Bible Study Lessons from Matthew 6:19-24
In today’s uncertain economic times with unemployment at a frightening high, it’s a given that many people are worried about money and financial problems, not to mention job security. So, What did Jesus say about money?
This lesson for study taken from the gospel of Matthew is not a cure-all but will help you put your financial situation in perspective.
What Jesus teaches about money will show that financial success, although necessary is not everything.
What Did Jesus Say about Money and Financial Security?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and wealth.” – Matthew 6:19-24 NASB
Will God Solve All Your Money Problems?
I can’t say – But At Least Your Financial Situation Will Be Put Into Perspective
A quick financial quote, author unknown —
“We spend our health making a fortune and then spend a fortune trying to get our health back.”
My Financial Life
This is always a tough subject for me. I guess since I grew up with meager means, I sometimes put too much value on net worth – this sometimes leads me to ignoring God in order to work to accumulate more money and “stuff”.
Your Financial Life
Are you sometimes caught up in this world’s view of success – or the fear of losing it? It is an easy trap to fall into if we are not careful.
Is Having Money a Bad Thing?
Just a footnote: I am certainly not condemning those who have accumulated honest wealth by working toward goals to achieve it.
Not at all. If you make a good living and are supporting yourself and your family, kudos to you ! I truly want you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
God Seemed to Enjoy Working
God was a working being also (remember the story of creation in Genesis?) – “And He saw that it was good.” so it would not make sense for us to feel miserable every time we work hard and have extra spending money.
Jesus’ Perspective on Money
Christ is talking about the way we sometimes let money matters get in the way of what is really important.. Working for God and serving Him.
Spiritual Vision
Do you have spiritual vision? Spiritual vision is our capacity to see clearly what God wants us to do and to see the world from His point of view. But this spiritual insight can be easily clouded.
Self-serving desires, interests, and goals sometimes block that vision. Serving God is the best way to restore it. A ‘good’ eye is one that is fixed on God.
Who is the Master?
Jesus says in verse 24 we can have only one master. We live in a materialistic society where many people serve money. They spend all their lives collecting and storing it, only to die and leave it behind to heirs who don’t always deserve it.
Their desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters.
Thinking about Money
Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about.
Don’t fall into the materialistic trap, because ‘the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil‘ (1 Timothy 6:10).
And remember, it doesn’t say money – rather the love of it.
Which Master?
Can you honestly say that God, and not money, is your master? One test is to ask which one occupies more of your thoughts, time, and efforts.
I just asked myself that question and was a bit disappointed in the answer. I’m guilty.
How about you? Let’s you and I put our priorities in order – think God today on your break from making a living.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Christ, please take a moment to look at John 3:16 to find out more.