Matthew 13:44-46

Parable of the Hidden Treasure, Matt 13:44 Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, Matt 13:45-46 How we value things must be different from the world, Matt 16:26; Lk 12:15 2

We are shoppers in the marketplace of life For what are you searching? Are you a wise shopper? Are you putting the right value on what you find? What value are you putting on the kingdom of heaven? 3

No lasting benefit, Eccl 2:7-11; 5:13-17 Godliness with contentment holds real and lasting value, 1 Tim 6:6-10 4

Hedonism: “the philosophy which holds that the pursuit of pleasure is life’s highest purpose,” (It’s A Playboy World, Banowsky, 9) Epicureans: “The chief purpose of man is to achieve...a life of pleasure.” Acts 17:18; Jas 4:1-4 Spiritual satisfaction holds real value, not fleshly passion 5

It is often used as the measure of a person’s achievement, Jno 7:15; Acts 4:13 Gospel of Christ is true wisdom, Col 2:2-3 Wisdom in Christ holds real and lasting value that surpasses all human wisdom, Col 1:9-11 6

Will always be someone with more honor, Luke 14:7-11 Those who value prestige will be humbled! 14:11 To be honored by God holds real value above every exaltation given to men by other men! 14:10 7

Material abundance Fleshly pleasure Wisdom of the world Prominence and popularity 8

Kingdom of Heaven, Matt 13:45-46 Seek it first, Matt 6:33 All else is insignificant by comparison, Phil 1:21; 3:8; 4:19 9

Purchased with blood, Rev 5:9-10 All spiritual blessings, Eph 1:3 Possessing the kingdom means true… Treasure for poor, Matt 6:19-21; 5:3 Inheritance, Matt 5:5 Sustenance, Matt 5:6 Security, Matt 5:10 10

The Seeking Merchant Matthew 13:45-46 Searched for good things, 13:45 We must desire the best! Luke 10:38-42 He could tell which pearl was most valuable, 13:46 Spiritual discernment, Phil 1:9-11 He was determined to get pearl, 13:46 We must not be hindered, Luke 19:3-6 11

Immediate (“he went”), 2 Cor 6:2 Great expense (“sold all that he had”), Luke 14:33 Repent of all sin and obey Jesus, Matt 5:27-30 Self-denial and sacrifice, Luke 9:23 Without regret, Matt 13:44; Phil 3:7-8 12

What value are you placing on the kingdom of heaven? Your choices, your goals and faith show how valuable it is to you, Matt 6:33-34 Buy the precious pearl … Obey Jesus and be saved! Col 1:13; Jno 3:5 13