THE PERIL OF DESPISING GOD’S TREASURES By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21 “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.”
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Introduction
In a world driven by materialism and the pursuit of wealth, many have strayed from God’s intended path, choosing fleeting earthly riches over the eternal treasures of His Kingdom. The allure of worldly possessions often blinds the hearts of men, leading them into vanity, deceit, and ultimate destruction. This lesson explores the dangers of despising God’s treasures for earthly riches, the consequences of such choices, and the call to embrace the eternal riches found in Christ.
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The Deception of Worldly Riches
1 Timothy 6:10 reminds us, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” The riches of this world are deceitful and come with a curse. They promise happiness and fulfillment but lead to vexation, emptiness, and eternal damnation. Men blinded by the god of this world chase after wealth, thinking it will secure their future, only to find themselves ensnared in sorrow and destruction.
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The accumulation of wealth often becomes an idol that supplants God in the hearts of men. Such individuals pursue riches with unbridled lust, disregarding the eternal consequences of their actions. Their pursuit reveals a lack of trust in God’s provision and a failure to recognize the true riches found in His Kingdom.
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The True Riches of God’s Kingdom
Proverbs 10:22 declares, “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Unlike earthly wealth, the treasures of God’s Kingdom are eternal and incorruptible. They bring lasting joy, peace, and fulfillment. These riches include the fruit of the Spirit, a deep relationship with God, and the promise of eternal life.
God’s people are called to seek these true riches with diligence and faithfulness. By walking in humility and obedience, we gain access to the abundant blessings that come from Him. Colossians 3:2 exhorts us to “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” This mindset shifts our focus from temporal pursuits to eternal values.
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The Consequences of Rejecting God’s Riches
Matthew 16:26 asks, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Those who despise God’s treasures for the deceitfulness of riches find themselves under His wrath and judgment. Their wealth becomes a burden, and their pursuit leads to spiritual poverty and eternal separation from God.
Worldly riches are fleeting and unreliable. Proverbs 23:5 warns, “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” Those who place their trust in wealth will ultimately be left desolate and ashamed when their riches fail them.
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God’s Call to His People
The Lord calls His people to turn away from the deceitfulness of riches and to pursue the treasures of His Kingdom. Matthew 6:33 commands, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” By prioritizing God’s Kingdom, we align ourselves with His will and secure eternal rewards.
Walking in obedience to God requires a heart of gratitude and humility. As we trust in His provision, we experience the joy and peace that come from living in His truth. God’s desire is for His people to be free from the bondage of materialism and to find contentment in Him alone.
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Summary
The pursuit of worldly riches leads to vanity, deception, and destruction, while the treasures of God’s Kingdom bring eternal joy and fulfillment. As believers, we are called to reject the lust for earthly gain and to seek the true riches found in Christ. By walking in humility and obedience, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and experience His blessings.
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Conclusion
The choice between worldly riches and God’s treasures is a matter of eternal significance. Those who pursue earthly wealth will find themselves ensnared by its deceitfulness and judged by God. However, those who seek the treasures of His Kingdom will inherit eternal life and the joy of His presence.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart and priorities. Are you pursuing the fleeting riches of this world, or are you storing up treasures in heaven? Turn away from the lust for material gain and commit to seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. Trust in His provision and embrace the eternal blessings He offers.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Philippians 4:19 assures us, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” As you place your trust in Him, He will provide for your every need and lead you into the abundance of His Kingdom. Stay faithful, and you will be richly rewarded with treasures that last forever.
