WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.960 Excellent. Good morning. 00:00:01.199 --> 00:00:03.439 Morning to people at home and the cameras. 00:00:04.879 --> 00:00:07.440 Well, this morning, what is it you treasure? 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:10.839 I'm going to, I've brought in a few little treasures as a show and tell. 00:00:11.519 --> 00:00:14.280 And so here's one thing I treasure. 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:20.379 My family, that's my wife Deb, and that's my daughter Adelaide and my son Hamish. 00:00:20.679 --> 00:00:22.580 They're both actually taller than her now. 00:00:23.359 --> 00:00:26.740 That was taken just before COVID and it's hard to find a photo. 00:00:26.739 --> 00:00:33.519 Anyway, she's in year 12 this year and he's going into year 9. 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:34.679 So I treasure them. 00:00:35.539 --> 00:00:39.859 And I also treasure this, which I'm going to get now as part of the show and tell. 00:00:41.079 --> 00:00:42.280 I treasure this painting. 00:00:43.599 --> 00:00:49.560 This painting was given to me for Father's Day by my daughter when she was three 00:00:49.560 --> 00:00:51.700 and she painted it herself. 00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:54.899 Now, come on, gifted? What? 00:00:54.899 --> 00:00:58.000 No, no. Everyone's kids are gifted. I'm joking. 00:00:59.659 --> 00:01:04.859 She's not doing art, but she is doing D&T and drama. 00:01:05.319 --> 00:01:06.939 So it's something I treasure. 00:01:07.239 --> 00:01:07.900 Something else. 00:01:11.759 --> 00:01:13.340 I treasure these. 00:01:13.340 --> 00:01:20.159 I got a silver medal at the World Championship in St Andrews playing frisbee. 00:01:20.740 --> 00:01:24.420 And I've got a bronze medal playing frisbee. 00:01:25.200 --> 00:01:29.480 And this was the first Australian team ever to get medal overseas. 00:01:29.620 --> 00:01:32.379 So I kind of treasure them, but when you look at them, they're actually a bit cheap. 00:01:33.400 --> 00:01:36.320 And they'll rust. 00:01:36.820 --> 00:01:38.100 You know, they're not going to last. 00:01:38.099 --> 00:01:42.559 And something else here I treasure is the jersey. 00:01:43.599 --> 00:01:48.280 When you get to play for your country, like you have this little dream. 00:01:48.560 --> 00:01:49.899 And yes, it is a real sport. 00:01:50.359 --> 00:01:54.579 And, you know, you do have to be a little bit fit and know what you're doing. 00:01:54.939 --> 00:01:56.340 So it's a little fringy. 00:01:56.799 --> 00:01:59.000 But anyway, moths will eat that. 00:01:59.539 --> 00:02:00.679 It just won't last. 00:02:00.680 --> 00:02:05.560 And the thing that I really treasure is my relationship with Jesus. 00:02:06.180 --> 00:02:07.420 And that lasts forever. 00:02:07.960 --> 00:02:08.719 And I hold on to that. 00:02:10.240 --> 00:02:15.260 Today's passage in the Sermon on the Mount, as Jesus commenced his public ministry, 00:02:15.439 --> 00:02:19.680 he listed off the beautiful attitudes meant for his followers. 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:25.200 He taught how we are to live as subjects in the long-awaited kingdom of God. 00:02:25.480 --> 00:02:27.439 And this is the best life for us. 00:02:27.439 --> 00:02:32.719 If we're to be followers of Jesus, we must listen to Jesus' words and obey them. 00:02:33.579 --> 00:02:34.859 The standard is high. 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:40.539 And when we live this way, we are salt and we are light in the world. 00:02:41.199 --> 00:02:47.500 Even though it will make us stand out and often put us at a disadvantage to others in the world 00:02:47.500 --> 00:02:48.900 and by the standards of this world. 00:02:50.139 --> 00:02:53.319 The Sermon on the Mount challenges us to make significant changes, 00:02:53.759 --> 00:02:56.079 to live for God's upside-down kingdom. 00:02:56.080 --> 00:02:59.200 It's opposite to the way the world operates. 00:02:59.560 --> 00:03:05.240 And today I want to talk about an area that actually needs serious attention, 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:06.780 but it's a sensitive topic. 00:03:08.060 --> 00:03:12.360 It has to be one of the least popular ones for us to talk about as Christians, 00:03:12.740 --> 00:03:17.620 especially from the pulpit, because people feel like being bent behind their back. 00:03:17.620 --> 00:03:23.159 And whether you have a little or a lot, as we head into this new year, 00:03:23.819 --> 00:03:26.539 we need to hear what God has to say about treasure. 00:03:27.480 --> 00:03:28.740 It's a touchy subject. 00:03:29.819 --> 00:03:33.580 But most of our life kind of revolves around the acquisition of stuff. 00:03:33.580 --> 00:03:35.340 Get a qualification. 00:03:36.020 --> 00:03:36.780 Get a career. 00:03:37.560 --> 00:03:38.160 Work. 00:03:38.860 --> 00:03:39.480 Mortgage. 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:40.640 Clothing. 00:03:41.360 --> 00:03:41.920 Bills. 00:03:42.800 --> 00:03:43.360 Save. 00:03:43.780 --> 00:03:44.860 Super funds. 00:03:46.040 --> 00:03:48.580 Amass material blessings and wealth. 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:52.260 Save for a restful, prosperous retirement, 00:03:52.700 --> 00:03:56.280 where the person with the most toys wins. 00:03:56.280 --> 00:03:59.039 This can be a real trap. 00:03:59.780 --> 00:04:02.180 In 1 Timothy 6.10, we're reminded, 00:04:02.500 --> 00:04:05.960 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. 00:04:06.780 --> 00:04:09.439 Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith 00:04:09.439 --> 00:04:12.280 and pierced themselves with many griefs. 00:04:13.860 --> 00:04:15.060 Money isn't evil. 00:04:15.960 --> 00:04:17.639 It's the effect it has on us. 00:04:18.120 --> 00:04:19.439 It's what people do with it. 00:04:20.240 --> 00:04:21.379 People lie for money. 00:04:22.019 --> 00:04:23.019 People kill for money. 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:26.500 Families face bitter splits at the reading of a will. 00:04:26.859 --> 00:04:27.659 I've seen it happen. 00:04:28.719 --> 00:04:30.399 People betray friends for money. 00:04:31.359 --> 00:04:33.439 No one ever thinks they've got too much money. 00:04:34.439 --> 00:04:36.419 Hardly anyone thinks they have enough money. 00:04:37.639 --> 00:04:42.099 Acquiring money for security and comfort drives our life. 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:45.639 The opportunity to earn more money can motivate people 00:04:45.639 --> 00:04:48.699 to reorder their priorities in life. 00:04:48.699 --> 00:04:53.539 A big loss of money is a huge tragedy for most people, 00:04:54.199 --> 00:04:55.699 second only to death itself. 00:04:57.019 --> 00:04:59.139 We need to ask ourselves, 00:04:59.479 --> 00:05:00.920 what is it we treasure? 00:05:02.379 --> 00:05:03.439 Jesus concluded, 00:05:04.060 --> 00:05:06.860 you cannot serve both God and money. 00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:13.279 Who or what has mastery over our hearts? 00:05:13.279 --> 00:05:17.839 We serve whichever master has control over our heart. 00:05:18.859 --> 00:05:23.199 What would the world offer you that could entice you away from Jesus? 00:05:23.899 --> 00:05:25.899 And the answer Jesus gave is money. 00:05:27.119 --> 00:05:29.859 Listen to what Jesus has to say to those who are to follow him. 00:05:29.860 --> 00:05:33.400 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, 00:05:33.780 --> 00:05:35.800 where moth and rust destroy, 00:05:36.220 --> 00:05:38.080 and where thieves break in and steal. 00:05:38.780 --> 00:05:41.000 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 00:05:41.560 --> 00:05:43.420 where neither moth nor rust destroys, 00:05:44.080 --> 00:05:46.040 and where thieves do not break in and steal. 00:05:46.840 --> 00:05:48.139 For where your treasure is, 00:05:48.680 --> 00:05:50.240 there your heart will be also. 00:05:51.939 --> 00:05:52.939 Two treasures. 00:05:53.759 --> 00:05:54.720 Treasures on earth, 00:05:55.879 --> 00:05:56.600 treasures in heaven. 00:05:56.600 --> 00:05:59.720 Don't store up the first for yourself. 00:06:00.580 --> 00:06:01.620 Store up the second. 00:06:02.840 --> 00:06:03.760 Sounds simple, 00:06:04.700 --> 00:06:05.680 but in practice, 00:06:06.520 --> 00:06:09.820 treasure on earth. 00:06:10.280 --> 00:06:13.560 We need to note what Jesus is not talking about first. 00:06:14.900 --> 00:06:17.180 Money doesn't grow on trees or fall from the sky. 00:06:17.320 --> 00:06:17.780 Please God. 00:06:18.400 --> 00:06:19.040 Oh, there we go. 00:06:19.740 --> 00:06:20.180 Sweet. 00:06:21.180 --> 00:06:23.120 No, Jesus is not talking about 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:25.620 making sensible provision for the future. 00:06:25.620 --> 00:06:27.019 He's not talking about 00:06:27.019 --> 00:06:28.939 working hard to avoid poverty. 