Preaching on a Harley Davidson

Last SundayI preached on a Harley Davidson that belongs to Will Edwards. My sermon was called "Treasures in Heaven" from Matthew 6:19-24. I had several props but my favorite was the Harley. I'll never forget when Will started his bike and rode it out. Jesus said "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions"( Luke 12:15). It won’t last. It will captivated your heart. Distort your vision. Make you a slave and ruin your life.

However, if you hold on loosely, love God with all your heart, see things clearly, and make Jesus Christ your Lord you can enjoy all of these things and use them to God’s glory. 1 Timothy 6: 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Paul didn’t command the rich to give all their possessions away. The only person Jesus said that towas the rich young ruler because his possessions were his god (Luke 18:22). If that describes you the best possible thing that could happen is for you to loose everything you have so that you can trust Jesus Christ.

But I don’t think that describes you. I believe 1 Timothy 6 describes you. Paul gives you seven commands and specifically tells us that this is how to store up treasures in heaven. 1. Don’t be arrogant. 2. Do not put your hope in wealth. 3. Put your hope in God. 4. Enjoy what you have and thank God for it. 5. Do good 6. Be rich in good deeds. and 7. Be generous and willing to share.

Notice that v.19 specifically says that when you do these things you are storing up treasures in heaven. It says 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. If you think the things you have now are good wait till you get to heaven.