What other scriptures emphasize valuing Christ above worldly riches and comforts? Hebrews 11:26—Choosing the Greater Treasure “He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward.” Moses willingly traded Pharaoh’s palace for the promise of Christ. The Spirit holds him up as an example of what it looks like to prize Jesus above every earthly comfort. Words from Jesus That Re-order Our Values • Matthew 6:19-21 — “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Matthew 13:44-46 — Two short parables showing a man selling “all he had” to gain hidden treasure or a pearl of great price. • Mark 8:36-37 — “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” • Luke 14:33 — “In the same way, any one of you who does not give up all his possessions cannot be My disciple.” • Mark 10:21 — To the rich young ruler: “Go, sell all you have and give to the poor… then come, follow Me.” Paul’s Testimony of Loss and Gain • Philippians 3:7-8 — “Whatever was gain to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ… I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 8:9 — Christ’s own pattern: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” Heaven-Oriented Instructions in the Epistles • Colossians 3:1-2 — “Set your hearts on things above… not on earthly things.” • 1 Timothy 6:6-10 — Godliness with contentment is great gain; the love of money leads to ruin. • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 — The wealthy are told to be “rich in good works,” storing up treasure “as a good foundation for the future.” • 1 John 2:15-17 — “Do not love the world or anything in the world… The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” • Hebrews 10:34 — Believers “joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves have a better and permanent possession.” Old Testament Echoes of the Same Priority • Psalm 73:25-26 — “Whom have I in heaven but You? … God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” • Psalm 119:72 — “The law from Your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” • Proverbs 23:4-5 — “Do not wear yourself out to get rich… riches disappear in the blink of an eye.” Why These Verses Matter Today • They remind us that earthly wealth is fleeting; eternal reward in Christ is secure. • They demonstrate a consistent, Spirit-inspired call—from Moses to the apostles—to treasure God Himself above all else. • They provide a grid for daily choices: when faced with comfort vs. obedience, Scripture urges us to choose Christ. • They cultivate joyful expectation; like Moses, we look “ahead to the reward,” confident that no sacrifice made for the Lord will ever be regretted. |
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