00:06:29.959 --> 00:06:31.360 He's not talking about 00:06:31.360 --> 00:06:32.800 enjoying with gratitude 00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:34.280 the good things that God has made. 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:35.540 And he's not talking about 00:06:35.540 --> 00:06:36.879 providing for our dependence. 00:06:37.980 --> 00:06:40.040 I think we know what Jesus is talking about. 00:06:40.579 --> 00:06:41.759 The human desire. 00:06:43.120 --> 00:06:43.819 Give me more. 00:06:44.920 --> 00:06:46.019 The love of wealth. 00:06:47.280 --> 00:06:49.079 What has got our hearts? 00:06:50.280 --> 00:06:51.500 What do we treasure? 00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:53.779 If we treasure 00:06:53.779 --> 00:06:55.800 honour and fame, 00:06:56.519 --> 00:06:58.319 then our heart will be ambitious. 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:00.240 Sorry, I said treasure. 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:01.699 I was thinking of true love then, 00:07:01.800 --> 00:07:02.500 but if we treasure... 00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:04.600 That's what I started. 00:07:04.839 --> 00:07:05.319 Anyway, 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:06.980 if we treasure pleasure, 00:07:07.339 --> 00:07:09.540 then our heart will be self-indulgent. 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:11.379 If we treasure money, 00:07:12.060 --> 00:07:13.620 then our heart will be greedy. 00:07:14.759 --> 00:07:16.300 Whatever has our heart, 00:07:16.680 --> 00:07:17.579 we actually worship. 00:07:18.079 --> 00:07:19.319 And how do we know we worship it? 00:07:19.319 --> 00:07:20.759 We make time for it. 00:07:20.959 --> 00:07:22.959 We make sacrifices for it. 00:07:23.779 --> 00:07:24.939 Whatever's on our heart 00:07:24.939 --> 00:07:26.459 will master us. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:30.040 We live with the cultural delusion 00:07:30.040 --> 00:07:31.759 that wealth equals security. 00:07:33.139 --> 00:07:34.079 With wealth, 00:07:34.199 --> 00:07:35.399 we can be our own gods, 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:38.339 independent and not rely on God. 00:07:39.839 --> 00:07:40.920 Because we're self-made, 00:07:41.019 --> 00:07:41.740 we're self-sufficient. 00:07:43.019 --> 00:07:44.639 Wealth gives us control and power 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:45.620 over our own fate 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:47.039 and over other people. 00:07:47.040 --> 00:07:49.480 Personal wealth 00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:51.800 and worth 00:07:51.800 --> 00:07:53.540 can build our self-esteem 00:07:53.540 --> 00:07:54.500 and value. 00:07:55.160 --> 00:07:56.300 And they can be tied together 00:07:56.300 --> 00:07:57.400 with material possessions. 00:07:58.600 --> 00:08:00.220 We can feel good about ourselves 00:08:00.220 --> 00:08:01.700 if we dress and drive 00:08:01.700 --> 00:08:02.360 and dine 00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:03.420 and decorate well. 00:08:04.740 --> 00:08:05.360 With wealth, 00:08:05.460 --> 00:08:07.060 we can indulge our every desire, 00:08:07.580 --> 00:08:09.060 whether it's the exotic vacation, 00:08:09.660 --> 00:08:10.759 the luxurious wedding, 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:12.420 the finest dining 00:08:12.420 --> 00:08:14.360 or the most extravagant home. 00:08:14.360 --> 00:08:17.720 people abandon Jesus 00:08:17.720 --> 00:08:19.199 and choose money 00:08:19.199 --> 00:08:21.720 and earthly treasure 00:08:21.720 --> 00:08:23.699 and it's a strange choice. 00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:26.180 If we read in Timothy, 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:28.680 we brought nothing into the world, 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:31.060 we can take nothing out of it. 00:08:32.700 --> 00:08:35.180 The same fate awaits everyone. 00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:37.019 Treasures on earth 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:38.159 just don't last 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:40.360 and we don't take any of it with us. 00:08:40.360 --> 00:08:42.960 Imagine gaining the whole world 00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:44.820 yet forfeiting your soul. 00:08:45.940 --> 00:08:47.639 The person with the most toys 00:08:47.639 --> 00:08:49.039 doesn't win. 00:08:50.419 --> 00:08:51.419 In this section 00:08:51.419 --> 00:08:52.340 on the Sermon on the Mount, 00:08:52.759 --> 00:08:53.820 Jesus warns against 00:08:53.820 --> 00:08:54.720 the extremes 00:08:54.720 --> 00:08:55.800 of wealth 00:08:55.800 --> 00:08:56.600 and worry. 00:08:57.879 --> 00:08:58.820 As God cares 00:08:58.820 --> 00:08:59.899 for the flowers in the field 00:08:59.899 --> 00:09:01.100 and the birds in the air, 00:09:01.379 --> 00:09:02.080 how much more 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:02.960 his own children? 00:09:04.320 --> 00:09:04.720 Therefore, 00:09:04.879 --> 00:09:05.639 I tell you, 00:09:05.899 --> 00:09:07.580 do not worry about your life, 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:08.500 saying, 00:09:08.720 --> 00:09:09.379 what shall we eat 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:10.220 or what shall we drink? 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:12.200 What shall we wear? 00:09:12.600 --> 00:09:13.299 For the pagans 00:09:13.299 --> 00:09:14.419 run after these things 00:09:14.419 --> 00:09:15.919 and your heavenly Father 00:09:15.919 --> 00:09:17.039 knows that you need them. 00:09:17.980 --> 00:09:18.460 But, 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:19.939 seek first 00:09:19.939 --> 00:09:20.779 God's kingdom 00:09:20.779 --> 00:09:22.120 and his righteousness 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:24.100 and all these things 00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:25.200 will be given to you. 00:09:26.620 --> 00:09:28.120 They'll be given to you as well. 00:09:28.320 --> 00:09:28.679 Therefore, 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:30.639 do not worry about tomorrow 00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:32.240 for tomorrow 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:33.980 will worry about itself. 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:37.620 Do a quick tangent here. 00:09:38.279 --> 00:09:39.059 I just thought of it. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:40.519 My grandmother, 00:09:40.639 --> 00:09:41.179 when she was dying 00:09:41.179 --> 00:09:42.120 of bone marrow cancer, 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:44.100 she was a Christian 00:09:44.100 --> 00:09:45.820 and she had a little EP. 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:47.340 This is back in vinyl days 00:09:47.340 --> 00:09:48.659 and it was a country 00:09:48.659 --> 00:09:49.240 and western song, 00:09:49.419 --> 00:09:50.340 One Day at a Time, 00:09:50.419 --> 00:09:50.860 Sweet Jesus. 00:09:50.939 --> 00:09:52.179 That's all I'm asking you for. 00:09:53.059 --> 00:09:54.200 And she'd play that every day 00:09:54.200 --> 00:09:55.100 until she went home 00:09:55.100 --> 00:09:55.860 to be with Jesus. 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:57.840 Don't worry about tomorrow. 00:09:58.559 --> 00:09:59.320 Each day has enough 00:09:59.320 --> 00:10:00.120 worries of its own. 00:10:00.820 --> 00:10:02.000 Live one day at a time, 00:10:02.299 --> 00:10:02.960 sweet Jesus. 00:10:04.019 --> 00:10:04.259 Well, 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:05.120 later in the parable 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:05.639 of the sower, 00:10:05.639 --> 00:10:07.600 Jesus spoke of the thorns 00:10:07.600 --> 00:10:09.299 and the worries of wealth 00:10:09.299 --> 00:10:10.399 in Matthew 13. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:12.519 Talks about the seed 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:13.699 falling among the thorns, 00:10:13.819 --> 00:10:15.199 actually refers to the person 00:10:15.199 --> 00:10:16.779 who hears the word, 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:19.220 but the worries of life 00:10:19.220 --> 00:10:21.519 and the deceitfulness of wealth 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:23.139 choke the word, 00:10:23.799 --> 00:10:24.960 making it unfruitful. 00:10:26.019 --> 00:10:27.319 We need to weed out 00:10:27.319 --> 00:10:29.019 the thorns in our life. 00:10:29.799 --> 00:10:30.659 Don't worry 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:31.740 and amass wealth 00:10:31.740 --> 00:10:32.759 like the pagans. 00:10:34.199 --> 00:10:35.240 Real security 00:10:35.240 --> 00:10:36.799 comes in a relationship 00:10:36.799 --> 00:10:37.519 with God. 00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:40.219 Seek first 00:10:40.219 --> 00:10:41.159 God's kingdom 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:42.620 and all these things 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:43.719 will be given unto you. 