"What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses his soul?" (Matthew 16:26, NIrV)

Where is Your Treasure?
Read Matthew 6:19-24.

1. Based on these verses, what are characteristics of "treasures on earth?" What types of things are "treasures on earth?"

2. What are characteristics of "treasures in heaven?" What types of things are "treasures in heaven?"

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:18-19, NIV, italics added)

3. As busy students, professionals and workers of various kinds; with responsibilities, expectations and goals; how can we do what Jesus commands? How can we avoid storing up treasures on earth? How does storing up treasures in heaven relate to daily life?

Where is Your Focus?
Read Matthew 6:22-23.

4. How can our bodies be full of light instead of darkness?

Whom Do You Serve?
Read Matthew 6:24.

5. Do you think it is wrong to gain money and wealth? If not, what does Jesus mean?

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." (1 Timothy 6:10a, NIV)

6. How can we avoid serving Money (or anything else in place of God)?

The story of "the rich young man" provides an illustration. Read Matthew 19:16-22.

7. What was the young man's problem?

Reflection/Application
* Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (6:21). What dominates your thinking, affections, and pursuits? This indicates where your treasure is. Is your treasure "on earth" or "in heaven?"

? Do you need to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior so you can begin storing up treasures in heaven?

? As a Christian, what changes are needed in your life to make sure you are storing up treasures in heaven? Consider our discussion (especially questions 3 & 6) and apply.

We tend to move toward the object on which we focus. Where we fix our "eyes" affects our whole lives. Where is your focus? Is it toward the Light?

* Apparently, the rich young man (in Matthew 19) was not willing to give up his possessions to follow Jesus. In his case, his "master" was "mammon" (material possessions), which prevented him from truly serving God.

What things in your life take priority over God? Who (or what) is your master? Whom do you serve?