Lesson 98: How to Lay Up Treasure in Heaven
Every person is building a treasury.
Some treasure is:
visible;
countable;
insurable;
and stored upon earth.
Other treasure is known fully only to God.
Jesus said:
“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,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.”
— Matthew 6:19–21, KJV
Jesus does not merely ask:
“What do you possess?”
He asks:
“Where is your treasure?”
The answer reveals where the heart is going.
Earthly Treasure Does Not Last
Earthly treasure may include:
money;
property;
possessions;
business interests;
collections;
status;
and anything valued mainly for temporary security or enjoyment.
These things are not automatically sinful.
Money can provide food, shelter, education, medical care, and assistance to others.
Property can serve a family or ministry.
Work and wise saving can be responsible.
The danger is believing temporary treasure can provide permanent security.
Jesus reminds us that earthly treasure can be:
damaged;
stolen;
lost;
or left behind at death.
Earthly Treasure Is Uncertain
A person may spend decades accumulating wealth and still lose it through:
economic change;
theft;
disaster;
illness;
poor decisions;
or circumstances beyond his control.
Even if the wealth remains until death, the owner must leave it.
No earthly account can be transferred beyond the grave.
Therefore, earthly possessions make useful servants but terrible gods.
Jesus Does Not Condemn Responsible Provision
Laying up treasure in heaven does not mean refusing to:
work;
save;
provide for dependents;
maintain a home;
or prepare responsibly for foreseeable needs.
Scripture says:
“But if any provide not for his own,
and specially for those of his own house,
he hath denied the faith,
and is worse than an infidel.”
— 1 Timothy 5:8, KJV
Providing for one’s household is a Christian responsibility.
Generosity should not become an excuse for neglecting people God has already entrusted to our care.
The Issue Is What Rules the Heart
A person may possess much without worshipping it.
Another may possess little while thinking constantly about:
getting;
keeping;
and comparing.
Covetousness is not measured only by the size of an account.
It is revealed by the heart’s devotion.
Ask:
“What makes me feel secure?”
“What loss do I fear most?”
“What do I dream about?”
“What do I refuse to surrender?”
“What controls my choices?”
Treasure Reveals the Heart
Jesus says:
“For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.”
We often assume the heart chooses the treasure.
Jesus also teaches that treasure draws the heart.
What you repeatedly invest in gains emotional importance.
When you invest:
money;
time;
prayer;
attention;
and sacrifice
in God’s work and people, your heart becomes more connected to those eternal purposes.
Treasure Does Not Purchase Salvation
A person cannot buy:
forgiveness;
eternal life;
or acceptance with God.
Salvation is the gift of God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus paid the price sinners could never pay.
No donation, act of service, or personal sacrifice can add to the blood of Christ.
Heavenly treasure is not the purchase price of heaven.
It is the fruit of a life already surrendered to the Saviour.
Good Works Follow Salvation
Grace does not save people because of their works.
Grace creates people who desire to do good works.
The believer gives and serves because:
Christ loved him;
Christ gave Himself;
and his life now belongs to Christ.
Christian generosity is a response to grace, not an attempt to earn it.
The Greatest Treasure Is Christ Himself
Heavenly treasure should never become another form of materialism.
The goal is not to spend life imagining a larger personal collection in heaven.
The greatest treasure is:
Jesus Christ;
fellowship with God;
His approval;
and participation in His everlasting kingdom.
Rewards have value because they come from Him and honor Him.
Christ must remain greater than every reward.
The Father Gives the Kingdom
Jesus said:
“Fear not, little flock;
for it is your Father’s good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.”
— Luke 12:32, KJV
Notice the order.
The Father gives the kingdom.
Then Jesus commands generosity.
Believers do not give in order to force God to give them His kingdom.
They give because the Father has graciously promised the kingdom.
Grace produces freedom from fear.
Fear Often Prevents Generosity
People may cling tightly to possessions because they fear:
not having enough;
future emergencies;
old age;
or loss of independence.
Some of those concerns require wise planning.
But fear can become an excuse for permanent selfishness.
Faith does not require careless giving.
It trusts the Father enough to obey Him wisely and generously.
Give to Those in Need
Jesus continued:
“Sell that ye have, and give alms;
provide yourselves bags which wax not old,
a treasure in the heavens that faileth not,
where no thief approacheth,
neither moth corrupteth.”
— Luke 12:33, KJV
The word alms refers to merciful giving to those in need.
Jesus connects generosity toward needy people with treasure that does not fail.