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:45.339 So do not store up 00:10:45.339 --> 00:10:45.980 for yourselves 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:47.339 treasures on earth. 00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:50.039 Jesus shifts now here 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:50.740 from the heart 00:10:50.740 --> 00:10:51.719 to our eyes. 00:10:53.039 --> 00:10:53.699 The eye 00:10:53.699 --> 00:10:54.519 is the lamp 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:55.059 of the body. 00:10:55.779 --> 00:10:56.720 So if your eye 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:57.459 is healthy, 00:10:57.899 --> 00:10:58.779 your whole body 00:10:58.779 --> 00:10:59.959 will be full of light. 00:11:00.659 --> 00:11:01.600 But if your eye 00:11:01.600 --> 00:11:02.399 is bad, 00:11:02.959 --> 00:11:03.679 your whole body 00:11:03.679 --> 00:11:04.759 will be full of darkness. 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:06.559 If then the light 00:11:06.559 --> 00:11:07.539 in you is darkness, 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:09.539 how great 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:10.659 is that darkness? 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:13.319 We actually can't 00:11:13.319 --> 00:11:14.279 separate the heart 00:11:14.279 --> 00:11:15.079 and our eyes. 00:11:15.839 --> 00:11:17.799 We set our eyes 00:11:17.799 --> 00:11:19.579 on our heart's desire. 00:11:20.299 --> 00:11:21.459 The two are entwined. 00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:23.939 What is on our heart 00:11:23.939 --> 00:11:25.899 drives what we look at. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:28.179 What we treasure, 00:11:28.500 --> 00:11:29.079 we watch. 00:11:29.679 --> 00:11:30.480 It's what we read. 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:31.339 It's the magazines 00:11:31.339 --> 00:11:32.339 we buy. 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:34.120 It's the movies we watch. 00:11:34.199 --> 00:11:35.439 It's the internet searches. 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:38.120 Whatever masters our heart 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:39.819 masters our eyes. 00:11:40.899 --> 00:11:42.259 And what our eyes see 00:11:42.259 --> 00:11:43.360 in turn 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:44.839 feeds our heart. 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:46.240 It's this cycle. 00:11:47.620 --> 00:11:48.699 Are your eyes good 00:11:48.699 --> 00:11:50.139 and full of light? 00:11:51.219 --> 00:11:52.879 Or are your eyes bad 00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:54.199 and full of darkness? 00:11:54.200 --> 00:11:56.140 Jesus is saying, 00:11:56.139 --> 00:11:57.759 if our eyes are set 00:11:57.759 --> 00:11:58.960 on earthly treasures, 00:11:59.139 --> 00:12:00.199 on treasures on earth, 00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:01.620 then our eyes 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:02.659 are in pretty bad shape. 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:04.779 And by inference, 00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:06.439 so are our hearts. 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:09.299 If we can't see 00:12:09.299 --> 00:12:10.159 that it's meaningless 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:11.639 chasing treasures on earth, 00:12:12.100 --> 00:12:12.840 that it's just like 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:14.439 a chasing after the mist, 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:16.920 and if we can't see 00:12:16.920 --> 00:12:18.340 that it's actually wise 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:19.080 to store up riches 00:12:19.080 --> 00:12:19.640 in heaven, 00:12:20.320 --> 00:12:21.320 then we need more 00:12:21.320 --> 00:12:22.220 than spectacles. 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:24.440 We need to readjust 00:12:24.440 --> 00:12:25.400 our lens 00:12:25.400 --> 00:12:27.260 to that which emanates light. 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:29.000 Open our eyes 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:29.560 afresh 00:12:29.560 --> 00:12:30.780 to God's word, 00:12:31.220 --> 00:12:31.960 which is a lamp 00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:32.740 to our feet 00:12:32.740 --> 00:12:33.860 and a light 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:34.860 to our path. 00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:36.540 Just on this, 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:37.000 again, 00:12:37.060 --> 00:12:37.820 a little quick tangent 00:12:37.820 --> 00:12:38.720 that's not in the notes. 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:40.540 Have you ever done 00:12:40.540 --> 00:12:41.100 a kaplunk? 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:43.379 Kaplunk is, 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:43.960 God, 00:12:44.040 --> 00:12:44.300 I don't know 00:12:44.300 --> 00:12:45.300 what's going on, 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:46.000 just, you know, 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:48.340 you've opened the Bible 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:49.259 and you've pointed 00:12:49.259 --> 00:12:49.759 to a passage 00:12:49.759 --> 00:12:50.980 and hope it's spoken to you. 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:52.740 People have done that? 00:12:52.820 --> 00:12:53.500 I'm really interested. 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:54.960 I've seen a few notes. 00:12:55.139 --> 00:12:55.379 Righto. 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:56.259 Well, get this. 00:12:56.879 --> 00:12:57.940 Married, no kids. 00:12:58.040 --> 00:12:58.660 My wife and I 00:12:58.660 --> 00:12:59.540 go to a conference 00:12:59.540 --> 00:13:00.379 and it's a conference 00:13:00.379 --> 00:13:01.759 on international schools. 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:02.600 We're both educators 00:13:02.600 --> 00:13:04.040 and we heard 00:13:04.040 --> 00:13:05.120 you could go to Berlin 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:05.920 and Jakarta 00:13:05.920 --> 00:13:06.420 and Tokyo 00:13:06.420 --> 00:13:07.420 and teach in all these 00:13:07.420 --> 00:13:08.300 international schools 00:13:08.299 --> 00:13:09.259 and you got paid 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:09.799 pretty well 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:10.699 and looked after 00:13:10.699 --> 00:13:11.939 and even got accommodated 00:13:11.939 --> 00:13:12.879 and some schools 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:13.879 even offered you 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:15.579 a security home 00:13:15.579 --> 00:13:17.099 and a chauffeur-driven 00:13:17.099 --> 00:13:17.839 car to inform us. 00:13:17.919 --> 00:13:18.139 Anyway, 00:13:18.779 --> 00:13:18.979 I was like, 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:19.719 well, this sounds good, 00:13:19.839 --> 00:13:20.039 you know, 00:13:20.099 --> 00:13:20.559 and so, 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:21.679 should we do this, God? 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:21.899 You know, 00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:22.819 we'll come back to Australia 00:13:22.819 --> 00:13:23.599 and we'll have a deposit 00:13:23.599 --> 00:13:24.079 for a house 00:13:24.079 --> 00:13:25.039 and we'll be all set up. 00:13:26.120 --> 00:13:26.819 Kaplunk time. 00:13:29.639 --> 00:13:30.759 James, chapter 4. 00:13:30.859 --> 00:13:31.500 Who are you? 00:13:32.399 --> 00:13:33.039 Just say you'll go 00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:33.620 to this city 00:13:33.620 --> 00:13:34.399 and that city 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:35.919 and make money. 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:38.279 You are but a miss. 00:13:38.299 --> 00:13:41.319 What you should be saying 00:13:41.319 --> 00:13:42.719 is what is God's will 00:13:42.719 --> 00:13:43.979 and do that. 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:45.339 Anything else 00:13:45.339 --> 00:13:46.579 is evil. 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.079 Okay, God, 00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:48.559 we're not going 00:13:48.559 --> 00:13:49.379 to international schools. 00:13:49.919 --> 00:13:50.579 Got it? 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:51.179 Kaplunk. 