Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
March 29, 2026
Matthew: Heavenly Treasure vs. Earthly Treasure
Matthew 6:19-34
Matthew 6:19-21, 24-25, 31-33
[16] “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [17] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, [18] that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
[19] “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
[24] “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
[31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1. The Disappointment of Earthly Treasure
Let’s start with a more lighthearted question: When it comes to old keepsakes, do you lean more towards being a hoarder (keeping everything) or a minimalist (getting rid of everything)?
Jesus makes it pretty clear in verse 19 that earthly possessions just don’t last. They will either decay, deteriorate, get lost, be stolen, or go out of style. When it comes to possessions and wealth, what do you think are some of the major differences between the audience Jesus was speaking to at that time versus us today?
Though our modern level of wealth and amount of possessions would be radically different than the first century, what is Jesus really addressing that transcends time and culture?
“If you worship money and things, if they are where you tap real meaning in life, then you will never have enough, never feel you have enough. It's the truth. Worship your body and beauty and sexual allure and you will always feel ugly. And when time and age start showing, you will die a million deaths before they finally grieve you. Worship power, you will end up feeling weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to numb you to your own fear. Worship your intellect, being seen as smart, you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out.”
- David Foster Wallace
Do you agree with Wallace’s assessment? Why or why not?
2. The Satisfaction of Heavenly Treasure
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
- C.S. Lewis
Where is Jesus’ heart when he is hanging on the cross?
John 3:16
[16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
2 Corinthians 8:9
[9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
If you really took the time to meditate on these two verses we just read, how do you think your attitude about money and possessions would change?
3. The Reward of Biblical Stewardship
Matthew 6:33
[33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Discipleship|Pathway
Practice Biblical Stewardship
1. God owns everything we have.
2. God has entrusted us to steward his money.
3. Grace is our motivation for stewardship.
World’s Priorities
1. Lifestyle
2. Taxes
3. Debt Repayment
4. Saving and Investing
5. Giving
Results: Overspending
Biblical Priorities
1. Giving
2. Saving and Investing
3. Debt Repayment
4. Taxes
5. Lifestyle
Result: Contentment
Without answering out loud, what is the current ranking of priority with your personal finances? What adjustments can you make to move “Lifestyle” down the list and “Giving” up the list?
Hebrews 13:5
[5] Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
How does this verse convict you and encourage you?
