Seek First
By prioritizing heavenly treasures over earthly wealth, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6, believers are called to a radical love that secures eternal significance and counters the anxiety that pervades our materialistic society.
Introduction: In an age of materialism, true love seeks eternal treasures over temporary gains.
1. Generosity as an act of love exemplifies heavenly treasure. (Matthew 6:1-4)
A. Giving in secret reflects a pure motive aligned with God’s heart.
B. Earthly recognition is fleeting, but God’s reward is eternal.
2. Prayer, a conduit of love, aligns our hearts with God’s will. (Matthew 6:5-15)
A. The Lord’s Prayer models selfless devotion and God’s priorities over our own desires.
B. Forgiveness, as an expression of love, is foundational to our relationship with God.
3. The practice of fasting and a non-anxious life reflect trust in God’s love. (Matthew 6:16-34)
A. Fasting, done properly, deepens our dependence on God rather than on the world’s offerings.
B. Seeking God’s kingdom alleviates anxiety and reorients our love towards the eternal.
Conclusion: Embrace a life centered on God’s love, where actions are anchored in eternity, moving beyond materialism to a transformative faith that manifests in love-fueled generosity, prayer, and trust.
Study Guide: Prioritizing Heavenly Treasures Over Earthly Wealth (Matthew 6)**
### Introduction
– In a materialistic world, believers are called to seek eternal treasures rather than temporary, worldly gains.
– Jesus teaches that love manifests through generosity, prayer, and trust, each of which reflects a heart focused on God’s eternal kingdom
### 1. **Generosity as an Act of Love Exemplifies Heavenly Treasure (Matthew 6:1-4)**
– **A.** Giving in secret reflects a pure motive aligned with God’s heart.
– **B.** Earthly recognition is fleeting, but God’s reward is eternal.
**Multiple Choice Question:**
1. According to Matthew 6:1-4, what is the significance of giving in secret?
– A. It guarantees praise from others.
– B. It shows devotion to material gain.
– C. It aligns our hearts with God’s will and ensures eternal rewards.
– D. It prevents the need for prayer.
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### 2. **Prayer, a Conduit of Love, Aligns Our Hearts with God’s Will (Matthew 6:5-15)**
– **A.** The Lord’s Prayer models selfless devotion and God’s priorities over our own desires.
– **B.** Forgiveness, as an expression of love, is foundational to our relationship with God.
**Multiple Choice Questions:**
2. What does the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) emphasize?
– A. Personal gain and prosperity.
– B. Selfish desires.
– C. God’s kingdom, forgiveness, and dependence on Him.
– D. Recognition from others.
3. How is forgiveness related to love in Matthew 6:14-15?
– A. It is optional and unrelated to our relationship with God.
– B. It is conditional on how much we give.
– C. It is foundational and directly tied to God’s forgiveness of us.
– D. It only applies to those who publicly confess their sins.
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### 3. **The Practice of Fasting and a Non-Anxious Life Reflect Trust in God’s Love (Matthew 6:16-34)**
– **A.** Fasting, done properly, deepens our dependence on God rather than on the world’s offerings.
– **B.** Seeking God’s kingdom alleviates anxiety and reorients our love towards the eternal.
**Multiple Choice Questions:**
4. According to Matthew 6:16-18, what is the true purpose of fasting?
– A. To gain attention from others for spiritual discipline.
– B. To show superiority over those who do not fast.
– C. To deepen our dependence on God and seek His presence.
– D. To avoid food for long periods without reason.
5. What does Jesus teach in Matthew 6:25-34 about anxiety and material concerns?
– A. Anxiety is inevitable and should be embraced.
– B. Material wealth guarantees freedom from worry.
– C. Trust in God and seeking His kingdom will alleviate anxiety.
– D. Worrying about the future shows our love for God.
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### **Conclusion**
– Embrace a life centered on God’s love, where actions are anchored in eternity.
– Generosity, prayer, and trust in God demonstrate a radical love that secures eternal significance and counters materialism.
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### **Answer Key**
1. **C** – It aligns our hearts with God’s will and ensures eternal rewards.
2. **C** – God’s kingdom, forgiveness, and dependence on Him.
3. **C** – It is foundational and directly tied to God’s forgiveness of us.
4. **C** – To deepen our dependence on God and seek His presence.
5. **C** – Trust in God and seeking His kingdom will alleviate anxiety.
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This study guide should help reinforce key concepts from Matthew 6 regarding the priority of heavenly treasures and living a life centered on God’s love and eternal significance.