We are currently in the middle of our series, Treasure Hunt, and whether we realize it or not, we are all searching for treasure. Many people are searching for acceptance by a particular person, financial security, career success, or one of the many other things that people value the most here on earth. The truth is, none of these things will bring the fulfillment and joy we expect them to bring. God is the treasure we are all longing for and is the only One who can fulfill our deepest longings.
What earthy treasures do you see people searching for today and why to these treasures ultimately lead to disappointment?
1. Read Ephesians 3:1-12. What does this passage of Scripture reveal about where true treasure can be found?
Ephesians 3:1-12
When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles … 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. 8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.
2. What does this passage of Scripture teach about how we can approach God?
3. Read Ephesians 3:14-19. What things did Paul specifically pray for in this passage of Scripture?
Ephesians 3:14-19
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
4. Look back at verse 19. According to Paul, what happens when we fully comprehending God’s love for us?
1. God is the treasure we have all been longing for. How has He proven this to be true in your own life?
2. Do you find it difficult or easy to comprehend just how much God loves you? Why?
3. What is an area of your life when you need the power of the Holy Spirit?
Follow Paul’s example in Ephesians 3. Small group leaders, lead your small group members in prayer. Pray the prayer that Paul prayed in this passage of Scripture. Specifically, pray that God would empower each one of your small group members with the Spirit’s strength and power and that you all would understand just how magnificent God’s love is for you all.
Ephesians 3 teaches us that the ultimate treasure is found in God. In God, we find the greatest love we will ever know. We also find power and strength. Anything else pales in comparison to Him. Take a moment to see what Jesus taught about where true treasure can be found.
Everything we value on earth fades away. Our earthly possessions rust and get destroyed over time. Even those we love will ultimately pass away. Treasures in heaven, however, will last forever. Take a look at what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19-21.
1. Read Matthew 6:19-21.
Matthew 6:19-21
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
2. Compare and contrast treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven.
3. How have you experienced the truth of this passage of Scripture that earthly treasures do not last in your own life?
4. What do the things we treasure reveal about us?
Many of the things we treasure are valuable to us because we think they will meet a particular need, whether that need is relational, financial, or something else. The truth is, these things will not meet our deepest needs. Only God can do that.
1. Read Mathew 6:31-32.
Matthew 6:31-32
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
2. What command does Jesus give in this passage of Scripture? Do you find this command difficult or easy to follow? Why?
3. Why does Jesus say, “Don’t worry?”
4. What does this passage of Scripture reveal about God?
Jesus wanted His listeners to understand that they were treasuring the wrong things. They were treasuring earthly things. Instead of seeking earthly treasures, Jesus called followers to seek heavenly treasures that will last forever.
1. Read Matthew 6:33.
Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
2. What does Jesus call listeners to seek after in this passage of Scripture?
3. What is the result of seeking God’s kingdom?
4. Why is seeking God’s kingdom a better treasure hunt than seeking after earthly things?
1. What earthy treasurers have you been seeking after, and how have those earthly treasures failed you?
2. What step can you take to make God and His kingdom the treasure you are running after?
After everyone has shared, pray together. Ask God to replace your earthly desires with desires for Him and His kingdom. Commit to making Him the treasure of your life, and ask Him to help you as you seek to do this.
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