Topical Bible: Heaven: Lay up Treasure In

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of laying up treasure in heaven is a significant theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the eternal value of spiritual investments over earthly possessions. This idea is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, where He instructs His followers on the priorities of the Kingdom of God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for laying up treasure in heaven is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus teaches, "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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). This passage highlights the transient nature of earthly wealth and the enduring value of heavenly treasures.

Spiritual Investments

Laying up treasure in heaven involves prioritizing spiritual and eternal matters over material concerns. This includes acts of charity, kindness, and service to others, as well as personal spiritual growth and obedience to God's commandments. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to Timothy, advising the wealthy "to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

Heart and Treasure

The connection between one's heart and treasure is a recurring theme in Scripture. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:21 underscores the idea that what one values most will inevitably capture their heart and attention. Therefore, believers are encouraged to focus their desires and efforts on heavenly pursuits, aligning their hearts with God's eternal purposes.

Eternal Perspective

The call to lay up treasure in heaven is a call to adopt an eternal perspective. The Apostle Paul reminds believers that "our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). This perspective encourages Christians to live in a manner that reflects their heavenly citizenship, investing in what will last beyond this life.

Practical Application

Practically, laying up treasure in heaven can manifest in various ways, such as supporting missions, engaging in community service, and nurturing one's relationship with God through prayer and study of the Scriptures. It also involves a conscious decision to resist the allure of materialism and to trust in God's provision.

Conclusion

The biblical exhortation to lay up treasure in heaven serves as a guiding principle for believers, directing them to invest in what is eternal and to live with a focus on God's Kingdom. This teaching challenges Christians to evaluate their priorities and to align their lives with the values of heaven, where true and lasting treasure is found.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:20
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 12:33
Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Two Kinds of Treasure
... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.'"Matthew 6 ... prostitutes even religious
acts to worldly advantage, and is laying up treasure of men's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/two kinds of treasure.htm

The Heart with the Treasure.
... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure ...
/.../macdonald/unspoken sermons/the heart with the treasure.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ...
... The voice of prediction is, "Heaven and earth shall pass away." [2113] The voice
of warning is, "Lay not up for yourselves treasure on earth." [2114] If then ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon x on the words.htm

What Christ Himself Taught.
... Lay up treasure, therefore, in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt."
[1791] And, "Be ye kind and merciful, as your Father also is kind and merciful ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xv what christ himself taught.htm

Chapter xiii.
... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xiii 2.htm

On Worldly Folly
... money; and of a desire to lay up treasures on earth. Lay up treasure in
heaven! A few days hence, thou wilt step into a land of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 119 on worldly folly.htm

Thy Will be done on Earth Also as in Heaven
... and plot against men the means whereby they wrestle against mankind, and lay up
treasure on Earth ... is said: Thy will be done on Earth also as in Heaven, we are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xvi thy will be.htm

Ye have Heard Also that it was Said unto the Ancients...
... on earth, where moth and worm corrupt, and where [45] thieves break through and
steal: [745] but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where [46] moth and ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section ix ye have heard.htm

That the Saints Lose Nothing in Losing Temporal Goods.
... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 10 that the saints lose.htm

Hearts and Treasures
... 'Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,' therefore, says Christ,
'lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/hearts and treasures.htm