Money used only for self eventually passes away.
Money surrendered in love to God’s purposes gains eternal significance.
Not Every Believer Is Commanded to Dispose of Every Possession
Jesus confronted the rich young ruler with a command to sell what he had because possessions ruled his heart.
Luke 12 gives a broad call to generosity and loosened attachment to possessions.
Other New Testament believers owned:
homes;
businesses;
and property
that they used for hospitality and ministry.
The universal command is not identical financial circumstances.
It is full surrender to Christ and genuine generosity.
Nothing should be held above Him.
Wealth Is a Stewardship
Paul instructed Timothy:
“Charge them that are rich in this world,
that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches,
but in the living God,
who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”
— 1 Timothy 6:17, KJV
The rich are not told merely to feel guilty for possessing resources.
They are told:
not to become proud;
not to trust riches;
and to trust the living God.
Wealth creates opportunity.
It also creates danger and responsibility.
God Gives Things to Be Enjoyed
Paul says God:
“giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”
Christian stewardship does not require feeling guilty for every appropriate enjoyment.
Food, shelter, rest, family experiences, and lawful possessions can be received with thanksgiving.
The problem is not enjoyment.
The problem is:
idolatry;
selfish excess;
and refusal to share.
Enjoy God’s gifts without forgetting the Giver.
Become Rich in Good Works
Paul continues:
“That they do good,
that they be rich in good works,
ready to distribute,
willing to communicate;”
— 1 Timothy 6:18, KJV
The word communicate here includes sharing with others.
A person may be rich financially and poor in good works.
God calls believers to become rich in:
generosity;
mercy;
service;
and usefulness.
The greatest account balance is not necessarily the greatest wealth before God.
Willingness Matters
Paul says believers should be:
“ready to distribute, willing to communicate.”
Giving should not be extracted through:
threats;
shame;
manipulation;
or false promises.
God desires a willing heart.
A person may need to challenge his selfishness.
But he should not be deceived or coerced by someone claiming spiritual authority.
Giving Must Not Be Manipulated
Religious leaders sometimes pressure people by saying:
“Give this amount, and God will guarantee you greater wealth.”
“Your miracle depends upon this donation.”
“If you refuse, you are resisting God.”
These claims misuse Scripture.
Giving is not a business contract that places God in a person’s debt.
No teacher has authority to sell:
healing;
favor;
prophecy;
or salvation.
Giving Is Not a Prosperity Scheme
God may provide materially for generous believers.
Scripture also records faithful believers who suffered poverty and loss.
The promise of heavenly treasure is not a guarantee that every gift will return as greater earthly wealth.
Christian giving seeks:
God’s glory;
another person’s good;
and eternal fruit.
It is not a technique for becoming rich.
Give According to What You Have
Paul writes:
“For if there be first a willing mind,
it is accepted according to that a man hath,
and not according to that he hath not.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:12, KJV
God does not measure only the amount.
He sees:
willingness;
ability;
and sacrifice.
A smaller gift may represent greater generosity than a large gift given without cost.
Generosity Should Not Create Unnecessary Burden
Paul continues:
“For I mean not that other men be eased,
and ye burdened:
But by an equality…”
— 2 Corinthians 8:13–14, KJV
Christian giving is not designed to enrich irresponsible leaders while faithful givers are needlessly crushed.
There may be exceptional occasions of extraordinary sacrifice.
But Scripture does not praise religious systems that continually burden ordinary people so a few can live in luxury.
Give Thoughtfully
Paul says:
“Every man according as he purposeth
in his heart,
so let him give…”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV
The word purposeth indicates intention.
Giving should not always depend upon emotion in the moment.
A believer may plan:
regular giving;
assistance for a family;
support for gospel work;
or resources for a particular need.
Thoughtful generosity often becomes more faithful than occasional impulse.
Give Cheerfully, Not Under Pressure
The verse continues:
“not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV
A cheerful giver does not necessarily feel excited about every sacrifice.
Cheerfulness is the willingness that says:
“This belongs to God.”
“I am thankful to help.”
“I value eternal good more than keeping everything for myself.”
Giving “of necessity” means giving merely because pressure forced the act.
God desires the heart.
Giving Can Be Sacrificial
Jesus watched a poor widow place two mites into the treasury.
Others gave larger visible amounts.
Jesus said she had given more because she gave from her poverty.
Christ saw:
the proportion;
the trust;
and the sacrifice.
Heaven evaluates differently from human accounting.