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:52.919 Very good. 00:13:55.459 --> 00:13:55.859 So, 00:13:56.319 --> 00:13:57.059 God's word is a lamp 00:13:57.059 --> 00:13:57.599 to our feet, 00:13:57.819 --> 00:13:58.740 a light to our path. 00:13:58.899 --> 00:14:00.039 Fill our eyes with light. 00:14:01.459 --> 00:14:02.859 If not treasures on earth, 00:14:03.039 --> 00:14:04.259 then what are we to live for? 00:14:05.220 --> 00:14:06.360 Jesus tells us 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:07.740 what our motivation 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:08.519 should be like. 00:14:09.179 --> 00:14:09.759 Jesus said, 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.419 store up for yourselves 00:14:11.419 --> 00:14:12.299 treasures in heaven 00:14:12.299 --> 00:14:13.779 where moths don't eat, 00:14:14.299 --> 00:14:15.319 rust doesn't destroy 00:14:15.319 --> 00:14:16.439 and where thieves 00:14:16.439 --> 00:14:17.379 do not break in 00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:18.120 and steal. 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:20.019 For where your treasure is, 00:14:20.659 --> 00:14:22.159 there your heart 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:23.059 will be also. 00:14:24.419 --> 00:14:25.759 What does Jesus mean 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:26.679 by treasure in heaven? 00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:29.439 According to Don Carson, 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:31.319 the words treasure in heaven 00:14:31.319 --> 00:14:32.419 go back to early 00:14:32.419 --> 00:14:33.219 Jewish literature. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:35.079 Here it refers to 00:14:35.079 --> 00:14:36.159 whatever is good 00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:38.019 and of eternal significance 00:14:38.019 --> 00:14:39.299 that comes out 00:14:39.299 --> 00:14:40.199 of what is done 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:41.099 on earth. 00:14:41.939 --> 00:14:43.159 Doing righteous deeds, 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:44.899 suffering for Christ, 00:14:45.479 --> 00:14:46.299 forgiving one another, 00:14:46.959 --> 00:14:47.959 willingness to share 00:14:47.959 --> 00:14:48.679 what you have. 00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:49.860 You remember the early church 00:14:49.860 --> 00:14:51.139 people sold their houses 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:51.879 and their land 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.860 to give out. 00:14:53.779 --> 00:14:54.579 In other words, 00:14:54.979 --> 00:14:56.399 what has eternal significance 00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:57.740 is leaving out 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:59.159 the complete package 00:14:59.159 --> 00:15:00.319 outlined in the 00:15:00.319 --> 00:15:01.120 Sermon on the Mount. 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:03.500 Now, while we don't know 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.460 what the reward in heaven 00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:06.039 is actually going to look like, 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:06.980 we get a picture 00:15:06.980 --> 00:15:07.700 of what heaven 00:15:07.700 --> 00:15:08.919 actually will look like 00:15:08.919 --> 00:15:10.019 to some degree 00:15:10.019 --> 00:15:11.399 in Revelation 00:15:11.399 --> 00:15:12.740 and it's beautiful 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:13.639 and majestic 00:15:13.639 --> 00:15:14.320 and amazing 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:15.100 but we still actually 00:15:15.100 --> 00:15:15.879 can't fathom that 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:16.759 because we're sitting 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:17.460 in these chairs 00:15:17.460 --> 00:15:18.419 and we're in these 00:15:18.419 --> 00:15:19.500 mortal bodies. 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:20.440 We can't fathom it. 00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:22.379 But let's face it, 00:15:24.100 --> 00:15:24.879 none of us are really 00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:25.980 concerned about receiving 00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:27.039 some kind of material 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:27.980 reward in heaven, 00:15:28.139 --> 00:15:28.399 surely. 00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:31.240 the best treasure 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:31.720 in heaven, 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:33.179 this is what I hope for, 00:15:33.899 --> 00:15:34.679 will be to see 00:15:34.679 --> 00:15:35.620 the people we know 00:15:35.620 --> 00:15:36.159 and love, 00:15:37.199 --> 00:15:37.819 the people we've 00:15:37.819 --> 00:15:38.980 come in contact with. 00:15:39.199 --> 00:15:40.319 Our friends and family 00:15:40.319 --> 00:15:41.419 are going to be a given 00:15:41.419 --> 00:15:43.279 that we want to see 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:43.799 them there 00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:45.179 but what about 00:15:45.179 --> 00:15:45.819 the people we meet 00:15:45.819 --> 00:15:46.459 on the streets? 00:15:47.699 --> 00:15:48.399 Sometimes I'll get 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:49.299 on public transport 00:15:49.299 --> 00:15:50.059 and I'll sit on a bus 00:15:50.059 --> 00:15:50.659 and actually face 00:15:50.659 --> 00:15:51.279 the opposite way 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:51.959 and I just look down 00:15:51.959 --> 00:15:53.000 the barrel at all the people 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:54.720 and I'm thinking, 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:55.580 do you know Jesus? 00:15:56.299 --> 00:15:56.899 Are you ready? 00:15:57.679 --> 00:15:58.399 I'd love to see you 00:15:58.399 --> 00:15:59.000 all there one day. 00:15:59.039 --> 00:15:59.600 I don't know you 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:01.299 but I'd love to see you there. 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:04.179 And it's the image bearers 00:16:04.179 --> 00:16:06.059 of God 00:16:06.059 --> 00:16:07.159 that Jesus died for. 00:16:08.960 --> 00:16:10.659 Not a car 00:16:10.659 --> 00:16:12.740 or an Australian 00:16:12.740 --> 00:16:13.580 frisbee jersey 00:16:13.580 --> 00:16:15.639 or a rusty medal. 00:16:15.639 --> 00:16:18.779 What has eternal significance? 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:21.039 Doing God's will 00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:22.199 on earth 00:16:22.199 --> 00:16:23.319 as it is in heaven 00:16:23.319 --> 00:16:25.279 and sharing the gospel 00:16:25.279 --> 00:16:26.500 with our whole lives. 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.120 I don't think it's 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:29.059 too much of a stretch 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:30.879 but I honestly believe 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:31.759 that the treasure 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:32.840 we store up in heaven 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:34.360 is the people 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:36.500 we personally point to Jesus. 00:16:38.399 --> 00:16:39.360 Normally if you give 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:40.259 earthly treasure away 00:16:40.259 --> 00:16:40.860 it's gone. 00:16:42.059 --> 00:16:43.299 The gospel is better 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:44.460 than a Tim Tam pack 00:16:44.460 --> 00:16:45.539 that never runs out. 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:48.299 In his great mercy 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:49.259 he has given us 00:16:49.259 --> 00:16:49.759 new birth 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:50.580 into a living hope 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:51.319 through the resurrection 00:16:51.319 --> 00:16:52.259 of Jesus Christ 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:52.919 from the dead 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:54.480 and into an inheritance 00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:55.659 that can never perish 00:16:55.659 --> 00:16:56.899 spoil or fade 00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:58.199 kept in heaven 00:16:58.199 --> 00:16:59.360 for you. 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:02.360 The gospel 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:03.179 is the treasure 00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:04.559 that keeps on giving. 