Heavenly Investment

TEXT: Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:13-21

Solomon in his wisdom sought for “that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the Heaven all the days of their life.” He proved that earthly treasures did not satisfy (Ecclesiastes 2:3-11). Jesus Christ teaches us about the true investment: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:20-21). In a comparison of these two values, the person who is honest will recognize the need to choose the heavenly investment.

QUESTIONS

1. Name several things that in your consideration would be counted as earthly treasures. Then go back through your list and underline the items which are absolutely necessary to sustain physical life.
2. In the course of time, what could happen to each of the treasures you listed?
3. Earthly treasures are expected to bring happiness to the one who has them. While they may seem to bring contentment for a time, why does this eventually not work out? See Ecclesiastes 5:10.
4. What are some of the items you would include in a list of heavenly treasures?
5. If money cannot buy heavenly treasures (1 Peter 1:18), how does one invest in these important things? See Malachi 3:16-17; John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:19.
6. In Luke 12:17, what did the rich man think was his problem? How did the rich man propose to solve his problem?
7. What was the rich man’s real problem?
8. Jesus drew a parallel between the rich man and the one who is not rich toward God. He said the rich man was a fool, and “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Why do you think Jesus said that?
9. Explain the meaning of our key verse.