Q2. Storing Up Treasures on Heaven or Earth

[Old Jerry]

Jesus is speaking figuratively because He is saying that we should be keeping God first in our lives. We are the right attitude about God then we should be storing up things that we need to depend on to live. This saying is an old saying

[Karen11]

On 12/19/2007 at 10:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (Matthew 6:19) Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...." Is he speaking figuratively? Hyperbolically? Generally? Specifically? Is this a new teaching, or an old one?

That we should not buy things and worry about what we don't have, that we become consumed with stuff and forget God.

Old

[Irmela]

A treasure is something you hold onto and do not give away. You might share it, depending on what it is.  It can easily become an idol.  Possessions / a super job / a house / family / an addiction, etc ... any of these can be ones 'treasure', which we place above God. 

In the Old Testament, already we are warned to not have other gods before God himself (Exodus 20:3).  In verse 5 we read .... you are not to worship them or serve them. 

So coming back to the question .... I do believe that it is specifically and that it is an old teaching.

[Irmela]

A treasure is something you hold onto and do not give away. You might share it, depending on what it is.  It can easily become an idol.  Possessions / a super job / a house / family / an addiction, etc ... any of these can be ones 'treasure', which we place above God. 

In the Old Testament, already we are warned to not have other gods before God himself (Exodus 20:3).  In verse 5 we read .... you are not to worship them or serve them. 

So coming back to the question .... I do believe that it is specifically and that it is an old teaching.

[Irmela]

A treasure is something you hold onto and do not discard. You share it (if it is knowledge of something, or something you have learned). A treasure (which can be possessions, jobs, houses, family) can become an idol and in the Old Testament already we are warned to not have or serve other gods (idols).  So I do believe that Jesus is speaking specifically.

If we do have possessions, jobs, houses, family etc., do not place them above God.

[Lisa Wolf]

Q2. (Matthew 6:19) Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...." Is he speaking figuratively? Hyperbolically? Generally? Specifically? Is this a new teaching, or an old one? 

God called Israel His treasured possession through Deuteronomy starting in 7:6, in Psalm 135:4, in Malachi 3:17.  When God reveals His thought on treasure, it is His People.   2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that we have this treasure of the eternal God in 'jars of clay' so that we know the POWER is from God and not from ourselves.  What God calls treasure and what the world calls treasure are not the same.  In 1Timothy 6:17-19, Paul reminds us not to love money which the world treasures.  "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 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."  Thus, this is not a new teaching that Jesus brings, but  a teaching that provides clarity to the real meaning of treasure.