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:06.299 When we share the gospel 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:08.000 we still have it 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:10.000 but so does someone else. 00:17:11.180 --> 00:17:12.420 It's God's treasure 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.359 that never perishes 00:17:13.359 --> 00:17:14.579 never spoils 00:17:14.579 --> 00:17:15.879 never fades. 00:17:16.419 --> 00:17:17.919 As we share the gospel 00:17:17.919 --> 00:17:19.039 and give generously 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:19.939 to support ministry 00:17:19.939 --> 00:17:20.379 of the gospel 00:17:20.379 --> 00:17:21.119 both here 00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:23.019 and with overseas mission 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:24.519 we are using riches 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:25.179 on earth 00:17:25.179 --> 00:17:26.279 to build treasure 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:26.759 in heaven. 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:29.419 In this life 00:17:29.419 --> 00:17:30.740 we won't always see it 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:32.379 but what joy 00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:33.119 there will be 00:17:33.119 --> 00:17:34.220 what treasure 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:34.779 in heaven 00:17:34.779 --> 00:17:36.480 when we are united 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.000 with those 00:17:37.000 --> 00:17:37.359 who have come 00:17:37.359 --> 00:17:38.079 to know Jesus 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:39.439 either because 00:17:39.439 --> 00:17:40.699 of our direct connection 00:17:40.699 --> 00:17:41.899 in sharing our lives 00:17:41.900 --> 00:17:42.460 and the gospel 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:42.840 with them 00:17:42.840 --> 00:17:44.220 or indirectly 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:45.980 through our partnering 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:46.820 financially 00:17:46.820 --> 00:17:47.440 and mission 00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:48.620 both locally 00:17:48.620 --> 00:17:49.460 and globally. 00:17:50.700 --> 00:17:51.680 Jesus concludes 00:17:51.680 --> 00:17:53.180 no one can serve 00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:53.920 two masters 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:55.700 either they will 00:17:55.700 --> 00:17:57.480 hate the one 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.160 and love the other 00:17:58.160 --> 00:17:59.540 or they will be devoted 00:17:59.540 --> 00:18:00.019 to one 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:01.019 and despise the other. 00:18:01.940 --> 00:18:03.019 You cannot serve 00:18:03.019 --> 00:18:04.560 both God 00:18:04.560 --> 00:18:05.840 and money. 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:09.339 Why can't we have it all? 00:18:09.819 --> 00:18:10.639 Why can't we have both? 00:18:11.579 --> 00:18:13.119 A couple of observations here. 00:18:13.879 --> 00:18:15.039 In this western age 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:16.099 of individualism 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:17.179 selfishness 00:18:17.179 --> 00:18:18.419 instant gratification 00:18:18.419 --> 00:18:20.159 people today 00:18:20.159 --> 00:18:20.740 find it hard 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:21.299 to miss out 00:18:21.299 --> 00:18:21.919 on anything 00:18:21.919 --> 00:18:22.859 that money can buy 00:18:22.859 --> 00:18:24.619 if they have the means. 00:18:25.539 --> 00:18:26.199 Needing the right 00:18:26.199 --> 00:18:27.079 brand of clothes 00:18:27.079 --> 00:18:28.039 cars 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:29.139 mobile phones 00:18:29.139 --> 00:18:31.000 gaming consoles 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:32.480 spectacular holidays 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:34.119 not many of us 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:34.399 are willing 00:18:34.400 --> 00:18:35.220 to go without 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:36.220 or prepared 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.080 to make costly 00:18:37.080 --> 00:18:37.840 sacrifices 00:18:37.840 --> 00:18:39.120 in laying down 00:18:39.120 --> 00:18:39.600 our lives 00:18:39.600 --> 00:18:40.259 for Jesus. 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:42.200 Worldliness 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:43.400 can so easily 00:18:43.400 --> 00:18:44.060 entangle 00:18:44.060 --> 00:18:44.980 like the thorns 00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:46.620 the Christian life. 00:18:47.620 --> 00:18:48.460 Nothing but the best 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:49.200 will do for me. 00:18:50.120 --> 00:18:50.800 I've earned it. 00:18:51.380 --> 00:18:52.160 I deserve it. 00:18:53.340 --> 00:18:54.160 We place limits 00:18:54.160 --> 00:18:55.220 on trusting Jesus. 00:18:55.820 --> 00:18:56.540 I'm not prepared 00:18:56.540 --> 00:18:57.160 to step out 00:18:57.160 --> 00:18:58.300 in faith 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:59.220 and trust God 00:18:59.220 --> 00:19:00.440 and let him 00:19:00.440 --> 00:19:00.780 take me 00:19:00.780 --> 00:19:01.400 where he'll take me. 00:19:02.120 --> 00:19:02.880 I'm scared 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:03.860 that my pay package 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:04.399 will drop 00:19:04.399 --> 00:19:05.459 that my standard 00:19:05.459 --> 00:19:05.859 of living 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:07.299 will lower. 00:19:09.379 --> 00:19:10.539 Not many people 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.339 are prepared 00:19:11.339 --> 00:19:12.119 to downscale 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.179 for the sake 00:19:13.179 --> 00:19:13.719 of the gospel 00:19:13.719 --> 00:19:14.839 buy a cheaper 00:19:14.839 --> 00:19:15.439 brand 00:19:15.439 --> 00:19:17.279 or generously 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:18.039 support mission. 00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:20.119 When Jesus 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:21.139 says no one 00:19:21.139 --> 00:19:21.879 can serve 00:19:21.879 --> 00:19:22.539 two masters 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.439 it's an image 00:19:23.439 --> 00:19:24.319 of slavery. 00:19:25.479 --> 00:19:25.799 Slaves 00:19:25.799 --> 00:19:26.740 were owned 00:19:26.740 --> 00:19:27.919 by a master. 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:29.599 They were required 00:19:29.599 --> 00:19:30.259 to obey 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.000 and serve 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:31.440 their master 00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:32.119 full time. 00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:33.680 There was no room 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:34.180 in their lives 00:19:34.180 --> 00:19:34.660 to serve 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:35.420 another master. 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:37.420 Two treasures. 00:19:38.379 --> 00:19:39.140 Treasure on earth 00:19:39.140 --> 00:19:40.740 or treasure in heaven. 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:43.079 We'll hate one 00:19:43.079 --> 00:19:44.259 and we'll love 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:44.680 the other 00:19:44.680 --> 00:19:46.119 or we'll be devoted 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:46.660 to one 00:19:46.660 --> 00:19:47.859 and despise 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:48.279 the other 00:19:48.279 --> 00:19:49.740 but we can't 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:50.740 serve both 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:51.819 God and money. 00:19:51.819 --> 00:19:54.059 who 00:19:54.059 --> 00:19:55.359 or what 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:56.319 has mastery 00:19:56.319 --> 00:19:56.919 of your heart? 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:58.960 Have you been 00:19:58.960 --> 00:19:59.559 enslaved 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:00.059 by earthly 00:20:00.059 --> 00:20:00.460 treasures 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:02.099 because it's 00:20:02.099 --> 00:20:02.740 idolatry? 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.299 Whatever you do 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:06.220 and this is a popular 00:20:06.220 --> 00:20:06.519 thing 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.359 just follow your heart 00:20:07.359 --> 00:20:08.000 listen to your heart 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:08.899 don't listen 00:20:08.899 --> 00:20:09.519 to your heart. 