ASPIRING TO ACQUIRE PRICELESS TREASURES Walking in Obedience, Faith, and Divine Purpose By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20)
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)
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Introduction
One of the greatest pursuits of humanity throughout history has been the acquisition of treasure. Across generations, people have devoted enormous amounts of time, energy, talent, and resources to obtaining wealth, possessions, influence, and security. Many have believed that the accumulation of earthly riches would protect them from uncertainty, shield them from suffering, and guarantee a fulfilling life.
Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches that the greatest treasures are not found in earthly possessions but in a living relationship with God. Material wealth has value within its proper place, but it cannot provide eternal peace, lasting joy, divine wisdom, spiritual authority, or everlasting security. Earthly riches can be lost, stolen, destroyed, or diminished, but the treasures that God gives remain secure forever.
The Lord desires His people to understand that there are priceless treasures available only through Him. These treasures cannot be purchased with money, inherited through family status, earned through human achievement, or obtained through worldly influence. They are gifts of grace given to those who love God, walk in obedience, and remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Christian journey is not merely about surviving life on earth. It is about discovering God's purpose, fulfilling His assignment, growing in spiritual maturity, and receiving the treasures that He has prepared for those who faithfully follow Him. Along this journey, believers encounter seasons of blessing and seasons of testing, moments of triumph and moments of hardship. Yet through every circumstance, God remains faithful.
This lesson explores the nature of heavenly treasures, the importance of obedience to the Holy Spirit, the necessity of faith over fear, the dangers of spiritual stubbornness, and the believer's responsibility to remain focused on Christ while pursuing God's eternal purpose.
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The Priceless Treasures That Only God Can Give
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17)
The treasures that God offers are fundamentally different from the treasures sought by the world. While earthly riches focus primarily upon temporary comfort and personal advancement, heavenly treasures impact both present life and eternity.
Among God's priceless treasures are His peace, wisdom, grace, favor, purpose, discernment, spiritual authority, joy, strength, and intimate fellowship. These treasures cannot be manufactured by human effort or purchased through financial means.
The world often measures success by visible accomplishments, material possessions, and social recognition. God measures success by faithfulness, obedience, character, and spiritual fruitfulness.
A person may possess great earthly wealth yet remain spiritually impoverished. Conversely, a believer may face financial limitations while possessing immense spiritual riches that cannot be quantified by worldly standards.
Those who learn to value God's treasures discover that they possess resources far greater than anything this world can offer.
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God's Faithfulness Through Every Season of Life
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Life inevitably includes challenges, disappointments, and seasons of suffering. Even faithful believers experience trials, setbacks, losses, and moments of uncertainty.
However, God's faithfulness does not fluctuate according to circumstances. He remains constant regardless of external conditions. His commitment to His people is unwavering.
Many individuals mistakenly assume that difficulties indicate divine abandonment. Yet Scripture reveals that some of God's most faithful servants endured intense trials while remaining firmly within His will. Joseph experienced betrayal. David endured persecution. Paul faced imprisonment. Jesus Himself suffered rejection and crucifixion.
The presence of hardship does not signify the absence of God. Instead, trials often become opportunities for believers to experience His sustaining grace, divine provision, and supernatural strength.
God walks with His people through every valley and every mountaintop. He remains present in both seasons of abundance and seasons of testing.
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The School of Suffering and Spiritual Growth
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the Christian life is the role of suffering. While suffering is never pleasant, God often uses difficult experiences as instruments of spiritual development.
The school of suffering teaches lessons that cannot be learned through comfort alone. It develops perseverance, deepens faith, strengthens character, and increases dependence upon God.
When believers pass through seasons of hardship, they gain greater identification with Christ and a deeper understanding of His grace. These experiences often prepare them for future assignments, ministries, and opportunities to encourage others.
However, suffering is not intended to become a permanent residence. God does not call His people to remain trapped in despair or hopelessness. Every season has a purpose, and every chapter eventually leads to another chapter within God's unfolding plan.
Believers must remember that difficult seasons are part of the journey, not the destination.
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Trusting God's Plan Rather Than Writing Your Own Ending
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
One of the greatest temptations during difficult circumstances is the tendency to assume that the story is over. Human beings often attempt to write conclusions based upon present experiences rather than trusting God's eternal perspective.
Yet God alone knows the complete story. He sees the beginning, the middle, and the end simultaneously. What appears to be a conclusion may merely be preparation for a new chapter.
Believers must resist the temptation to define their future according to temporary setbacks. God's plans frequently exceed human understanding. Situations that seem hopeless today may become testimonies tomorrow.
The Christian life requires continual trust in God's wisdom. Rather than attempting to control outcomes, believers are called to submit themselves to His leadership and follow His direction one step at a time.
The Author of life never loses control of the story He is writing.
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Following the Mind of the Holy Spirit
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)
The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the life of every believer. He provides guidance, correction, encouragement, wisdom, and direction.
God never intended His people to navigate life through human reasoning alone. The Holy Spirit enables believers to discern God's will and respond appropriately to changing circumstances.
Daily dependence upon the Spirit cultivates spiritual sensitivity. As believers listen to His voice and obey His promptings, they experience increasing clarity and confidence regarding God's purpose.
