Connect Hebrews 12:27 with Matthew 6:19-20 on storing treasures in heaven. Scripture Focus Hebrews 12:27 — “The words, ‘Once more,’ signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.” Matthew 6:19-20 — “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.” A Coming Shake-Down • God literally promises one final, decisive “shaking” of creation. • Everything material—possessions, institutions, even the earth itself—will be removed or transformed. • Only what belongs to His eternal kingdom will stand. Why Earthly Treasure Fails • Moth, rust, and thieves (Matthew 6) picture decay, entropy, and loss. • These threats are inevitable because all earthly systems are under the curse of sin (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:20-22). • When God shakes creation, every fragile investment collapses. Heaven’s Unshakable Vault • Storing treasure in heaven means investing in what survives the shake: righteousness, worship, obedience, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). • What is deposited there is guarded by God Himself (1 Peter 1:4) and cannot be stolen or spoiled. How These Verses Work Together • Hebrews 12:27 shows the destination of earthly things—removal. • Matthew 6:19-20 shows the sensible response—redirect resources toward heaven. • The verses complement each other: one warns of loss; the other offers a secure alternative. Supporting Passages • 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 — earthly works of wood, hay, and straw burn; gold, silver, and precious stones endure. • 2 Peter 3:10 — “the earth and its works will be laid bare,” echoing Hebrews’ shake. • Colossians 3:1-4 — “Set your minds on things above.” • Proverbs 11:4 — “Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Living Like Citizens of an Unshakable Kingdom • Give generously and secretly (Matthew 6:3-4) — converts temporary funds into eternal reward. • Serve the body of Christ (Hebrews 6:10) — every act of love is remembered. • Share the gospel (Philippians 4:17) — fruit that abounds to your heavenly account. • Pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14) — character is permanent currency. • Hold possessions loosely (1 Timothy 6:17-19) — use them to “lay up treasure for the coming age.” Putting It Into Practice • Evaluate every purchase, plan, and priority by the coming shake-down. • Transfer value by investing time, talent, and treasure in God’s kingdom today. • Rejoice that, in Christ, you already belong to “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28). |
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