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:11.960 Jeremiah 17 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.359 9 00:20:12.359 --> 00:20:13.519 reminds us 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.059 the heart 00:20:14.059 --> 00:20:15.059 is deceitful 00:20:15.059 --> 00:20:16.599 above all things 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:18.759 but praise God 00:20:18.759 --> 00:20:19.480 in Ezekiel 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.099 we're reminded 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:21.240 that God wants 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:21.740 to give us 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.559 a new heart 00:20:22.559 --> 00:20:23.639 and put a new 00:20:23.639 --> 00:20:24.119 spirit 00:20:24.119 --> 00:20:24.939 to remove 00:20:24.939 --> 00:20:25.359 our heart 00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:26.019 of stone 00:20:26.019 --> 00:20:27.319 and give us 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:28.119 a heart 00:20:28.119 --> 00:20:28.679 of flesh. 00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:30.799 We all need 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.319 to hear these 00:20:31.319 --> 00:20:31.740 words 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.379 and to take 00:20:32.379 --> 00:20:33.079 them seriously. 00:20:35.019 --> 00:20:35.839 The heart 00:20:35.839 --> 00:20:36.599 of our living 00:20:36.599 --> 00:20:37.740 is to be 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.299 for the kingdom 00:20:38.299 --> 00:20:38.819 of God. 00:20:40.459 --> 00:20:41.339 What then 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:42.240 are we to do 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:42.740 with earthly 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:43.099 treasure? 00:20:44.359 --> 00:20:45.099 The first thing 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:45.980 we need to acknowledge 00:20:45.980 --> 00:20:46.819 that we are rich. 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:48.140 Did you know 00:20:48.140 --> 00:20:49.440 that if you earn 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:50.819 $90 a day 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:52.799 you're in the top 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:53.480 1% 00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:55.059 of the richest 00:20:55.059 --> 00:20:55.819 people in the world? 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:57.519 You don't have 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.579 to be Elon Musk 00:20:58.579 --> 00:21:00.019 Bill Gates 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:00.680 or any of these people 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:01.640 $90 a day 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:02.059 will put you 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:03.099 in the top 1% 00:21:03.099 --> 00:21:04.160 of people in the world. 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:06.220 As we are blessed 00:21:06.220 --> 00:21:07.819 we need to be 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:08.819 a blessing to others. 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:10.279 Jesus said 00:21:10.279 --> 00:21:11.620 to whom much is given 00:21:11.620 --> 00:21:13.620 much will be required. 00:21:14.640 --> 00:21:15.200 And we need 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:15.900 to acknowledge 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:17.000 that this is actually 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:17.600 all just a loan 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:18.200 from God. 00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:19.740 In Psalm 24 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:20.380 verse 1 00:21:20.380 --> 00:21:20.940 we read 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:21.880 the earth 00:21:21.880 --> 00:21:22.960 is the Lord's 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:23.700 and everything 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:24.220 in it 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:25.580 the world 00:21:25.580 --> 00:21:26.480 and all 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:27.259 who live in it. 00:21:27.840 --> 00:21:28.400 In other words 00:21:28.400 --> 00:21:29.500 everything we have 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:30.620 is just on loan 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:31.280 from God. 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:32.680 If it wasn't 00:21:32.680 --> 00:21:34.480 we'd take it with us 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.000 when we die. 00:21:36.540 --> 00:21:37.540 So what do we do 00:21:37.540 --> 00:21:38.220 with earthly treasure 00:21:38.220 --> 00:21:39.040 God has given us 00:21:39.040 --> 00:21:39.420 on loan? 00:21:39.900 --> 00:21:40.400 We get a really 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:41.460 clear indicator 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:42.000 in Timothy. 00:21:43.060 --> 00:21:43.660 Command those 00:21:43.660 --> 00:21:44.100 who are rich 00:21:44.099 --> 00:21:45.079 in this present world 00:21:45.079 --> 00:21:46.240 not to be arrogant 00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:47.599 nor to put their hope 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.119 in wealth 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:49.399 which is so uncertain 00:21:49.399 --> 00:21:50.799 but to put their hope 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:51.379 in God 00:21:51.379 --> 00:21:52.819 who richly provides us 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:53.339 with everything 00:21:53.339 --> 00:21:54.219 for our enjoyment. 00:21:55.199 --> 00:21:55.639 Command them 00:21:55.639 --> 00:21:56.559 to do good 00:21:56.559 --> 00:21:57.579 to be rich 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:58.240 in good deeds 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:59.099 and to be generous 00:21:59.099 --> 00:22:00.119 and willing to share. 00:22:00.959 --> 00:22:01.639 In this way 00:22:01.639 --> 00:22:02.199 they will lay up 00:22:02.199 --> 00:22:03.079 treasure for themselves 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:04.319 as a firm foundation 00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:05.339 for the coming age 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:06.379 so that they may 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:07.240 take hold 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:08.379 of the life 00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:10.119 that is truly life. 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:12.039 be rich 00:22:12.039 --> 00:22:12.819 in good deeds 00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:13.879 be generous 00:22:13.879 --> 00:22:14.579 and willing 00:22:14.579 --> 00:22:15.179 to share. 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:16.819 For those 00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:17.359 in the family 00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:17.939 of God 00:22:17.939 --> 00:22:19.079 our inheritance 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:20.059 is in heaven. 00:22:21.099 --> 00:22:21.559 This treasure 00:22:21.559 --> 00:22:22.279 is secure 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:23.859 and it lasts 00:22:23.859 --> 00:22:24.279 forever. 