Compare 1 Peter 1:4 with Matthew 6:19-20 on storing treasures in heaven. An Inheritance Worth Storing “into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.” — 1 Peter 1:4 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” — Matthew 6:19-20 Why Peter’s Inheritance Mirrors Jesus’ Treasure • Both passages fix our gaze heavenward. • Peter describes the treasure as “imperishable, undefiled, unfading.” • Jesus highlights the same idea by contrasting heavenly treasure with earthly decay: “moth and rust” and “thieves.” • Together they underline God’s promise: what’s stored in heaven is immune to every form of loss. Four Qualities of the Heavenly Storehouse 1. Imperishable • Cannot rot, erode, or expire (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:25). 2. Undefiled • Untouched by sin or corruption (cf. Revelation 21:27). 3. Unfading • Forever vibrant; never diminishes with time (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18). 4. Reserved • Kept under God’s guardianship, not ours (cf. John 10:28-29). Practically Storing Treasure in Heaven • Give generously: “store up for themselves a good foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Serve quietly: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). • Endure trials: “a better and an abiding possession” (Hebrews 10:34). • Set your mind above: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-4). Earthly Loss vs. Heavenly Security Earthly riches risk: • Decay (moth, rust). • Theft (thieves, markets, inflation). • Death (Luke 12:20). Heavenly riches enjoy: • Eternal life span. • Divine protection. • Fullness of joy in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11). Living Today for Tomorrow’s Reward • Every act of obedience echoes into eternity. • Each sacrifice made for Christ is logged in heaven’s ledger. • Our future inheritance encourages present faithfulness: “Looking to Jesus…the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). Takeaway Snapshot 1 Peter 1:4 shows the treasure’s character. Matthew 6:19-20 shows the right location. Together they summon us to spend life banking on what will last forever. |
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