LAYING UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN

LAYING UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 6:19-21

Key Verse: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt…” (Matthew 6:20)

Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:1-2, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Proverbs 11:25, Luke 12:33-34, Hebrews 13:16

Description: This study reveals the importance of living with eternal priorities and investing in things that have lasting spiritual value.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus warned against becoming overly attached to earthly possessions and temporary wealth. He taught His disciples to focus on eternal treasures rather than storing up riches that can fade, decay, or disappear.

Many people spend their lives pursuing money, possessions, fame, and worldly success while neglecting spiritual growth and eternal rewards. Earthly treasures are temporary and uncertain, but heavenly treasures are eternal and secure.

Jesus revealed that where a person’s treasure is, there the heart will also be. This means that our priorities, desires, and devotion are often revealed by what we value most. God calls believers to live with eternity in view and to invest their lives in things that glorify Him and impact His Kingdom.

1. EARTHLY TREASURES ARE TEMPORARY AND UNCERTAIN

Material things cannot provide lasting security or fulfilment.

a) Jesus warned against storing treasures only on earth (Matthew 6:19)
Earthly possessions can decay, be stolen, or lose value over time.

b) Wealth is uncertain and temporary (1 Timothy 6:17)
Riches can disappear suddenly and should never replace trust in God.

c) Material possessions cannot satisfy the soul fully (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
The pursuit of wealth without God often leaves people empty and restless.

d) Life is more valuable than possessions (Luke 12:15)
A person’s true worth is not measured by material abundance.

Biblical Example:
The rich fool stored earthly wealth for himself but neglected his spiritual condition and eternal destiny (Luke 12:16-21).

2. HEAVENLY TREASURES HAVE ETERNAL VALUE

Investing in God’s Kingdom produces lasting rewards.

a) Heavenly treasures never perish (Matthew 6:20)
Spiritual investments remain secure eternally in God’s presence.

b) God rewards faithful service and obedience (Hebrews 6:10)
Every act of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness is remembered by God.

c) Generosity stores up eternal rewards (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
Helping others and supporting God’s work produces heavenly treasure.

d) Living for God’s Kingdom has eternal impact (Colossians 3:1-2)
Setting the heart on spiritual things shapes eternal priorities.

Biblical Example:
The widow who gave her small offering pleased God because she gave sacrificially and sincerely (Mark 12:41-44).

3. THE HEART FOLLOWS WHAT IT VALUES MOST

Spiritual priorities reveal the condition of the heart.

a) “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21)
What people value most controls their focus, affection, and devotion.

b) God desires wholehearted devotion (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Believers are called to love God above possessions and worldly pursuits.

c) Divided priorities weaken spiritual growth (Matthew 6:24)
It is impossible to serve both God and materialism wholeheartedly.

d) Eternal focus strengthens spiritual stability (Philippians 3:20)
Remembering eternity helps believers live wisely and faithfully.

Biblical Example:
Lot’s wife looked back toward Sodom because her heart remained attached to worldly things (Genesis 19:26).

4. BELIEVERS LAY UP TREASURES THROUGH KINGDOM LIVING

Daily obedience and faithful service produce eternal rewards.

a) Winning souls stores up heavenly treasure (Daniel 12:3)
Leading others toward salvation carries eternal significance.

b) Acts of kindness and generosity honour God (Hebrews 13:16)
Serving others reflects God’s love and advances His Kingdom.

c) Faithfulness in little things matters to God (Luke 16:10)
God rewards integrity and consistency in every area of life.

d) Living for Christ brings eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Believers have an incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven.

Biblical Example:
Paul dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel and looked forward to eternal reward and the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

CONCLUSION

Jesus taught believers to focus on eternal treasures rather than becoming consumed by temporary earthly pursuits. While material possessions have their place, they should never become the centre of life or replace devotion to God.

Believers lay up treasures in heaven through faithful service, generosity, holiness, obedience, prayer, worship, and advancing God’s Kingdom. A life focused on eternity produces true fulfilment, spiritual stability, and lasting reward.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to value eternal treasures above earthly things in Jesus name

2. Father, remove every spirit of greed and materialism from my life in Jesus name

3. Lord, help me to live with eternity in view in Jesus name

4. Father, teach me to use my resources for Your glory in Jesus name

5. Lord, make my heart fully devoted to Your Kingdom in Jesus name

6. Father, help me to remain faithful in service and obedience in Jesus name

7. Lord, give me grace to be generous and compassionate toward others in Jesus name

8. Father, let my life produce lasting spiritual impact in Jesus name

9. Lord, help me to seek first Your Kingdom continually in Jesus name

10. Father, let my life be pleasing and rewarding before You in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your heart shall remain focused on God’s Kingdom and eternal priorities!

2. Every spirit of greed and worldly distraction is broken over your life!

3. God shall use your life for lasting Kingdom impact!

4. You shall be faithful and fruitful in every good work!

5. Divine wisdom shall guide your use of resources and opportunities!

6. Your labour for God shall never be in vain!

7. Heaven shall record great rewards concerning your life!

8. You shall walk in contentment, peace, and spiritual stability!

9. God shall make your life a blessing to many people!

10. Your eternal inheritance in Christ shall remain secure and glorious!