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:26.799 There's a story 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:27.419 of a rich 00:22:27.419 --> 00:22:29.779 diamond merchant 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.359 who was looking 00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:30.979 for a particular 00:22:30.979 --> 00:22:31.659 diamond for his 00:22:31.659 --> 00:22:32.039 collection 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:32.519 and there was 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:33.119 a New York 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:33.819 jeweller 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:35.359 who traded 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:35.899 in diamonds 00:22:35.899 --> 00:22:36.859 who knew of this 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:37.759 and he discovered 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:38.639 in his collection 00:22:38.640 --> 00:22:39.140 a diamond 00:22:39.140 --> 00:22:40.620 that this Dutch 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:42.660 diamond collector 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:43.080 would like 00:22:43.080 --> 00:22:44.320 and he flew over 00:22:44.320 --> 00:22:44.620 and he said 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:45.120 come on over 00:22:45.120 --> 00:22:46.259 and he got his 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:47.380 associate 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:48.680 his best salesman 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:49.320 who knew everything 00:22:49.320 --> 00:22:50.060 about diamonds 00:22:50.060 --> 00:22:51.940 to talk about 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:52.680 this diamond 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:53.400 and at the end 00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:54.200 of him discussing 00:22:54.200 --> 00:22:54.880 all the technical 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:56.280 details of the diamond 00:22:56.280 --> 00:22:57.420 the guy decided 00:22:57.420 --> 00:22:58.200 he wouldn't buy it. 00:22:58.940 --> 00:22:59.680 He wasn't interested 00:22:59.680 --> 00:23:00.380 after all 00:23:00.380 --> 00:23:01.100 and then the owner 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:01.560 of the shop said 00:23:01.560 --> 00:23:01.980 hang on a minute 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:03.580 can I just take that diamond 00:23:03.580 --> 00:23:04.780 and give it one more crack 00:23:04.780 --> 00:23:07.740 and then he explained 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:09.740 all this about the diamond 00:23:09.740 --> 00:23:10.680 and the gentleman 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:11.599 decided to buy it 00:23:11.599 --> 00:23:13.259 and then he said 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:14.920 sir I wonder why 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:15.700 you're able to sell me 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:16.220 this stone 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:17.140 when your salesman 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:17.759 could not 00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:19.579 and the owner replied 00:23:19.579 --> 00:23:21.339 that salesman 00:23:21.339 --> 00:23:22.000 is the best 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:22.660 in the business 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:24.160 he knows more 00:23:24.160 --> 00:23:24.880 about diamonds 00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:25.460 than anyone 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.599 including myself 00:23:26.599 --> 00:23:28.079 and I pay him 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:28.720 large salary 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:29.279 for his knowledge 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:30.019 and expertise 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:31.920 but I would gladly 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:33.019 pay him twice 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:33.480 as much 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:34.140 if I could put 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:34.720 into him 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:35.279 something 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:36.980 I have 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:38.160 which he lacks 00:23:38.160 --> 00:23:39.660 you see 00:23:39.660 --> 00:23:40.779 he knows diamonds 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:42.519 but I love them 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:45.100 what we love 00:23:45.100 --> 00:23:46.579 what we treasure 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:48.720 what we're passionate about 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:49.660 passionate about 00:23:49.660 --> 00:23:50.920 we talk about 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:52.460 if you like skiing 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.900 I'll know you like skiing 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:54.440 because you'll start 00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:55.259 talking about it 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.400 or some kind of sport 00:23:56.400 --> 00:23:57.799 or music 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:59.039 or your family 00:23:59.039 --> 00:24:00.700 Jesus said 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:02.220 out of the overflow 00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:03.000 of the heart 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:04.660 the mouth speaks 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:06.940 what's on our heart 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:07.960 we speak about 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:09.039 it just comes out 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:10.700 it's one thing 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:12.000 to know about Jesus 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:13.119 it's another 00:24:13.119 --> 00:24:14.259 to love Jesus 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:16.220 and if you love Jesus 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:17.480 and treasure knowing him 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.500 you can't stop 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.519 talking about him 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:22.579 we're jars of clay 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:24.799 and like jars of clay 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:25.660 we're fallible 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.819 we're broken 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:28.640 we're fragile 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:30.359 yet we have this 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:31.660 glorious treasure within 00:24:31.660 --> 00:24:33.460 that will not perish 00:24:33.460 --> 00:24:34.820 and will not fade 00:24:34.820 --> 00:24:37.000 when we truly love Jesus 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:38.440 and truly love our family 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:39.000 and friends 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:39.940 and really care about 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:40.500 other people 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.740 we don't want them 00:24:41.740 --> 00:24:42.680 to miss out on heaven 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:46.900 the diamond salesman 00:24:46.900 --> 00:24:48.420 loved earthly treasure 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:49.620 and loved talking about 00:24:49.620 --> 00:24:50.160 that treasure 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:52.120 but that doesn't last 00:24:52.120 --> 00:24:53.940 if we love Jesus 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:55.380 we have a different 00:24:55.380 --> 00:24:56.600 perspective on life 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:58.300 looking forward to a place 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:59.940 where moth and rust 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:00.879 do not destroy 00:25:00.879 --> 00:25:02.379 and where thieves 00:25:02.379 --> 00:25:03.680 cannot break in and steal 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:05.379 and as a result 00:25:05.379 --> 00:25:06.440 we focus 00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:07.379 I hope on things 00:25:07.379 --> 00:25:08.839 that have eternal significance 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:11.299 if we love Jesus 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:13.299 we love sharing the gospel 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:14.940 godly treasure 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:16.899 and use our worldly treasure 00:25:16.899 --> 00:25:17.859 God has given us 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:18.460 on loan 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:20.419 to support ministry 00:25:20.419 --> 00:25:23.000 of the good news of Jesus 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:24.419 both here 00:25:24.419 --> 00:25:25.579 locally 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:26.220 nationally 00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:27.279 and globally 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:30.000 Oscar Schindler 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:30.839 and his wife 00:25:30.839 --> 00:25:32.579 saved over 1200 Jews 00:25:32.579 --> 00:25:33.660 from near certain death 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:34.680 at the hands of the Nazis 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:37.680 in the Steven Spielberg film 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:39.400 