The Sermon on the Mount: Treasures in Heaven

In the fourteenth of the series on the Sermon on the Mount, we look at what Jesus said about materialism, and how to counter its negative impact on us. Click here for the recording of this 6/8/25 Service, and you can fast-forward to 26:25 to get to the start of the sermon.

Our text comes from Matthew Chapter 6.19-21

19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Introduction…

Materialism, the belief that material possessions and economic success are crucial to happiness and well-being, is prevalent in America. This emphasis on material acquisition can lead to negative consequences, including lower subjective well-being, increased debt, and social inequalities. (google/AI Overview, slides 3-6)

Negative Consequences:

• Lower Well-being: Studies have shown that materialistic individuals tend to experience lower levels of subjective well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction. 

• Financial Problems: Materialistic tendencies can lead to compulsive spending, increased debt, and decreased savings, further contributing to unhappiness and financial instability. 

• Social Inequalities: The pursuit of material possessions can exacerbate social inequalities, as the focus on accumulating wealth can create a feeling of relative deprivation for those who lack the resources to compete. 

Driving Forces:

• Cultural Values: American culture strongly emphasizes material success and achievement, which reinforces materialistic values. 

• Economic System: The capitalist economic system encourages consumption and competition, further fueling materialistic desires. 

• Marketing and Advertising: Marketing and advertising play a role in shaping consumer preferences and desires, often promoting the idea that material possessions can lead to happiness. 

Potential Solutions:

• Shifting Values: Promoting a greater emphasis on intrinsic values, such as meaningful relationships, personal growth, and community involvement, can help counter materialistic tendencies. 

• Reducing Exposure to Consumer Culture: Limiting exposure to marketing and advertising that promotes materialism can help individuals develop a more balanced perspective on wealth and material possessions. 

• Promoting Gratitude and Appreciation: Encouraging a sense of gratitude for what one has can help reduce the desire to constantly acquire more material possessions. 

v19

• Do not store up thēsaurizō- gathering, reserve, collection of wealth

• Treasures thēsauros on earthen soil

• Why?

  • It will degrade if not maintained

  • It can be stolen

• The preservation of wealth can become burdensome

v20

• Store up your treasure in heaven ouranos

• Do you have a real concept of heaven (and hell), and the eternal?

• It is forever; our present behavior impacts are eternal destination; do believe this?  You only believe what you do (Dr. Phil McGraw)

• Why store it up in Heaven?

  • It does not degrade

  • It cannot be taken away

v21

• Where your treasure is, your heart kardia is

• What is your treasure?  Time, money, what you give your attention to…

• What is your heart? Kardia- the seat of feeling, impulse, affection, desire, the seat of the inner self (stepbible) 

• Show me how you spend your time and your money, and what you give your attention to- I’ll show you what you value

How we apply this

1. Honestly assess what you give your time, money and attention to

2. Shove this through a biblical filter- does it have temporal value, or eternal value?

3. Make the changes you need to make, if any- this will be the hardest part- old habits die hard

4. Ask yourself- do I want to be an cultural Christian, or a biblical Christian?

Sources

• google/AI Overview- materialism in America

• stepbible