LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN
By John C. Carpenter
In what is referred to as the beatitudes, Jesus opened His
mouth and taught His disciples, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
break through and steal: But 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 is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore
thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If
therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate
the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:19-24).
In
verse 19, the word treasures is translated from the Greek word thesauros, which means a deposit, or literal or figurative wealth.Also in verse 19, the word earth is translated from the Greek word ghay, and means soil, a region, the solid part of the whole of
the terrene globe including the occupants, earth, land, or world. In verse 20, lay up is translated from the Greek word thesaurizo,which means to amass, reserve, keep in store, or heap up. In verse 20, moth is translated from the Greek word ses, which probably
refers to something which consumes or destroys, whereas the word rust is translated from the Greek word brosis, which probably means
to eat up or consume till gone. Also, in verse 20, the word heaven is translated from the Greek word ouranos, which means elevated,
the sky, heaven as the abode of God, air, happiness, power, or eternity. In this context, heaven most likely refers to the realm or
abode of God the Father. In verse 21, the word heart is translated from the Greek word kardia, which means the heart, figuratively
the thoughts and feelings, or mind. In summary, the believer in Christ is instructed not to lay up natural and earthly wealth as we
understand it in this world, which wealth is temporary, consumed and eaten up until gone, but to deposit spiritual, heavenly, eternal,
and indestructable wealth in the heavenly realm of God.
The believer in Christ is not to store up earthly treasures such as material
wealth, possessions, riches, assets on earth, houses, cars, phones, children, food, clothes, furniture, tools, travel, business success,
popularity, gold and silver, comfort, satisfaction,worldly success, or pride. God may or may not give us these things, but we must
realize that even if God gives us these things, He may not allow us to enjoy them. King Solomon warns, There is an evil which I have
seen under the sun, and it is common among men: A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing
for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it
is an evil disease. If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be
not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he. For he cometh in with vanity,
and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness. Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this
hath more rest than the other. Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the
poor, that knoweth to walk before the living? Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity
and vexation of spirit. That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that
is mightier than he. Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better? For who knoweth what is good for man
in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the
sun? (Ecclesiastes 6:1-12). Solomon adds, So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold
the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had
no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than
both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. Again, I considered all travail, and
every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit (Ecclesiastes 41-:4).
We
must also not forget that all earthly things, including money, are fleeting. Believers should Labour not to be rich: cease from thine
own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle
toward heaven (Proverbs 23:4-5).
GIVING CAUSES ANXIETY
So, if we want to store up heavenly treasures, as God desires, how
do we go about doing that? The answer to this question is by doing and giving, or, as we can call it, by doing good works. One of
the best ways to store up heavenly and eternal treasures pleasing to God the Father is by taking the gifts, talents, and resources
God has given us and giving it back to Him, and allowing Him to distribute our gifts to others as He wills and for His own purposes.
The gifts that God may give us depends upon each individual and His calling for that individual, but available gifts could be in the
areas of intellectual, physical, mental, emotional, financial, moral, serving, business, home, family, children, education, personality,
talent, love, wisdom, good looks, creativity, or a thousand other gifts that He may intend to give us to be used according to His
will and purposes. However, there is an issue that we all, or most, encounter in giving up what we have. For most of us, we begin
to have anxiety, and our concern rises when we are confronted with giving, even when we know we are giving back to the Lord. If we
are asked or expected to give what we consider to be beyond our comfort level, we may even become very anxious and afraid.
We
then begin to think and worry, if we give that amount, or do this or that, or are asked to give up something we prize in the name
of the Lord, we may then conclude and worry that we may not have enough to live on. When this anxiety happens, we must strive to remember
that all of what we have is not really ours, but God's to do with as He wills. We must overcome our anxiety and fears, and have faith
that He will care for us in our time of lack or need. Jesus, Himself, taught, Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither
do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking
thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow;
they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe
you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we
be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things (Matthew
6:26-32). We must remember Christ's words about the man who found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought
it (Matthew 13:46). We can ask ourselves, are we willing to give us everything we have for Christ and the Kingdom of God? Because
we are God's, and not our own, we are accountable to Him: ...let every one of you lay by him in store [for ministry and use by God
the Father], as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come (1 Corinthians 16:2). Anxiety may occur, but we must
remember that Paul exhorted the believers in Philippi with these words: my God shall supply all your need according to his riches
in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Clearly, scriptures also remind us to Be careful [Greek, merimnao, to be anxious about,
take thought or concern, or to be distracted by] for nothing [including our giving]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). As scriptures teach us, God cannot only give to us, but God can also take
away what we have: Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said,
Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the
name of the LORD (Job 1:20-21).
THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S, AND THE FULNESS THEREOF
Truly, the believer in Christ should not
be concerned about taking what God has given us and giving it back to Him and others, according to His will and timing. After all,
as we mentioned earlier, it is all His anyway. The scriptures teach us that God not only created all things earthly and heavenly,
but is in control of all things. Everything in heaven and earth is the Lord's, not ours. The scriptures teach us, The earth is the
LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon
the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? (Psalms 24:1-3).
Through the prophet
Haggai, God teaches us, For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth,
and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house
with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts (Haggai 2:6-8). Our guidance,
sustenance, and earthly treasures all come only from God. Moses wrote, Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein
were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to
do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou
shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware
unto thy fathers, as it is this day (Deuteronomy 8:15-18). According to the holy scriptures, God owns everything, even our own bodies,
lives and souls. All who believe in Christ are not their own, as the scriptures teach. He reminds us, What? know ye not that your
body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought [Greek, agorazo,
to go to market, to be purchased, or redeemed] with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (1
Corinthians 6:19-20).
God straightened out Job, ...whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine (Job 41:11), while David clarifies
that The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded [Hebrew, yasad,
to literally set, to found, to appoint, lay a foundation, or ordain] it upon the seas, and established [Hebrew, kun, to be erect,
to set up, establish, fix, apply, appoint, or render sure] it upon the floods (Psalms 24:1-2). Knowing God the Father's glory and
majesty, David prayed to God, Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: forall that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches
and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great,
and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people,
that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee (1
Chronicles 29:11-14). Moses adds, Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that
therein is (Deuteronomy 10:14). The scriptures clearly reveal Jesus as Lord of everything, including being the Lord of our posssessions
and our lives because He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that
are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:
all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the
body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased
the Father that in him should all fulness [Greek, pleroma, repletion, completion, filled as a container or performance, or fulfilling]dwell (Colossians 1:15-19). God not only has authority and power over what we possess, and what we do with what we possess, but, because
He is God, we should be more than eager to offer up to Him what earthly possessions He has provided to us. This is where our real
heavenly treasures are. Through Isaiah, God clarified, I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even [specifically and only] my
hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded (Isaiah 45:12). Within all of these verses, it is absolutely
clear that God is the priority, and that He has created everything and controls everything. Why should He not also control we humans
and what we do and have? If we desire to store up heavenly treasures, we must be ready, willing, and able for Him to be God within
our own lives.
The scriptures are clear that we can and should store up heavenly, eternal treasures by giving freely of what
we have, since nothing in this life is completely ours to do with as we please. Truthfully, as we have mentioned, everything is God's,
and everything belongs to Him. Why not give obediently as He wills and directs, since all is His anyway? Prophetically through Ezekiel,
God warns Israel, Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth,
it shall die (Ezekiel 18:4), while the apostle Paul instructed the church in Corinth, What? know ye not that your body is the temple
of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify
God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul also taught the believers in Rome, He that regardeth
the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth
to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth
to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether
we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's (Romans 14:6-8).
WHOSE SHALL THOSE THINGS BE
At this point, we can ask, why
does the Lord not want us to store up earthly treasures? Is it because riches, material things, and earthly treasures are bad or evil?
Is it because God hates them? No. Those are not the reasons. God does not want believers to store up earthly treasure because they
do not last – they are not permenent, they can also be destroyed or taken from us, and because they are not eternal. They are of value
only in this temporary life, and, at the end of our lives, they will be of no Godly, spiritual, or eternal value to us, or to the
Lord. They may be of value to those who survive us, but no longer will they be of any value to us. To the multitudes around Him, Jesus
taught this lesson: And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought
within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull
down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much
goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall
be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and
is not rich toward God (Luke 12:16-21). Christ explained that at the moment of his death, this rich man's riches, earthly accumulations,
abundance, treasures and extra barns would now instantly belong to someone else. Whatever you and I have amassed on earth, we will
not take with us beyond the grave. All of what we had will now go to someone else, or in the dumpster. So, why should we not store
up heavely treasures by letting God utilize what we have while we are on this earth?
Jesus explained to a rich young man the
dangers of trusting in worldly riches, because not only will we not be able to take them with us when we die, but they may even keep
us out of heaven. Look what the Lord said: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect [Greek, teleios, complete in mental or moral
character, or of full age spiritually], go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:
and come afollow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus
unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you,
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:21-24).
According to Christ, clinging to and lusting after our riches is a tremendous vanity. When we die, whaever riches we have will stay
on earth.
In the book of Psalms, we are strongly warned about the dangers of having earthly riches and treasures: Be not thou
afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall
not descend after him. Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. He shall
go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. Man that is in honour [on this earth because of his riches], and
understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish (Psalms 49:16-20). The rich who trust in their riches have no understanding, and
are like the beasts that perish. When we go, our riches and possessions do not go with us.
