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MATTHEW 16:19 -24

Intro: This whole section devoted to living our lives in relationship to God. 1st principle
       take heed that you do not your righteousness before men. Be careful that my motive is
       not having others think well of me. God should always be my primary consideration.

I. LAY NOT UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH.
        A. Two extremes.
                1. God wants all His children to drive Cadillacs.
                2. If you have a Cadillac, you should sell it and buy a cheaper car, give the
                   difference to the community.
        B. It is not wrong to be wealthy.
                1. "If riches increase set not your heart upon them."
                2. God prospered Abraham, Job, David as sign of His blessings.
                3. To rich young ruler, the command to sell what he had and distribute to poor
                   was because his riches were keeping him from following Christ.
        C. Jesus is not necessarily talking about money.
                1. People treasure many things.
                        a. A car.
                        b. A home.
                        c. A job.
                        d. A career.
                2. What He is referring to is really getting your heart into earthly things.

II. NEXT HE EXPLAINS WHY.
        A. This is not really necessary.
                1. He doesn't owe us an explanation.
        B. Moth and rust can corrupt.
                1. This speaks to us of the transitory value of all earthly things.
        C. "Where thieves break through and steal."
                1. This speaks to us of the vulnerability or instability of earthly things.
                        a. How many who have with the rich man of Christ's parable said, eat,
                           drink, and be merry for you are set.
        D. Heavenly treasures are not subject loss or depreciation.

III. WHAT YOU TREASURE IS A TRUE INDICATOR OF YOUR HEART.
        A. "Heart is deceitful above all things, who can know it?"
                1. It is easy for a man to deceive himself.
                        a. "I love the Lord so much."
                        b. "Everything I have belongs to God."