Laying Up Treasure for Eternity

Key Verses:

Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:1: "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."

Proverbs 28:27: "He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses."

The Principle of the Reward: There is a powerful, eternal reward for the faithful giver. Jesus taught: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s" (Matthew 22:21). The portion you give to God is what secures your eternal well-being. When you give, you are actually laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). We must always think eternity.

Give Secretly and With a Willing Heart: The way you give is as important as the act of giving itself. You should not announce what you have given (Matthew 6:1). You gave to the Lord, not to man, and He will reward you openly. Furthermore, your giving must always have a course and a willing heart for God to recognize it (Exodus 35:5-29). When the early church sold their possessions and shared with those in need (Acts 2:45), the world knew they had been with Christ because of their love for one another.

The Secret of Giving is Consistency: Consistency is the secret that turns a single act into a fruitful lifestyle. Isaac sowed into the land and reaped a hundredfold (Genesis 26:12). Your giving is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing lifestyle of worship.

Types of Giving (Monetarily):

1. Tithing: The first 10% of your increase, which recognizes God as your provider (Genesis 14:19-20).
2. Seed Offering (Free Will Offering): Sown where you receive spiritual food (1 Corinthians 9:11).
3. First Fruits: Given every time you have an increase (Proverbs 3:9).
4. Alms Giving: Giving to the poor (Proverbs 28:27).

Principles of Giving to Live By:

• Give Secretly (Mt 6:1)
• Give Generously
• Give Purposefully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
• Give Sacrificially
• Give Cheerfully
• Give Proportionately

Most importantly, your giving represents you in the presence of God.

Reflection:

1. In what ways might you be "announcing" your giving, even subtly, and how can you commit to giving more secretly?
2. Where is your treasure right now—earth or heaven? What specific adjustment can you make this week to ensure your heart is fully aligned with eternity?

A Prayer for Cheerful and Generous Giving

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help me to be a cheerful giver, as you have commanded.

May my heart be open to the needs of others, and may I be willing to share what I have with those in need.

Teach me to give generously, without expecting anything in return, and to trust in your provision and goodness.

May my giving be a reflection of your love and grace, and may it bring glory to your name.

In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.