The Spirit not only reveals truth but also empowers believers to walk in that truth. Obedience becomes possible because God provides both direction and strength.
Those who consistently follow the Holy Spirit position themselves to receive greater spiritual understanding and deeper participation in God's plans.
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Learning from Joshua and the Promised Land
“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)
The story of Joshua provides a powerful example of faith-filled obedience. Unlike the generation that wandered in the wilderness, Joshua chose to trust God's promises rather than surrender to fear.
The previous generation allowed doubt, unbelief, and anxiety to dominate their thinking. As a result, they failed to enter the Promised Land despite witnessing God's miraculous power.
Joshua understood that success depended not upon human strength but upon God's presence. He remained focused on God's promises and obedient to His commands.
Modern believers face similar choices. Every day they must choose between faith and fear, obedience and stubbornness, confidence and discouragement.
Those who follow Joshua's example discover that courage grows when attention remains fixed upon God rather than circumstances.
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Starving Doubt and Feeding Faith
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Faith and doubt cannot simultaneously dominate the same heart. One grows stronger as the other grows weaker.
Many believers unintentionally feed doubt through constant exposure to fear, negativity, worry, and unbelief. Meanwhile, faith is strengthened through Scripture, prayer, worship, testimony, and fellowship with God.
The enemy continually attempts to create anxiety, confusion, and mental torment. His objective is to distract believers from God's promises and weaken their confidence.
God calls His people to intentionally cultivate faith. This requires disciplined focus upon His Word and continual remembrance of His faithfulness.
When faith increases, courage rises. When courage rises, obedience becomes easier. When obedience increases, spiritual progress accelerates.
Faith remains one of the most valuable treasures God gives to His people.
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Resisting the Enchantments and Enticements of the World
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” (1 John 2:15)
The world constantly offers alternatives to God's way. These alternatives often appear attractive, appealing, and harmless at first glance.
Scripture warns that many influences seek to distract believers from their divine purpose. Temptations, deceptions, pride, materialism, and worldly philosophies continually compete for attention and devotion.
Spiritual maturity requires discernment. Believers must recognize that not every opportunity originates from God and not every attractive path leads to blessing.
The closer believers remain to Christ, the easier it becomes to identify deceptive influences. God's presence sharpens discernment and strengthens resistance against temptation.
Victory is maintained through continual dependence upon the Holy Spirit and unwavering commitment to God's truth.
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Treasures Stored in Heaven
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
The ultimate treasure available to believers is eternal reward. Every act of obedience, every sacrifice made for Christ, every expression of faithfulness, and every moment of perseverance carries eternal significance.
Heavenly treasures cannot be stolen, corrupted, diminished, or destroyed. They remain secure because they are preserved by God Himself.
While earthly wealth has temporary usefulness, heavenly treasures possess everlasting value. They reflect investments made in God's kingdom and rewards granted by His grace.
Believers who prioritize eternal treasures discover deeper satisfaction than anything material possessions can provide.
Their lives become focused upon God's glory rather than temporary gain.
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Summary
God calls His people to pursue priceless treasures that only He can provide. These treasures include His presence, wisdom, peace, purpose, strength, faith, and eternal rewards.
Believers are called to trust God's plan, follow the Holy Spirit, overcome fear through faith, and remain steadfast in obedience. Like Joshua, they must choose courage over doubt and perseverance over discouragement.
Those who remain faithful discover that God's treasures far surpass anything the world can offer.
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Conclusion
The Christian life is a journey of continual growth, obedience, and discovery. While earthly possessions may come and go, God's treasures endure forever.
The Lord desires His people to walk in confidence, knowing that He remains faithful in every season. He provides guidance when direction is needed, strength when challenges arise, and purpose when circumstances seem uncertain.
As believers pursue God's kingdom above all else, they experience the richness of His presence and the security of His promises.
The treasures of heaven are available to those who wholeheartedly seek Him.
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Call to Action
Examine your priorities before the Lord today. Ask yourself whether your greatest pursuit is earthly gain or heavenly treasure.
Commit yourself to deeper obedience, stronger faith, and greater dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Choose to trust God's timing, follow His guidance, and remain faithful regardless of circumstances.
Determine to invest your life in things that carry eternal value.
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Final Word of Encouragement
You are not walking through life alone. The God who called you is faithful. He knows your future, understands your struggles, and has already prepared the next chapter of your journey.
Do not allow fear, doubt, or discouragement to determine your direction. Keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of your faith.
Continue moving forward. Continue trusting. Continue obeying. Continue believing.
The treasures that God has prepared for you are greater than anything this world can offer, and His grace is sufficient to carry you safely into every promise He has ordained for your life.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today in the Name of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness and mercy.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
Today I repent of my sins and surrender my life completely to You. Lord Jesus, come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to walk in obedience, faith, and truth. Help me to seek the treasures of heaven above the treasures of earth.
Guide my steps, strengthen my faith, and help me fulfill the purpose You have prepared for my life.
Thank You for saving me, forgiving me, and giving me eternal life.
In the mighty Name of Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen.
