Real Treasure

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Real Treasure (6:19-21)

• The reality and limits of earthly storing up
• The promise and possibility of heavenly storing up
• The importance of the heart

Real Wholeness and Generosity (6:22-23)

• The single eye
• The bad eye

Real Dedication (6:24)

• Divided loyalties
• The power of mammon
• The calling of God

1. When you were growing up what sort of thing did you save your money up for?
2. This week we explore Matthew 6:19-24 as we continue our series, “Becoming Real,” on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word and then, whether you are alone or with a group, read that passage aloud.
3. What do you think the difference is between “storing up for yourselves treasures on earth” and “storing up for yourselves treasures in heaven”?
4. In Jesus’ day treasure was often kept as material objects within houses as opposed to monetary forms. What do you think “storing up for yourselves treasures on earth” might look like for us today?
5. The heart (Gk: καρδία; kardia) was seen as the center of one’s physical and spiritual life from which everything—thoughts, desires, words, actions—flows. Read some or all of these additional passages on the heart: Matthew 5:8; 11:29; 12:34; 15:18-19; 22:37. What do you think it means that our treasure and our heart are linked together?
6. How have you seen this in your own life? Is there any way that you might need to have your heart retrained in terms of what you treasure?
7. What sort of hold do you think that material objects and finances have on your life? Is there any way you need to rededicate your life to God in this area?
8. The final verse in this section (vs 24) speaks about who is our master? While we might have two jobs with two different bosses, that is likely not what Jesus is talking about here. What do you think Jesus is getting at with this verse about masters and money?
9. Jesus’ teaching in verses 22-23 can be hard to understand. The contrast between the “healthy” (literally: single) and “unhealthy” (literally: bad) eye most likely refers to the difference between a well-functioning eye with clear, unified vision and an eye that is unable to see well. How do you think this might relate to our dedication to the Lord as disciples, our hearts, and our treasures in life?
10. What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study of Matthew 6:19-24? If you’re on your own, write that down and pray over that this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.

• Consider memorizing Matthew 6:21 or 24 this week.
• As a prayerful reflection on this passage, write about, sketch, or paint the visuals from this passage. As you do that, pray about your response to each image, laying your life down into God’s hands.
• Look at your last month’s expenses, perhaps even checking your credit card or bank account statements. What do they say about what you’re devoted to and what has your heart? Consider this: if someone saw your account statements, would they know you were a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ or not?
• Consider digging deeper into how our finances and discipleship fit together by reading one of the following books: Richard J. Foster, Freedom of Simplicity, or Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle.