Matthew 13:44-46

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

2

We are shoppers in the marketplace of lifeFor 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; 5:13-17Godliness 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 4:1-4Spiritual satisfaction holds real value, not fleshly passion

5

It is often used as the measure of a person’s achievement, Jno 7:15; Acts 4:13Gospel of Christ is true wisdom, Col 2:2-3Wisdom 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 14:7-11Those who value prestige will be humbled! 14:11To be honored by God holds real value above every exaltation given to men by other men! 14:10

7

Material abundanceFleshly pleasureWisdom of the worldProminence and popularity

8

Kingdom of Heaven, Kingdom of Heaven, Matt 13:45-Matt 13:45-4646

Seek it first, Seek it first, Matt 6:33Matt 6:33

All else is insignificant by comparison, All else is insignificant by comparison, Phil 1:21; 3:8; Phil 1:21; 3:8; 4:194:19

9

Purchased with blood, Rev 5:9-10All spiritual blessings, Eph 1:3Possessing the kingdom means true…

Treasure for poor, Matt 6:19-21; 5:3Inheritance, Matt 5:5Sustenance, Matt 5:6Security, Matt 5:10

10

The Seeking MerchantThe Seeking MerchantMatthew 13:45-46Matthew 13:45-46

Searched for good things, 13:45We must desire the best! Luke 10:38-42

He could tell which pearl was most valuable, 13:46

Spiritual discernment, Phil 1:9-11He was determined to get pearl, 13:46

We must not be hindered, Luke 19:3-611

Immediate (“he went”), 2 Cor 6:2Great 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