Do Not Use the Widow to Exploit Vulnerable People
The widow’s sacrifice should move believers toward wholehearted devotion.
It must not be used by wealthy leaders to pressure poor people into surrendering money needed for food, housing, medicine, or dependents.
Christ praised her heart.
The passage does not authorize exploitation.
Leaders should protect vulnerable people, not use their faith to enrich themselves.
Give Secretly When Possible
Jesus warned against giving primarily to be seen by people.
Public generosity may sometimes be necessary for transparency or encouragement.
But the heart should not need recognition.
A gift does not become more valuable because:
a name is announced;
a plaque is displayed;
or an audience applauds.
The Father sees in secret.
Motive Matters
Paul writes:
“And though I bestow all my goods
to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned,
and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:3, KJV
Even extraordinary sacrifice can be corrupted by:
pride;
resentment;
competition;
or the desire for praise.
The size of the act does not replace love.
Give because you love:
God;
truth;
and people.
Support Faithful Gospel Work
The Philippian believers supported Paul’s ministry.
Paul wrote:
“Not because I desire a gift:
but I desire fruit
that may abound to your account.”
— Philippians 4:17, KJV
Their gift helped gospel ministry continue.
Paul described its eternal fruit as abounding to their account.
Those who faithfully support gospel work participate in its fruit.
Examine What You Support
Not every organization using Christian language is worthy of support.
Before giving significantly, ask:
“Is the gospel clear?”
“Is Scripture handled faithfully?”
“Is money managed transparently?”
“Are leaders accountable?”
“Are vulnerable people protected?”
“Is the work producing genuine spiritual or practical good?”
Generosity should be joined with discernment.
Financial Transparency Matters
Churches and ministries should handle money honestly.
There should be appropriate:
records;
oversight;
accountability;
and separation between ministry resources and personal use.
A leader who refuses reasonable financial accountability should not demand unquestioned trust.
Giving to God’s work does not require ignoring wisdom.
Support Those Who Teach the Truth
Third John commends believers who helped faithful gospel workers and says:
“We therefore ought to receive such,
that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”
— 3 John 8, KJV
Not everyone will travel, preach publicly, or enter full-time ministry.
Some become fellow helpers by:
giving;
praying;
hosting;
encouraging;
and providing practical support.
Shared gospel work can produce shared eternal fruit.
Care for People Who Cannot Repay You
Jesus said:
“But when thou makest a feast,
call the poor, the maimed,
the lame, the blind:
And thou shalt be blessed;
for they cannot recompense thee:
for thou shalt be recompensed
at the resurrection of the just.”
— Luke 14:13–14, KJV
Much earthly generosity is based upon exchange:
“I help you because you may help me later.”
Christ calls believers to help people who cannot advance their social position or repay the favor.
That kind of service reveals a heart looking toward God.
Generosity Includes Hospitality
Treasure in heaven is not laid up only through writing checks.
Hospitality may involve:
opening a home;
preparing food;
giving transportation;
making room at a table;
or welcoming someone who feels forgotten.
Hospitality costs:
time;
privacy;
energy;
and attention.
When offered faithfully, these temporary sacrifices can serve eternal purposes.
Small Acts Are Remembered
Jesus said that even a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple would not lose its reward.
Small acts matter when performed:
in faith;
in love;
and for Christ.
You do not need great wealth to lay up treasure in heaven.
You need a heart willing to use what God has placed in your hand.
Time Can Be Invested Eternally
A person may give:
an hour to listen;
time to disciple a younger believer;
an evening to help a struggling family;
or years caring for someone who cannot repay.
Time is part of earthly stewardship.
What is surrendered lovingly to Christ is not wasted merely because no money changed hands.
Skills Can Be Invested Eternally
A believer may use:
administrative ability;
construction skills;
teaching;
technology;
music;
cooking;
writing;
medical knowledge;
or practical wisdom
to serve others.
A skill used only for personal advancement remains temporary.
The same skill surrendered to Christ can strengthen people and advance eternal purposes.
Prayer Is Eternal Investment
Private prayer may produce no visible recognition.
Yet prayer participates in God’s work.
Pray for:
the lost;
missionaries;
church leaders;
suffering believers;
families;
and people facing temptation.
Prayer is not an excuse for withholding practical help when help is possible.
It is part of faithful investment.
Invest in People, Not Merely Projects
Buildings, websites, events, and materials can serve important purposes.
But they should ultimately help people:
know Christ;
understand truth;
grow in faith;
and receive needed care.
