Connect Ecclesiastes 2:11 with Matthew 6:19-21 on storing treasures in heaven. Scripture Focus Ecclesiastes 2:11: “Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a chasing after the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” Matthew 6:19-21: “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 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 Futility of Earthly Toil • Solomon surveys his achievements—palaces, vineyards, wealth, art, servants—and labels it “futile” and “a chasing after the wind.” • His verdict is universal: nothing gained “under the sun,” meaning within the boundaries of time and space apart from God. • Earthly accomplishments can provide temporary satisfaction, but they cannot secure lasting meaning or eternal reward. Jesus’ Call to Eternal Investment • Christ affirms that earthly stores are vulnerable: moths eat fabric, rust corrodes metal, thieves remove valuables. • Heavenly treasure, by contrast, is imperishable, protected, and permanent. • The location of treasure determines the orientation of the heart; affection inevitably follows investment. Thread That Ties the Two Passages • Solomon exposes the emptiness of investing solely in this present world. • Jesus offers the positive remedy: shift investment to the realm where God reigns forever. • Together the passages form a complete picture: recognize vanity, then pursue value. What “Treasure in Heaven” Looks Like • Acts of love and mercy (Matthew 25:34-40) • Generous stewardship of resources (1 Timothy 6:17-19) • Obedience motivated by gratitude (John 14:15) • Proclamation of the gospel and disciple-making (Philippians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) • Cultivating Christlike character—faith, hope, love (Galatians 5:22-23) How to Shift the Investment Portfolio 1. Evaluate possessions and goals in light of eternity—Colossians 3:1-2. 2. Redirect money, time, and talents toward kingdom purposes—Proverbs 3:9. 3. Practice contentment, freeing resources for generosity—Hebrews 13:5. 4. Seek daily fellowship with Christ, the greatest treasure—Jeremiah 9:23-24. 5. Persevere in good works, trusting God’s record-keeping—Hebrews 6:10. Encouragement for Everyday Life • Monetary accounts may fluctuate, but the heavenly balance sheet never diminishes—2 Corinthians 4:18. • Earthly influence fades, yet every unseen act done in Christ’s name endures—1 Corinthians 15:58. • God Himself is the believer’s ultimate reward—Genesis 15:1; Revelation 22:12. |
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