TREASURES IN HEAVEN
Jesus instructed
His disciples, and all belivers in Christ, to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Christ clearly confirms that believers shall
be rewarded for their earthly, good works with treasures in heaven: behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every
man according as his work [Greek, ergon, to work, to toil with effort, deed, doing, or labour] shall be (Revelation 22:12). But, we
can certainly ask, what earthly works that will result in heavenly treasures are He referring to? So, if Christ will indeed reward
the believer for his or her good earthly works with heavenly treasures, how do we go about storing up those heavenly treasures? After
we have come to faith in Christ, what things [actions, deeds, works] must we do in order for God to reward us with these heavenly
promised treasures? We may not be able to know all the works that Jesus is referring to, but the scriptures give us considerable ideas.
First,
and most importantly, heavenly treasures shall certainly be awarded to those that believe in Jesus Christ. Speaking to those around
Him who believed their salvation was based upon works of the Jewish laws, Jesus instructed them, Labour not for the meat which perisheth,
but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work
of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent (John 6:27-29). Belief in Christ bears the fruit of everlasting life.
For their
faithful works on earth, believers shall also be rewarded with heavenly crowns. For example, Paul taught the church in Corinth, Know
ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth
for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:24-25),
while the apostle Peter referred To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for
you (1 Peter 1:4). Specifically, the believer shall receive the crown of life (Rev 2:10), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), the crown
of righteousness (1 Pet 5:4), the crown of rejoicing (1 Thess 2:19), and an imperishable crown (1 Cor 9:24-25).
Heavenly, eternal
treasures shall also be given to those who on this earth seek God and the Kingdom of heaven and its spiritual and eternal values and
priorities. Jesus said, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew
6:33), while Moses warns I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou
shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven
above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve
them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation
of them that hate me (Exodus 20:2-5).
The believer in Christ will also receive heavenly rewards or treasure by killing fleshly
lusts, living a Godly life by walking in the guidance and will of the Holy Spirit, and by living and displaying the fruits of the
Holy Spirit working in our souls and lives. Paul taught the Galatian church, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking
one another, envying one another (Galatians 5:22-26).
Jesus also taught His disciples, and us, Blessed are the poor in spirit [the
humble, submissive]: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the
meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for
my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before
you (Matthew 5:2-12). Clearly, the poor in spirit, they that mourn, the meek, they which hunger and thirst after righteousness, the
merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted because of righteousness sake, the Lord says, great shall be
your reward in heaven.
The individual who responds to the working and ministries of the Lord, especially others who are serving
God, shall also not be denied their reward. Jesus taught, He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him
that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous
man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little
ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward (Matthew 10:40-42).
Giving
of our worldly goods, as well as righting the wrongs we may commit, are also clearly rewarded by God the Father and Christ: Zacchaeus
stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by
false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also
is a son of Abraham (Luke 19:8-9). According to Christ, those who sacrificially give of their substance shall receive eternal salvation.
Next,
We shall also store up heavely treaures for ourselves when we magnify and glorify the Lord God and seek the well being and profit
of others. Paul teaches that we glorify God when we seek the profit of others: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye
do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please
all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).
Paul
elsewhere taught that whatsoever we do we should do with a full heart in service to the Lord, and that we shall receive the reward
of an eternal inheritance: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall
receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).
We also receive an heavenly reward
when we forsake earthly treasures and begin to seek heavenly treasures. For example, when we are willing to sell our earthly possessions,
because they are no longer a priority to us and begin to prioritize the heavenly, spiritual, and eternal, we shall receive a reward
(Matthew 19:16-30).
Not only are there works we should do to receive our heavenly treasures, there are things we should not do.
We are promised in the Scriptures that we shall not lose our rewards if we do not follow heretical doctrine and false ministers. Paul
warned, For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver
and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the
Father and the Son (2 John 1:7-9).
The apostle Paul also teaches, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,
always abounding [Greek, perisseuo, to superabound in quality and quantity, be in excess, be superfluous, to excel, or remain over
and above] in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). The believer
in Christ will not lose their rewards if they faithfully excell in the work of the Lord.
Last to be mentioned, the believer in
Christ shall suffer persecution of one kind or another, but should have fortitude and not forget the reward of the glory to come,
because God is with us. Paul reminds us, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with
the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). The believer is to Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid
of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee (Deuteronomy 31:6). In God's time, the glory of God shall be revealed in those who have suffered for the cause of Christ.
CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS
UNTO GOOD WORKS
Without a doubt, doing good works [that involve giving, doing, and loving] not only glorify God the Father and
Jesus Christ, but they also store up for the believer in Christ eternal treasures in heaven. But, in writing the church in Ephesus,
the apostle Paul explains that, following salvation, doing good works is not an unusual thing, but is a major part of the design and
purpose of being a believer in Christ.
