Bible Study

Handling Earthly Treasures

The Bible provides clear instructions about how to manage our money in a way that honors God. Jesus revealed a number of principles on this important topic in the Sermon on the Mount. Begin by reading Matthew 6:1-6 and 19-34.

A. Share with those in need—but don’t call attention to your giving (vv. 1-6).

In Christ’s day, Jewish leaders considered almsgiving equal to keeping the whole law and believed that this practice kept the donor from hell. That may have been why religious leaders made a point of broadcasting their acts of charity (vv. 1-2).

Adam Clark’s commentary mentions that the trumpet (v. 2) may have been a literal instrument, sounded under the pretext of calling the poor, or blown by the impoverished in gratitude for a gift. It also may have been a reference to the public alms chest, which was called a trumpet because of its shape. An individual could attract attention by throwing money in with some force. Regardless of the specific meaning, the principle is clear: Don’t call attention to your giving.

• Our Lord cautions us not to be concerned with how righteous we appear to others. Why does this passage not contradict “let your good deeds shine before men” (Matt. 5:16)?

   

• Clearly we cannot hide our giving from ourselves. What do you think is Jesus’ point in verse 3?

If giving should be kept secret, do we lose our eternal reward if someone finds out? No. As long as our motivation is to please the Lord, our recompense will remain, no matter who finds out.

• What are some ways you can give privately or even anonymously to someone in need?

B. Set your heart on eternity rather than earthly treasures (vv. 19-21).

• Verse 19 in Greek could be translated, “Do not treasure for yourself treasures on earth.” How does its meaning change when we consider the verse’s literal translation?

   

• Why shouldn’t we trust in worldly riches or valuables (v. 19)?

   

• Jesus tells us to “store up treasures in heaven” (v. 20). How do we do this (1 Tim. 6:17-19)?

   

• The secret to being satisfied with our earthly treasures is contentment (1 Tim. 6:6). For what in your life are you especially thankful?

C. Our attitude toward money profoundly affects our outlook on life (vv. 22-24).

In Jewish culture, a good eye meant that someone was generous and willing to share with others (v. 22).

• In what ways are we affected, spiritually or otherwise, when we give charitably?

A bad eye was an indication that someone was envious and greedy, sharing nothing with those in need (v. 23). When Jesus says “the light that is in you is darkness,” He means that such a person will have little or no spiritual discernment.

• What do you think prompts a person to be miserly?

   

• In what ways, if any, do you find yourself hoarding money that God might want you to share with others or use to advance the gospel?

D. Make sure that money doesn’t become your master (v. 24).

The word “hate” in verse 24 means “to love less.” In contrast to our love for God, we should hate our worldly goods and riches—including our money.

• If a person never sacrifices anything for the sake of the Lord, but frequently goes without for the sake of money, his or her true master is probably wealth. What are a few things people forfeit for the sake of riches?

   

• Read 1 Timothy 6:10. Are you sometimes guilty of loving money more than you love the Lord? Why or why not?

   

E. Trust the Lord to provide your basic needs (vv. 25-32).

God supplies food for the birds, which don’t have the opportunity to grow and store it as we do (v. 27). So believers should have every reason to trust in the Lord’s provision (v. 25). But we must also do our part to prepare for the future.

• How does a wise person imitate the ant (Prov. 6:6-8; 20:4)?

   

• What should be one of our motivations to work (Eph. 4:28)?

   

In Matthew 6, Jesus points out the lilies of the field (v. 28), which probably surrounded his audience as they listened to the Sermon on the Mount. Christ mentions grass being “thrown into the furnace” because it was used as fuel at that time (v. 30).

• Name a few possible reasons why God would consider believers more valuable than birds or flowers (vv. 26, 30).

   

• What are some practical ways you can “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” this week (v. 33)?

   

• Sometimes we think that the phrase “all these things will be added to you” (v. 33) promises us whatever we want. But what specific needs is Christ talking about here (v. 31)?

   

• If you worry about having enough money in the future—for instance, in retirement—do verses 31 and 33 put your concerns in perspective? Why or why not?

   

• List the benefits of spending our energy on today’s challenges instead of future ones (v. 34).

   

Closing: Only God knows the future. When we try to anticipate what may go wrong and anxiously prepare for it, we usually ruin the present. The truth is that many of our worries never come to pass. Instead, our focus should be on eternity and advancing the cause of Christ here on earth.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that my hope is not in earthly treasures, but in Your promise to supply my basic needs. Remind me to set my heart on eternal riches and be generous to those in need. Guide me in using my finances to advance Your kingdom. Amen.