Bible Studies 

What Does it Mean to Store Up Treasure in Heaven? 

Treasure is linked to the heart. What does our heart long for? Does it treasure the things of this world like money, fame, or possessions? Or is our heart longing for Jesus to be the greatest treasure in our life, both now and for eternity?

Lets read (Matthew 6:19-24)

Discussion- why is verses 22-23 (the lamp of the body) put in the middle of this passage that is talking about treasures and money? 

Let's look at the story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22).  

Discussion: Vs 18-19. Why did Jesus only name 6 of the commandments?

The riches of this life and the cares of this world can hinder maturity in the faith as people become preoccupied by earthly concerns and treasures rather than God and His Word. It is not necessarily wrong to have money, but we need to know the dangers of what it can do to us.

 Read (1 Timothy 6:6-10) 

We are storing up treasures on earth if the object of our affection is centered on ourselves and what we can accumulate. It can result in our ruin as well as falling away from faith. Yet, if our greatest treasure is Jesus, we will desire to put our time, money, resources and talent on pursuits that glorify Him and we will store up treasures in the kingdom of heaven.

Q. Can you give some examples of how we can use what God has given us to lay up our treasures in heaven?

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6 Ways We Can Store Up Treasure in Heaven

1. We Need a New Heart

To desire the things of heaven, we need a transformed heart that values Jesus more than an abundance of wealth and possessions.

Our desires need to change away from earthly things and into eternal, everlasting, never-perishing treasure. See (Colossians 3:1-4) As we look to Christ and trust in the Holy Spirit for our transformation, we will desire the things that are of His kingdom for His glory, rather than for ourselves on earth. 

2. Help the Poor and Those in Need

We should look to the needs of others around us. Jesus told a story in the parable of the banquet- (Luke 14:12-14). 

The Lord sees what we do for Him, and we will be repaid “at the resurrection of the just”.

Although we might not see any reward on earth for helping those in need, we know that we are advancing the heavenly kingdom and giving God the glory, which is of more worth than having an abundance of treasure on earth.

Discussion: Does this mean we have to help everyone out there holding a cardboard sign? How do we decide who is poor and needs our help? Doesn't our taxes pay for a lot of these things?

3. Take Risks That Will Honor God

When we are not tied up with fear and anxiety over money and the values of this world are no longer ours, we can live in alignment to God’s will with open hands. It could mean we make choices which seem alien or challenging to those around us. But we know that we can trust God’s plans and purposes in all things. 

An example of someone that took a risk was the widow in Mark 12:41-44 

She gave all that she had out of her poverty. Her heart was not wrapped up in any earthly treasure, but instead she entrusted it all to God.

Discussion: In today's world, can you give an example of what taking a risk that leads to treasures in heaven would look like?

4. Live a Simple Life 

Choose to live simply and not try to attain the life that others around us might be living. The allure of “making it” in life keeps our eyes focused on earthly treasures and pursuits. 

Our identity cannot be based on anything or anyone on earth. Jesus said that we should watch out, be on guard against all kinds of greed and that life does not consist in an abundance of possessions (Luke 12:13-21). We need to hold everything loosely in this life as we fix our gaze on the eternal.

Discussion: Verse 21- What does it mean to be rich toward God?

5. Trust the Promises of God and Do Not Be Anxious 

After Jesus talks of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, He tells His listeners not to worry about life, what to eat and drink, or the body and what to wear (Matthew 6:25-30). 

Discussion: Does this mean that we just help everyone in need and that we don't need to worry about money for our own bills, groceries, and clothing? 

6. Seek the Kingdom of God First (Matthew 6:31-34)

God knows all that we need so we can seek the kingdom and His righteousness, knowing that everything we need will be added. Having a heavenly mindset will free us from the values found on earth and keep our heart and mind on Christ and eternity. 


Discussion:  Why do we find it so hard to trust God and continue to worry about things?

Open Discussion.