According to Paul, all belivers in Christ are quickened, destined and ordained to love,
give and serve: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened [Greek,suzoopoieo, to reanimate conjointly, vitalize, give or bring new life] us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hathraised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding
riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God: Not of works [our own efforts to keep all of the Jewish law], lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship [Greek,poiema, to become a product, literal or figurative fabric, or thing that is made], created in Christ Jesus unto good [Greek, agathos,
good in any sense, beneficial, or to do morally good things] works [Greek, ergon, toil at an effort, do deeds, labour, or work], which
God hath before ordained [Greek, proetoinazo, to fit up in advance, to ordain before, to make ready, or to prepare afore] that we
should walk in them (Ephesians 2:4-10). Paul explains to the Ephesian church that God the Father has spiritually reanimated, vitalized,
and brought new life to the believer in Christ, raised all believers up from spiritual deadness, has made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus,explained that all believers are His product and part of His design fabric, and that believers were created,
purposed, and ordained in advance to perform morally good and beneficial works.
After the believer comes to faith in God and
Christ, serving, giving and doing is something we should not do with hesitation, but do with energy, purpose, enthusiasm, expectation,
and anticipation. Christian charity is now, so to speak, a significant part of our new Godly DNA, and this charity certainly has its
heavenly, spiritual, and eternal rewards. As Paul wrote the Corinthian church, But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap
also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, solet him give; not grudgingly [Greek, lupe, done with sadness, to do with grief, to cause sorrow], or of necessity: for God loveth
a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to
every good work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
The churches of Macedonia not only gave liberally, but even gave well beyond their confort
level. They gave out of their deep lack and poverty: Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches
of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty [Greek, ptocheia, beggary,
or indigence] abounded unto the riches of their liberality [Greek, haplotes, sincerity without self seeking, copious bestowal, or
bountifulness]. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves (2 Corinthians 8:1-3).
God is pleased when we give out of our poverty. In fact, according to the scriptures, believers in Christ are purposed and ordained
unto good works, doing, and giving. It is, or should be, in our nature. As Paul wrote, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). As Christ taught His own disciples,
our good works are to be seen before men which glorifies God the Father: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Christ exhorted His own disciples, Give, and it shall
be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the
same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38). To the Corinthian church Paul wrote, Now he that ministereth
seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). Jesus added,Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver(2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus also taught His disciples an important way to build up heavenly treasures for themselves was to fulfill
God's ministerial calling in their lives by revealing the truth of Christ and the gospel message: Ye are the salt [Greek, halas, figuratively
prudence, to be sensitive, to be careful, to have wisdom, discernment, and good judgment] of the earth: but if the salt have lost
his savour, [Greek, moraino, to become insipid, to act as a simpleton, or make foolish] wherewith shall it be salted [have ability
to influence and change]? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the
light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on
a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16). The salt and light of Christ's disciples glorified their heavenly
Father.
The scriptures also teach that giving and fellowship go together, as well. In the book of Acts, we read, all that believedwere together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And
they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and
singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be
saved (Acts 2:44-47). From the heavenly Father's viewpoint, joining with other believers in giving results in salvation for others.
Also
in Acts, we see where a multitude of believers were together and had all of their good works of giviing and supplying in common: And
the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he
possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord
Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or
houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution
was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted,
The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles'
feet (Acts 4:32-37). To these believers in Christ, being together and supplying one another was their known calling and ministry,
and fulfilled God the Father's purpose for them.
God is especially pleased when we do not give out of our abundance and excess,
but out of our need. Look what Jesus said: Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury:
and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And
he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they
which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had,
even [specifically] all her living (Mark 12:41-44). When the believer gives out of his or her need, this glorifies God in heaven and
stores up heavenly treasures for the believer in Christ.
Believers in Christ can do earthly and temporal works that shall be
temporary and eventually destroyed, while the believer can also do heavenly and eternal works that we can store up in heaven. Paul
reminds us of this difference when he wrote the church in Corinth, For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is
Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall
be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what
sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward (1 Corinthians 3:11-14). Jesus also said
to His disciples, Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give
alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth
corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Luke 12:32-34).
Giving is in the believer's DNA, as mentioned
earlier. Believers can, and should, do those eternal works that can be stored not on earth but in heaven. We should perform those
works that are pleasing to God the Father and of benefit to Him. Paul wrote Timothy these words of wisdom: Charge them that are rich
in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things
to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for
themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Neither should
we be anxious concerning those things that we are asked by God to give - our heavenly Father has already promised to supply all your
need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). As we see in our subject verses, we believers should always
strive to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through
nor steal. AMEN
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the
LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to
pass”
(Psalms 37:3-5).
"Forasmuch as ye
know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received
by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was
foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that
raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying
the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being
born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is
as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word
of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached
unto you”
(1 Peter 1:18-25).
