His teachings do not come naturally to us. Jesus does not merely suggest that we should trust in God’s provision, He commands it. And His reasoning is not rooted in blind faith, but in clear, compelling evidence of God’s faithfulness. 

Here’s the hard truth: we do not know what tomorrow holds for us, but if we live in a constant state of fear and anxiety, we will never be generous. We will never be able to prioritize the Kingdom of God if we live in constant fear of losing our own little kingdoms, which are here today and gone tomorrow. No, our task is not to live in a state of worry, but to seek first the Kingdom of God, knowing that He will provide for all our needs.

Jesus declares: “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?” (Matthew 6:25, ESV).

The phrase “Therefore I tell you” connects this teaching to the preceding verse where Jesus warns against serving two masters, God and money. If our ultimate allegiance is to God, then we must trust that He will care for us. Jesus does not say, “Try not to worry.” He does not say, “Do your best to avoid worry.” He says, “do not be anxious.” It is a command. Anxiety about material things is not just a burden; it is a lapse into disobedience. When was the last time you repented of your anxiety? I think anxiety comes so naturally to us in our anxious age that we don’t even register it in our minds as a sin. But what is anxiety if not momentary disbelief in God’s goodness?

To counter this tendency in our hearts, Jesus provides two examples to emphasize God’s ever present goodness and care. “Look at the birds of the 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?” (Matthew 6:26, ESV).

Birds do not engage in the kind of work that humans do, they do not plant, they do not harvest, they do not store up resources for themselves. And yet, they are fed. Not by accident. Not by their own ability to cultivate food, but by the provision of God. And if God takes care of the birds, how much more will He care for those whom He created in His image? And then Jesus asks, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27, ESV). Worry does not lengthen life, it shortens it. Worry does not solve problems, it creates them. Anxiety is not productive; it is destructive.

Jesus continues, “And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:28-29, ESV). If God clothes the flowers of the field with beauty beyond human craftsmanship, will He not also clothe His children? Flowers are here today and gone tomorrow, yet God adorns them with splendor. How much more will He provide for those whom He has redeemed through the blood of His Son?

Jesus then makes a striking statement: “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?” (Matthew 6:30, ESV). At the core of anxiety is a lack of trust in God. Jesus is not merely giving a comforting message; He is rebuking the smallness of our faith. To worry about provision is to doubt God’s ability to care for His own. Faith is not just for salvation, it is for daily sustenance. The God who provides for eternity certainly provides for today.

Jesus then draws a sharp distinction between His disciples and the rest of the world: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matthew 6:31-32, ESV).

If we claim to follow Christ but live in constant worry, we are acting like unbelievers. I didn’t say we are unbelievers if we feel anxious, only that we are acting and thinking like unbelievers if we allow our anxiety to drive us more than faith in our Heavenly Father. Jesus is calling us to a different standard, to live in the confidence of being children of the Most High.

Now if you are a naturally anxious person you know that being told “stop worrying” is one of the least helpful things a person can tell you. Jesus understands this. He tells us not to worry. He tells us why we have no need to worry. And then he gives us the solution to worry: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, ESV).

This is not a promise of material wealth or a guarantee of a trouble-free life. It is a promise of divine provision for those who make God’s kingdom their priority. Seeking the kingdom means aligning our hearts with God’s will. It means pursuing righteousness, loving others, living generously, and trusting God to meet our needs. If you find yourself wringing your hands with anxiety, the solution is to busy your body and mind with other things, better things, kingdom things. People fret and worry about the things they have no control over, but I am convinced that if everyone focused on doing good with the little things that are in their control, then the big things beyond their control would work themselves out in time. You might be tempted to say “but there is nothing I can do.” Can you pray? What is a better use of our time, running the treadmill of anxiety or taking our concerns to our heavenly Father in prayer? You can always do something. Every minute we spend worrying is a minute we don’t spend doing good for God, ourselves, and others. 

And if you are sill worried about your needs, look again at what Jesus says. Jesus doesn’t say God “might” provide your needs. He says “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, ESV). That is a guarantee. He doesn’t say you will have everything you want if you follow him, but if you follow Him God will provide everything you need. 

Jesus concludes with a final encouragement: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34, ESV). Worrying about tomorrow does not change tomorrow, it only ruins today. Jesus calls us to live in daily dependence, trusting that God’s mercies are new every morning. Each day has enough trouble of its own. But each day also has enough grace.