A ministry can become devoted to preserving its structure while forgetting the souls the structure was created to serve.
Projects are tools.
People are not tools.
Souls Are Not Trophies
Concern for eternal souls should never turn people into statistics used to make a ministry appear successful.
A person is not merely:
a conversion number;
a follower;
a donor;
or proof of effectiveness.
Serve people because they matter to God.
Do not use their stories or suffering to build personal reputation without permission and integrity.
Hidden Faithfulness Is Treasure
God remembers:
the temptation resisted;
the truth spoken gently;
the child taught Scripture;
the elderly person visited;
the meal provided;
the promise kept;
and the prayer offered in secret.
Hebrews says:
“For God is not unrighteous
to forget your work and labour of love,
which ye have shewed toward his name…”
— Hebrews 6:10, KJV
People may forget.
God does not.
Generosity Should Begin Near You
Some people care about distant needs while neglecting obvious needs in:
their household;
church;
neighborhood;
or extended family.
Distant work matters.
Nearby responsibility also matters.
Ask:
“Whom has God already placed within my reach?”
Do not overlook the person directly before you while dreaming of a larger act elsewhere.
Generosity Requires Boundaries
Helping does not always mean giving the requested thing.
Money may enable:
addiction;
fraud;
irresponsibility;
or abuse.
Wise compassion may provide:
food instead of cash;
treatment instead of concealment;
accountability instead of repeated rescue;
or protection instead of access.
Love seeks genuine good, not merely immediate relief from discomfort.
Giving Does Not Eliminate Justice
Charity cannot replace fair treatment.
An employer should not underpay workers and then call occasional donations generosity.
A person should not neglect debts while giving publicly for praise.
Justice, honesty, and generosity belong together.
Do not give away what rightfully belongs to someone else.
Pay What You Owe
A person may want the spiritual appearance of generosity while refusing to pay:
employees;
contractors;
creditors;
or obligations.
Giving from money that should have satisfied a rightful debt is not faithful stewardship.
Address what is owed.
Then practice generosity with what is truly yours to steward.
Contentment Makes Generosity Possible
A person who must continually possess more will always feel unable to give.
Contentment says:
“God has given enough for faithfulness in this season.”
Contentment does not forbid growth, work, or improvement.
It refuses the belief that happiness always waits behind the next possession.
Simplifying Can Release Resources
Some believers may choose to:
purchase less;
reduce unnecessary expenses;
sell unused possessions;
or limit luxury
so more can be available for eternal purposes.
This should not become a legalistic competition.
One household’s wise choice may differ from another’s.
The question is whether consumption has become automatic while generosity remains occasional.
Do Not Judge Generosity Only by Appearance
You may not know:
another person’s income;
debts;
medical costs;
dependents;
or private giving.
Do not measure spirituality by visible amounts.
Christ knows the true stewardship.
Challenge selfishness through Scripture.
Avoid proud comparison.
Do Not Publicize Another Person’s Giving Without Permission
Private generosity should remain private unless there is a legitimate reason to disclose it.
Leaders should not use donor information to:
apply pressure;
create competition;
or assign spiritual status.
Money should never purchase greater honor or influence within the church.
Reward Is Not Competition
Jesus promises reward.
Believers may desire His approval.
But heavenly treasure should not become a contest:
“Will I possess more than another Christian?”
That is earthly ambition carried into spiritual language.
The desire should be:
“May Jesus Christ be pleased.”
“May people be helped.”
“May the gospel advance.”
“May God receive glory.”
Reward Magnifies Grace
Everything the believer gives was first received from God:
life;
strength;
money;
opportunity;
truth;
and grace.
Even the ability to serve is a gift.
When Christ rewards faithfulness, no one will boast as though he enriched God.
Reward displays the generosity of the Lord who enables His servants and graciously remembers their work.
Treasure Can Be Lost Through Wrong Motives
An outwardly good action may lose eternal value when performed mainly for:
human praise;
control;
competition;
or self-exaltation.
This should lead to honest motive examination.
It should not produce paralysis.
Serve.
Give.
Ask God to purify the heart as you obey.
Do Not Wait Until You Are Wealthy
A person may say:
“I will become generous when I have more.”
But habits formed with little often continue when resources increase.
Begin with what God has placed in your hand:
a small amount;
a meal;
an hour;
a useful skill;
a prayer;
or encouragement.
Faithfulness does not begin at a particular income level.
Do Not Delay Generosity Until Death
Leaving resources to faithful gospel or charitable work can be wise.
But generosity should not exist only in a future document.
