TREASURES OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Matthew 13 I. Introduction. A. Searching for lost treasure(Jesse James). B. Men have spent lives searching for a dream. C. Occasionally, one discovers a treasure: becomes fabulously rich. D. For the rest, material substance never is at their grasp. E. Treasure should never be measured by the physical. F. Recount the burial of possessions in Jesus' day. II. Body. A. A man finds a treasure: 13:44. 1. Found-then hid--then bought. 2. Sold "all that he hath." 3. A single minded person: heart focused on finding a treasure. 4. Possible did not know type of treasure he would find. 5. Who can value truth? Matthew 19:21. 6. How can you appraise: knowledge, wisdom, righteousness, faithfulness, etc.: Col. 2:3. 7. Remember: Matthew 6:21. 8. What did Job value? 9. God's people are God's treasure: Psalm 135:4. B. Searching for pearls: 13:45-46. 1. Sacrificed to obtain this one jewel. 2. A pearl of "great price." 3. Sought "goodly pearls"(more specific than previous treasure). 4. How the ancients valued pearls. 5. Remember: Jesus used physical/material items to teach spiritual lessons(parables). 6. This was a peculiar treasure(see Eccl. 2:8). 7. Think of sacrifices made: pearl divers, etc. 8. What if we were as devoted spiritually? C. The resources(treasure) of the householder: 13:52. 1. Prior knowledge and new knowledge. 2. Most know more than admit/conscious of knowing. 3. There are no new teachings: just discovering treasures that exists. 4. Have you counted your blessings(treasures; resources)? 5. Paul was rich: a. Knowledge as a Hebrew. b. New knowledge in Christ. c. Perhaps one of greatest examples to illustrate all 3 of these points. 6. Among ancients: treasure "signifies anything collected together." 7. Consider treasures one has: a. Reared in good home; caring parents. b. Encouragement of righteous people. c. Accomplishments of faith. d. Teachers & preachers who taught truth: plainly and effectively. e. Part of a sound church: intent on doing the Lord's will. f. What we should prize most we often treasure least! 8. What have I collected--what do I plan on collecting? a. Possess faith, love, mercy, etc. b. Can I increase my "treasures?" c. These treasures are most readily available--people tend to reach out for impossible to obtain wealth, etc. 9. Note: Eccl. 2:1-9. III. Conclusion. A. Most of us do not realize our "treasures." B. What would be your answer to: what are your treasures?