Message Notes

SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS NOT

BUT IT IS ALSO NOT

Reveal Answer

Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, 8 but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was thrown out—the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him. —Revelation 12:7-9 CSB

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. —Ephesians 6:12 CSB

Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. —1 Peter 5:8 CSB

GATHER
GROUP

IF WE WANT TO BE SERIOUS ABOUT

, WE NEED TO BE SERIOUS ABOUT

Reveal Answer

Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:19-21 CSB

LASTING

ISN’T FOUND HERE

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. —Matthew 15:8 CSB

But godliness with contentment is great gain. —1 Timothy 6:6 CSB

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. —1 Timothy 6:7 CSB

if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. —1 Timothy 6:8 CSB

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
(Heart healthy, then your actions will be too)

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.
(you have a choice) —Matthew 6:22-24

1) What not to do - do not lay up

Reveal Answer

on earth.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:21

2) What to do- lay up

in heaven.

May God be gracious to us and bless us; may he make his face shine upon us 2 so that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. —Psalm 67:1-2

Study Guide for Further Reflection

DISCUSS
Why is it important for believers to be actively engaged in a local community of faith?

Context
Pastor Dean mentioned that committing to a local church is never a suggestion in the Bible, but a command for our good.

Application
How has being a part of a church community impacted your personal faith journey so far?

DISCUSS
What are some ways we can measure where our heart is in relation to our treasures, according to Matthew 6:19-21?

Context
Pastor Dean talked about how our treasure connects to our hearts and warned against storing treasures on earth.

Application
Can you identify specific areas in your life where you might be focusing too much on temporary treasures instead of eternal ones?

DISCUSS
In what ways can leveraging the blessings God has given us for His glory change our perspective on our resources?

Context
He stated that we need each other for protection against spiritual attacks and to stay in the game.

Application
Who in your life holds you accountable, and how can you foster deeper spiritual accountability with them?