Heaven’s Treasures
Sermon Summary: Heaven’s Treasures
Bro. Nicolas Tan | 14 September 2025 | Matthew 6:19–24
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
(Matthew 6:19–24, NKJV)
What Is Treasure?
When we think of treasure, our minds often go to movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade—hidden artifacts buried deep in jungles or caves, the thrill of the search, the danger, and the excitement of discovery. That longing for treasure reflects something within us, because we too are treasure seekers.
Some pursue collections of toys, books, stamps, antiques, or cars. Children treasure their crayons and pencils; adults may treasure wealth, property, or social status. It is a natural human tendency to seek what we believe is valuable.
Yet deep inside, what we are really searching for is something of true worth. And here lies the problem: earthly treasures do not last. Clothes wear out, possessions lose their shine, and even the things that once thrilled us eventually fade. Earthly treasures are temporary.
Clothing symbolized wealth, yet moths destroyed them.
Grain & Food stores gave a sense of security, but pests devoured them.
Gold and valuables were hidden in houses, yet thieves could break in and steal.
But Jesus directs us to something greater—heavenly treasures. Unlike the possessions of this earth, heavenly treasures are eternal and secure.
In contrast, everything we hold on to in this world is temporary. Cars eventually break down, phones become outdated, and even property requires constant upkeep. Nothing on earth provides lasting security.
All earthly treasures share this same weakness—they simply do not last. Trends fade, and people rush to replace what has lost its appeal. Colours dull, fashions go out of style, and possessions lose their shine. The latest smartphone quickly becomes old news, properties deteriorate, and cars wear out. Everything we own carries the marks of time and decay. No matter how much we treasure them, none of these things can guarantee lasting security.
Scripture reminds us:
“For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:5)
“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
In the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the Holy Grail was portrayed as the ultimate treasure—a cup that promised eternal life. Elsa, the treasure hunter, risked everything for it. In one scene, she dangled from a cliff, one hand reaching desperately for the Grail while the other clung to the ledge. The wiser choice would have been to let it go and save herself, but her refusal to release it led to her fall and death. This scene serves as a powerful illustration: when we cling too tightly to possessions or social status, they may end up pulling us away from life itself.
Heavenly Treasures
Unlike earthly treasures, heavenly treasures are eternal. These treasures are:
Loving actions
Faithful service
Godly character
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3–4)
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labours, and their works follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)
Every small act of faith adds up in the eyes of God. Whether it is devoting time to teach others, offering a kind word, or serving quietly, these are treasures stored in heaven. What truly matters is not earthly riches, but a heart that is kind and committed to doing God’s work.
In today’s highly competitive world, many chase after success at all costs—even resorting to dishonesty to get ahead. But the real test is the mindset: are we pursuing wealth and recognition, or are we focusing on building a character shaped by faith, love, and obedience to God?
Where the Heart Follows
Jesus said:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34)
If treasure is in collections, the heart is set on protecting them.
If treasure is in popularity, the heart craves approval.
If treasure is in Christ, the heart is anchored in heaven.
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)
The Eye as the Lamp
The eye represents focus
A healthy eye is fixed on God, filling life with light.
A clouded eye is divided, filling life with darkness.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV)
“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.” (Psalm 119:37)
“Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.” (Proverbs 4:25)
Social media often motivates people in the wrong direction by fuelling constant comparison—who has more, looks better, or lives a more glamorous life. This culture of measuring ourselves against others easily distracts us from what truly matters
By keeping our focus on Jesus, we gain the right spiritual direction, one that fills our lives with purpose, stability, and light rather than anxiety and envy.
Two Masters
Jesus made it clear:
“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
If possessions rule us, we sacrifice time, relationships, and even faith for them. If God is Lord, then possessions become tools for service, not masters.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” (1 Timothy 6:10)
“No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13)
Some worldly things can become the “gods” in our lives, replacing the living God. But eventually, one will win, and we must choose—will we serve earthly treasures or the eternal God?
The question is personal: What treasures are you holding on to? Earthly treasures glitter for a while, but they always fade. Heavenly treasures may look humble in the eyes of the world, but they shine forever. This calls us to examine where our thoughts, energy, and desires go most often. Are we investing in heaven—through serving, encouraging, and forgiving—or are we clinging to things that cannot last?
To fix our focus on God, we must keep our eyes spiritually healthy and our hearts anchored in Him. It is about where our heart lies and what we cannot live without.
Just as in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, when his father told him to “let it go,” we too must release the things we are holding on to too tightly. Earthly treasures can never satisfy; sometimes we must let them go in order to carry on and truly seek God.
Unlike the fictional search for the Holy Grail, heavenly treasure is not hidden away in caves or jungles. It has already been revealed through Jesus Christ, who said: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
The challenge is clear: Invest in heaven—serve, encourage, forgive, and fix your focus on God. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
