Text: Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1-2
Title: Where Are You Banking?

Introduction: Chase Bank, Bank of America, Bank One, Compass Bank, Capital Bank…are the names of banks. When I ask question
where are you banking, it would seem that I am really somewhat nosey. But, I am speaking from the angle of eternity. In this
litany of sermons on STEWARDSHIP this month, it is imperative that we understand that we maintain perspective, and be good
stewards over that that God has entrusted to us.
The text is included in Jesus “Sermon (Teaching) on the Mount” which includes the 5-7 chapters of Matthew. The “Sermon
on the Mount” is addressed to his disciples; it is a bringing together of the teachings of Jesus on the meaning of obedience in
such a way as to set forth dramatically His understanding of the radical devotion to God’s will that God expects. In the book of
Matthew the author, in a general sense, is concerned about the church and its way of life in response to the message of Jesus. A
person is can be banking either in a earthly (i.e. temporary) bank or an eternal bank. In this sermon we must leave asking
(purpose): Where is my focus; Where is my treasure; Who or what am I serving?

I. The Earthly Treasury (19)
• Jesus admonishes His disciples to stay away from this type of investment venture. (Don’t store up…)
• Its Contents include-but not limited to-clothes, cars, jewelry, toys, houses, furnishings, pleasure, fame, power,
professions, prosperity, money, etc.
• Its Location – earthly means that it is temporary
• Its Imperfection & Insecurity
a. MOTH (the marks of prosperity in Jesus’ day was fine clothes) we know when moths get into clothes they eat holes right
through them.
b. RUST (another indication of success in Jesus’ day was having barns full of grain) the word “rust” literally means “an
eating” (could mean, make reference to the rats, mice, worms or insects that eat away at the storehouses of grain); on the other
hand, it has a wider sense of corrosion- in either case it is a “eating away”
c. THIEVES (sometimes they hid things in the walls which indicates any treasure could be stolen at any time)

II. The Heavenly Treasury (20)
• Jesus admonishes his disciples store up eternal and lasting treasures…
• Its Location – heaven is eternal (cp. Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are
above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”)
• Its Contents could include, but not limited to/this is also how we store up heavenly treasures -- things that are of
eternal value, things that cannot decay…being a true child of God, forgiveness of sins, wisdom, understanding the will of God,
winning of souls…the 4-E Purpose
• Its Security (cp. 1 Peter 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to
abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible [which cannot decay], and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you…”)
• KEEP WHAT LASTS!

III. The Heart’s Treasure (21)
• The big question from the Sermon on the Mount is the question of where my heart is. Am I seeking after self or after a
real, vibrant relationship with God? If we can answer where our treasure is, then we can answer where our heart is.
• There are several things vying for our heart…that’s why the record says, “Keep (guard) thy heart with all diligence
(care); for out of it are the issues of life.”

CONCLUSION: Insufficient Funds: A term indicating that an account balance in inadequate to cover a check that has been written
and presented for payment. Guaranty: The undertaking of responsibility by one party for another party's debt or obligation to
perform some specific act or duty. Although the original debtor is responsible for the debt, the guarantor becomes liable in the
event of a default. Overdraft protection…(read 1 Cor. 3:15; 1 John 1:9)

 

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