Schindler's List 00:25:39.400 --> 00:25:41.660 it records how Oscar 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:43.120 used his worldly wealth 00:25:43.120 --> 00:25:44.500 to rescue Jews 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:46.299 at the conclusion 00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:47.319 of World War II 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:48.680 Schindler was given 00:25:48.680 --> 00:25:49.380 a gold ring 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:50.360 this is true 00:25:50.360 --> 00:25:51.799 it's not just a movie depiction 00:25:51.799 --> 00:25:53.600 and on the ring 00:25:53.600 --> 00:25:55.279 the gold ring 00:25:55.279 --> 00:25:56.000 from the survivors 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:56.839 and the gold 00:25:56.839 --> 00:25:57.759 was actually extracted 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.779 from the tooth 00:25:58.779 --> 00:26:00.639 the bridge in a prisoner's mouth 00:26:00.639 --> 00:26:02.139 and they got the ring 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:03.440 and they inscribed it 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:03.799 with something 00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:04.619 from the Talmud 00:26:04.619 --> 00:26:05.759 and this is what it read 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:09.359 he who saves a single life 00:26:09.359 --> 00:26:11.599 saves the entire world 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:14.799 the film marks 00:26:14.799 --> 00:26:16.099 this moment powerfully 00:26:16.099 --> 00:26:19.259 on receiving the gift 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:21.160 Schindler breaks down 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:23.000 and he removes his watch 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:25.900 and he removes a gold pin 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:27.259 and he says 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:28.519 this could have been one more 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:30.759 this could have been five more 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:33.119 he could have used his earthly treasure 00:26:33.119 --> 00:26:34.160 to save more 00:26:34.160 --> 00:26:36.379 one day 00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:38.299 we will see Jesus 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:41.059 could be sooner than we realise 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:43.379 and we'll look around 00:26:43.379 --> 00:26:44.099 all the people 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:45.960 that we shared the gospel with 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:47.720 or we supported 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:49.379 in ministry 00:26:49.379 --> 00:26:50.539 and ministry of the gospel 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:53.859 will we wish we'd done more 00:26:53.859 --> 00:26:59.399 those who point others to Jesus 00:26:59.399 --> 00:27:01.679 the one who saves life 00:27:01.679 --> 00:27:03.879 store up treasure in heaven 00:27:03.880 --> 00:27:06.680 when the Christian community 00:27:06.680 --> 00:27:08.280 is salt and light in the world 00:27:08.280 --> 00:27:10.220 generosity is a sign 00:27:10.220 --> 00:27:10.760 that this world 00:27:10.760 --> 00:27:11.880 has not taken hold 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:13.360 and that we've weeded out 00:27:13.360 --> 00:27:14.460 the thorns of wealth 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:16.080 accumulation and worry 00:27:16.080 --> 00:27:18.140 from the garden of our lives 00:27:18.140 --> 00:27:21.040 there will be an observable difference 00:27:21.040 --> 00:27:22.640 as we live by using 00:27:22.640 --> 00:27:23.820 treasure on earth 00:27:23.820 --> 00:27:24.780 God has given us 00:27:24.780 --> 00:27:26.900 not to invest in property shares 00:27:26.900 --> 00:27:28.620 or our portfolios 00:27:28.620 --> 00:27:30.140 but rather investing 00:27:30.140 --> 00:27:31.600 in sharing in the gospel 00:27:31.599 --> 00:27:33.939 I pray this happens 00:27:33.939 --> 00:27:36.079 as we listen to the teaching 00:27:36.079 --> 00:27:36.659 of Jesus 00:27:36.659 --> 00:27:38.199 and respond 00:27:38.199 --> 00:27:39.959 by living for God's 00:27:39.959 --> 00:27:41.039 upside down kingdom 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:43.159 seeking to build treasure on earth 00:27:43.159 --> 00:27:44.679 treasure in heaven 00:27:44.679 --> 00:27:45.359 not on earth 00:27:45.359 --> 00:27:47.659 so as we head into 2022 00:27:47.659 --> 00:27:50.240 it's a great opportunity 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.859 to reassess our motivations 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:54.159 where our hearts lie 00:27:54.159 --> 00:27:56.759 and what it is we really treasure 00:27:56.759 --> 00:28:00.319 it's a chance to examine our finances 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:02.220 rework the budget 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:04.079 prioritise giving 00:28:04.079 --> 00:28:06.859 we cannot serve two masters 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:09.619 we either live for treasure on earth 00:28:09.619 --> 00:28:11.559 or live for treasure in heaven 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:13.740 which treasure 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:15.279 will we live for today 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:17.599 it's a choice 00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:19.059 we have to make constantly 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:22.399 stir up for yourselves 00:28:22.399 --> 00:28:23.179 treasure in heaven 00:28:23.179 --> 00:28:24.399 where moths don't eat 00:28:24.399 --> 00:28:25.799 rust doesn't destroy 00:28:25.799 --> 00:28:26.379 and where thieves 00:28:26.379 --> 00:28:27.480 do not break into steel 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:29.660 for where your treasure is 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:31.220 there your heart will be 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:32.019 also 00:28:32.019 --> 00:28:33.460 let's pray 00:28:33.460 --> 00:28:35.440 heavenly father 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:35.799 lord 00:28:35.799 --> 00:28:37.000 weed out our hearts 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:37.519 lord 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:38.559 take from us anything 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:39.940 that's 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:41.880 taking us away from you 00:28:41.880 --> 00:28:43.099 whatever we've 00:28:43.099 --> 00:28:45.059 it's encapsulated us 00:28:45.059 --> 00:28:45.539 in this world 00:28:45.539 --> 00:28:46.539 you've made a good world 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:47.960 it's an amazing world 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:48.240 lord 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:48.539 that 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.640 it's broken 00:28:49.640 --> 00:28:50.240 and it's fallen 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:51.279 and we need Jesus 00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:52.019 lord 00:28:52.019 --> 00:28:52.940 let this world 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:54.079 not distract us 00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:55.799 let us live in this world 00:28:55.799 --> 00:28:56.879 but not of the world 00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:59.019 let us fix our eyes on Jesus 00:28:59.019 --> 00:29:00.019 the author and perfecter 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:00.639 of our faith 00:29:00.639 --> 00:29:01.740 and lord 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:03.539 motivated by love for you 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:04.279 and love for others 00:29:04.279 --> 00:29:05.399 can we just share this 00:29:05.399 --> 00:29:06.139 treasure 00:29:06.139 --> 00:29:07.159 this gospel treasure 00:29:07.159 --> 00:29:07.899 with all we come 00:29:07.899 --> 00:29:08.740 in contact with 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.480 with all we see 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:11.319 and may they know 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.119 the love of Jesus 00:29:12.119 --> 00:29:13.079 and the hope we have 00:29:13.079 --> 00:29:16.099 the new creation 00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:16.539 lord 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:17.659 we hope for that 00:29:17.659 --> 00:29:19.000 in Jesus name 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:19.619 amen