There is value in giving while alive:
praying over the gift;
seeing needs met;
participating in the work;
and allowing generosity to shape the heart now.
Use both present and future planning wisely.
A Biblical Heavenly-Treasure Pattern
1. Make Christ Your Greatest Treasure
Do not pursue reward while neglecting the Lord who gives it.
2. Trust God Rather Than Riches
Use money without treating it as final security.
3. Provide Responsibly
Care for dependents, obligations, health, and legitimate needs.
4. Give Willingly and Thoughtfully
Purpose generosity in the heart rather than responding only to pressure or emotion.
5. Give According to Your Ability
God sees willingness, proportion, and sacrifice—not merely the amount.
6. Support Truthful Gospel Work
Examine doctrine, integrity, fruit, financial accountability, and care for people.
7. Serve Those Who Cannot Repay You
Give attention to the poor, overlooked, weak, and vulnerable.
8. Invest More Than Money
Use time, hospitality, prayer, abilities, encouragement, and influence.
9. Keep Motives Before God
Reject praise-seeking, control, competition, and religious appearance.
10. Begin With What You Have Today
Do not postpone faithfulness until resources or circumstances become ideal.
A Heavenly-Treasure Examination
The earthly possession or security most capable of controlling my heart is:
The resource God has entrusted to me is:
The need presently within my reach is:
The gospel work or faithful ministry I should consider supporting is:
The time or ability I could use for another person is:
The motive I need God to purify is:
The unnecessary expense or possession I could release is:
The specific act of generosity I will take is:
Discipleship Questions
- Why is laying up treasure in heaven the fruit of salvation rather than a way of purchasing salvation?
- How can responsible provision, appropriate enjoyment, and generous giving exist together without contradiction?
- What safeguards should believers use to avoid manipulation, prosperity teaching, financial exploitation, or unwise giving?
- Why may a small gift or hidden act of service possess greater eternal value than a large public contribution?
- What resource—money, time, skill, hospitality, attention, influence, or prayer—are you presently storing mainly for yourself rather than using for eternal good?
Closing Exhortation
Lay up treasure in heaven.
Do not trust uncertain riches.
Do not worship possessions.
Do not neglect your household in the name of religious appearance.
Do not give under manipulation.
Do not attempt to purchase God’s favor.
Jesus Christ has already paid the price of salvation.
Give because grace has changed your heart.
Give willingly.
Give wisely.
Give cheerfully.
Support the true gospel.
Care for people who cannot repay you.
Open your home.
Use your abilities.
Give your time.
Pray faithfully.
Serve when no one sees.
Do not wait until you are wealthy.
Do not spend your brief life accumulating what death will force you to leave.
Use temporary resources for eternal purposes.
Where your treasure is, your heart will follow.
Let your treasure lead your heart closer to Jesus Christ.
A Prayer to Lay Up Treasure in Heaven
Father,
Everything I possess has come from You.
Thank You for life, strength, provision, opportunities, relationships, abilities, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Forgive me for trusting money, loving possessions, fearing loss, comparing myself with others, and using Your gifts mainly for myself.
Make Jesus Christ my greatest treasure.
Help me provide responsibly for the people and obligations You have entrusted to me.
Give me wisdom to save appropriately without allowing fear to make me selfish.
Teach me to give willingly, thoughtfully, proportionately, and cheerfully.
Protect me from manipulation, false promises, dishonest ministries, and giving that enables harm.
Help me recognize faithful gospel work, genuine need, and opportunities that possess eternal value.
Show me how to use my money, time, home, abilities, attention, prayer, and influence for Your glory.
Purify my motives.
Keep me from giving for recognition, control, competition, or spiritual appearance.
Help me remember overlooked people who cannot repay me.
Do not let me postpone generosity until some imagined future when I have more.
Teach me to begin faithfully with what is already in my hand.
Let my earthly resources become instruments of eternal good.
And let every act of generosity direct my heart more fully toward Jesus Christ and His everlasting kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next Step
Choose one resource God has entrusted to you.
Then complete these statements:
God Has Given Me
I Have Mainly Used It For
An Eternal Need I Can Address Is
A Responsible Amount or Action Is
The Motive I Need to Guard Is
The Person or Ministry I Need to Examine Carefully Is
I Will Act By
Take one thoughtful action this week.
Give privately.
Help someone who cannot repay you.
Support faithful gospel work.
Offer hospitality.
Use a skill.
Give time.
Or remove one unnecessary expense and redirect it toward eternal good.
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