It can come as a bit of a shock to us that Jesus actually challenged us to store up wealth, not here on Earth but in heaven. His response to materialism was that they were not seeing the best investment, for their time, money and effort. (See Matthew 6:19-21)

What we see over again is that Christ encouraged the good stewarding of what the father has given us. The parable of the talents ( Matthew 25) and in Luke 14 , He talks of  rewarding of those that use what He has given us and in particular on those who cannot repay in this world.

Moses we are told was ‘looking for his reward’ in Hebrews 11:26; and Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 encourages to build well, taking care with what we build as God will test it with fire. For some Christians all that will remain is the solid foundation of knowing Christ and being with Him forever, however for others it will be revealed that they built well and it remains.

We can get the impression that all that God is interested in is coming to Christ ourselves and leading others to Christ. Obviously this is hugely important, however it belittles the countless hours that most of us spend working long hours to give generously into His kingdom, the sacrificial care that parents make caring for their children , and multitudes of ordinary Christians make looking after the weak, infirm and lonely. God in His justice sees it all and is keeping close accounts that will be rewarded in full. As John Wesley said “I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity.”

What is important is that we each know what God has given us, and we use that as effectively for His Kingdom as we can.

Questions:

• Looking at the 1 Corinthian 3 passage what do you think is the Gold, Silver and precious stones equivalent to and what is the Hay, Wood and Straw?

• How does this teaching effect what we give ourselves to? Do you find it releasing or restrictive and why?

• Maybe go around the group and say one thing that you would like to invest more wisely in the next 12 months.

• Pray together in groups of three that God will help you to see God’s eternal kingdom more fully, and that this vision will impact your choices in the future.

No tags Hide