Conclusion  

As we conclude, I’d like to offer both a warning and an invitation. Mammon can be a useful tool, but a cruel master, offering security only to those who remain useful, but abandoning the weak, the sick, and the aged. It demands self-preservation, compelling its servants to hoard and strive for fleeting wealth. But God’s economy is different. In His kingdom, provision is not found in material stockpiles but in His faithful care and the generosity of His people. Jesus calls us to trust in what truly lasts, eternal treasures, not temporary wealth. True faith transforms our hearts and our communities, replacing greed with generosity and fear with trust. 

Are you living by the world’s definition of security, or by Christ’s call to seek first the Kingdom of God? When His kingdom comes in fullness, both poverty and riches will vanish, and only what was done for eternity will remain. What treasure are you storing up today? If you have not yet given your life over to the King of Kings and experienced the richness of His mercy and love, I am going to as you to come down during our time of invitation to find me after the services so that we can get our priorities straight and I can introduce you to the greatest treasure.

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Daily Devotionals: 

On Sunday morning, we focused on Jesus’ teaching about true treasure and the danger of misplaced priorities. We examined how the world measures success through wealth, possessions, and status, yet Jesus warns that these things are temporary and ultimately unfulfilling. Instead, He calls us to store up treasures in heaven by investing in love, faithfulness, and service to others. We also explored the danger of divided loyalties, as Jesus made it clear that we cannot serve both God and money. When financial security or personal ambition becomes our primary focus, our devotion to Christ inevitably suffers. Finally, we looked at Jesus’ command to trust in God’s provision rather than being consumed by worry. He reminded us that God cares for the birds and the flowers, how much more will He provide for us? Our task is to seek first the kingdom of God, knowing that He will supply everything we truly need. I closed with a challenge: Are we living for temporary gain, or are we investing in eternity? Only what is done for Christ will last.

Monday: True Value in the Light of Eternity  

Scripture Reading: 

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  – Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV)  

Devotional:

Have you ever placed value on something, only to later realize it wasn’t worth as much as you thought? Whether it’s an antique that turns out to be a replica or an investment that doesn’t pay off, we’ve all experienced the disappointment of misplaced priorities. Jesus warns us about the danger of investing in earthly treasures that will eventually fade away. Money, possessions, and status will not last forever. If we spend our lives chasing them, we may find ourselves spiritually bankrupt in the end.  

Instead, Jesus calls us to invest in heavenly treasures, things that have eternal significance. Loving others, serving God, sharing the gospel, and living with integrity. These are the things that will last. Unlike money or possessions, they cannot be stolen, devalued, or lost. When we prioritize God’s kingdom, we store up treasures that will never fade.  

Take a moment today to evaluate your pursuits. Are you chasing after things that will ultimately pass away, or are you investing in what truly matters? Ask God to realign your heart toward eternal treasures.  

Reflection Questions:  

1. What are some earthly “treasures” you’ve pursued that have not brought lasting fulfillment?  

2. How can you store up treasures in heaven in your daily life?  

3. What is one practical step you can take this week to focus on eternal priorities?  

Prayer:  

Father, help me to see the true value of what I pursue. Turn my heart away from temporary things and help me to invest in what lasts forever. Teach me to store up treasures in heaven by loving, serving, and living for You. Amen.  

Tuesday: Two Measuring Rods for Life  

Scripture Reading:  

“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”  – Luke 12:15 (ESV) 

Devotional:

Success in the world is often measured by how much we own, the status we achieve, and the wealth we accumulate. But Jesus reminds us that life is about far more than possessions. Our worth is not found in what we have but in who we are in Christ.  

The world constantly tells us to chase more: more money, more power, more recognition. But Jesus asks us a sobering question: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). The pursuit of wealth is not inherently wrong, but when it becomes our ultimate goal, we lose sight of what truly matters. Instead of seeking material success, Jesus calls us to seek first the kingdom of God.  

Today, reflect on what you measure your life by. Are you more focused on financial security and status, or are you pursuing God’s purpose for your life? Seek His kingdom above all else, trusting that He will provide for your needs.  

Reflection Questions:  

1. How does the world define success, and how does Jesus define it?  

2. In what ways have you placed too much value on material things?  

3. How can you shift your focus toward pursuing God’s kingdom first?  

Prayer:  

Lord, I confess that I often measure my life by the wrong standards. Help me to seek You above all else and to find my worth in You, not in my possessions. Teach me to trust in Your provision and to live for eternal treasures. Amen.  

Wednesday: The Danger of Divided Loyalties  

Scripture Reading:  

“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 money.”  – Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

Devotional:

Jesus leaves no room for compromise when he taught that we cannot serve both God and money. Many attempt to strike a balance (pursuing financial success while also trying to follow Christ) but ultimately, one will take priority. If our hearts are set on wealth, our devotion to God will inevitably wane. No matter how much we try to serve both, what we choose to prioritize will always reveal where our true allegiance lies.  

