The “Lost Treasure” Principle
Fine-ances, part 4 of 4
Download the notes.“Fine-Ances”, Part 4
Pastor Vince DiPaola
I. Three maps that lead to “fools gold”
1. The material possessions map: It depreciates.
2. The money accumulation map: It’s temporary.
3. The market strategizing map: It’s unpredictable.
Problem : While these practices aren’t necessarily bad, they cannot become our ultimate treasure.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain… “ (1 Timothy 6:17a, NIV)
“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul ? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NIV)
II. The map that leads to” true treasure”
The eternal investment map: It yields infinite reward.
Principle : While you can’t take your treasures with you, you can send them on ahead.
“… 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 them–selves as a firm foundation for the coming age. “ (1 Timothy 6:17b–19, NIV)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19–20, NIV)
III. God’s directions for “true treasure”
1. Give to advance God’s purposes in the world.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” (Proverbs 3:9, NIV)
2. Give to aid other people in their spiritual journey.
“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9, NIV)
Purpose : True treasure is giving to what will outlast you.
IV. God’s treasure: what you’ll dig up
1. God’s treasure has an insured super high interest rate.
” Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38, NIV)
2. God’s treasure isn’t F.D.I.C. insured, it’s B.I.B.L.E. insured.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [the things that you need] will be given to you as well. “ (Matthew 6:33, NIV)