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We Lay Up Eternal Treasure
Sharing the Good News
Introduction
Sharing the good news and leading souls to Christ produces eternal results.
Scripture Reading
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. (Mat 6:19-21)
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. (1Th 2:19-20)
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (1Co 9:22-25)
Treasure in Heaven
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commanded His followers to lay up treasures in Heaven. He compared and contrasted that with laying up earthly treasures. They are different because heavenly treasures are durable. They are the same because they both require effort now to have something of value later. Jesus didn't say in His sermon, though, how we go about laying up treasures in Heaven.
People as Our Crowning Achievement
Paul said that the Thessalonians he ministered to were his hope, joy and crown of rejoicing. When? In the Lord's presence at his coming. So Paul saw his ministry to people, including sharing the gospel with them, as something of eternal value.
He told the Corinthians that he made adjustments and sacrifices in his life to win an enduring crown. These acts of self-discipline were part of the price he paid that he might "by all mean save some." Sharing the good news is a way to lay up treasure in Heaven.
What About You?
Are you laying up treasure in Heaven by sharing the good news with people on Earth?