Money itself is not inherently sinful, but the love of money creates a dangerous divide in our hearts. When financial security becomes our greatest pursuit, faith takes a backseat. Instead of seeking God’s will, we begin making decisions based on profit, convenience, and self-interest. Yet true security is never found in wealth, which can vanish in an instant. It is found in God alone, who provides for all our needs.  

Take a moment to examine your heart. Are there areas of your life where money, possessions, or financial concerns have taken a higher place than your faith? Ask God to realign your priorities, to help you trust in His provision, and to serve Him with an undivided heart.

Reflection Questions:  

1. What are some ways that money or materialism can compete with our devotion to God?  

2. How does trusting in God’s provision free us from the stress of financial worries?  

3. What steps can you take to ensure that God, not money, is the priority in your life?  

Prayer:  

Father, I want to serve You wholeheartedly. Help me to recognize any divided loyalties in my heart and to place my trust fully in You. Teach me to be content and to seek Your kingdom above all else. Amen.  

Thursday: Worrying About Tomorrow  

Scripture Reading: 

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” – Matthew 6:27 (ESV)  

Devotional:

Worry is a constant struggle for many. We stress over finances, careers, family matters, and the uncertainties of the future. Yet Jesus reminds us that worry adds nothing to our lives, it does not solve our problems or change our circumstances. Instead, it drains our joy, steals our peace, and distracts us from trusting in God’s faithful care.  

Look at the world around you. God provides for the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the field with beauty. If He cares so deeply for His creation, how much more will He care for you, His beloved child? Jesus calls us to let go of fear and seek first His kingdom, trusting that He will supply everything we truly need. Worry accomplishes nothing, but faith in God opens the door to His perfect provision.  

What burdens are weighing on your heart today? Lay them before the Lord in prayer. Trust that He sees you, knows your needs, and will provide in His perfect way and timing. Instead of carrying the weight of worry, choose to rest in the assurance of His love and care.

Reflection Questions:  

1. What are some common worries that distract you from trusting God?  

2. How has God provided for you in the past?  

3. What steps can you take to replace worry with faith?  

Prayer:  

Lord, I give You my worries and fears. Help me to trust that You will provide for my needs. Teach me to seek Your kingdom first and to rest in Your promises. Amen.  

Friday: Seek First the Kingdom  

Scripture Reading: 

 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (ESV) 

Devotional:

Jesus’ solution for fear and anxiety is a shift in focus. Rather than being consumed by worry, He commands us to seek His kingdom first. This means aligning our daily decisions, relationships, and resources with God’s will, making His priorities our priorities. When we seek Him above all else, everything else falls into place.  

Seeking God’s kingdom does not mean neglecting our responsibilities; it means trusting that as we put Him first, He will provide for our needs. Jesus does not promise material wealth or a life free from hardship, but He does guarantee His faithful provision. When we trust Him completely, we can release the grip of anxiety and rest in His care.  

Take a moment to reflect: Are you truly seeking first the kingdom of God? Where are your time, energy, and resources being invested? Choose today to put God at the center of your life, trusting that He will supply everything you need in His perfect way.

Reflection Questions:  

1. What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?  

2. How can you make God’s priorities your priorities?  

3. What are some practical ways to live with an eternal perspective?  

Prayer:  

Father, help me to seek Your kingdom above all else. Teach me to trust that You will provide for me as I follow You. Let my life reflect Your priorities. Amen.  

Saturday: Living with Eternal Purpose  

Scripture Reading: 

“Set your hope not on riches, but on God… be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share, storing up treasure for the future, so that you may take hold of that which is truly life.”  – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)  

Devotional:

Generosity is the evidence of a heart that trusts in God’s provision. When we live with open hands instead of clenched fists, we experience the joy of giving rather than the fear of losing. Storing up treasures in heaven means using our resources, time, and energy to advance God’s kingdom, knowing that these investments have eternal significance.  

How can you live today with eternity in mind? Instead of chasing temporary success, choose faith over fear, love over self-interest, and generosity over greed. Fix your eyes on what lasts forever, and trust that God will provide for all you need.

Reflection Questions:  

1. How can you be “rich in good works” this week?  

2. What are some practical ways to live with an eternal focus?  

3. How does generosity reflect trust in God?  

Prayer:  

Lord, teach me to live for what truly lasts. Let my life be rich in good works and full of generosity. Help me to trust in You, knowing that true life is found in You alone. Amen.