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Luke 12:33
Verse
Context
Treasures in Heaven
32Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Sell that ye have - Dispose of your goods. Be not like the foolish man already mentioned, who laid up the produce of his fields, without permitting the poor to partake of God's bounty: turn the fruits of your fields (which are beyond what you need for your own support) into money, and give it in alms; and the treasure thus laid out, shall be as laid up for yourselves and families in heaven. This purse shall not grow old, and this treasure shill not decay. Ye shall by and by find both the place where you laid up the treasure, and the treasure itself in the place; for he who hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and he may rest assured, that whatever, for Christ's sake, he thus lays out, it will be paid him again.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Sell, &c.--This is but a more vivid expression of Mat 6:19-21 (see on Mat 6:19-21).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Sell that ye have, and give alms,.... Since they had a kingdom bequeathed them by their heavenly Father, they should be so far from indulging an anxious care about food and raiment, that when there was a call in providence for it, and rather than the poor should go without a supply, it became them to sell their houses and lands, and whatever possessions they had, and relieve them; and so they did not long after; for some of those who sold their estates, and brought the money to the apostles, Act 4:34, might be now present; and the more readily and cheerfully do what they did, remembering these words of Christ: provide yourselves bags which wax not old; as do the bags of misers: their bag is, , "a bag pierced through", or that has a hole in it, which lets the money out as it is put in, Hag 1:6 and which the Targum renders by, "for a curse"; as money hoarded up in bags by covetous persons generally is: Christ would have his followers put their money up in other bags; not in such which rot through age, or are worn out, and are full of holes through use; but into the hands and bellies of the poor, the fruit and reward of which will always abide; a treasure in the heavens that faileth not: whereas treasure on earth does, being either taken away from the possessors of it by various ways, or they from that: where no thief approacheth; can come near to steal it away, which is often the case here on earth: neither moth corrupteth; as it does the best of garments, wore by men: but the robes of glory and immortality can never be corrupted: See Gill on Mat 6:20.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:33 Sell your possessions and give to those in need: This is not a command to liquidate all personal possessions, since elsewhere in the Bible it is assumed that believers will own property. It means recognizing that everything we have is God’s and should be used to serve him and his people (see Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-34). Believers are responsible for meeting the needs of the poor, especially in the church (Gal 6:10). • treasure for you in heaven: See Luke 16:1-13; Matt 6:19-21. When God gives wealth, he also gives a ministry to help the unfortunate.
Luke 12:33
Treasures in Heaven
32Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Please Sir Save Me!
By William Booth12K02:16Classic RecordingsMAT 16:24MAT 19:21MRK 8:36LUK 12:33LUK 14:331TI 6:17JAS 2:14In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a gold miner on a ship that gets caught in a storm and starts sinking. A little girl asks the miner if he can swim, and he realizes he cannot save both her and his gold. He chooses to save the girl and throws his gold overboard. He jumps into the water and swims until he reaches safety. The preacher uses this story to encourage the listeners to put their trust in God and help those in need, even if it means sacrificing their own comfort or possessions.
The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 1
By David Platt9.2K1:01:59PossessionsMAT 6:33LUK 12:33ROM 3:21HEB 13:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel and its implications for our lives. He highlights five different threads of the gospel, emphasizing that our actions are a response to God's grace, not a means of earning favor. The basis, means, and evidence of our salvation are all ultimately involved in judgment before God. The speaker then explores the relationship between the gospel and possessions, examining various passages from the Old and New Testaments. He concludes with 18 different conclusions and 10 applications that summarize what the Bible teaches about the gospel and possessions. The sermon also touches on the reality of lostness in the world and the importance of sharing the gospel with others.
The God of Materialism and Heavenly Treasure
By Roger Hertzler1.4K57:50MaterialismMAT 6:19LUK 12:33HEB 11:10HEB 11:26In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities to help those in need. He shares a story of a man who becomes increasingly excited about the doors of opportunity that God has opened for him to give and make a difference. However, his excitement is dampened when his wife informs him that they have run out of money. Undeterred, the man suggests selling something to continue helping others. The preacher emphasizes the need to avoid laziness and overspending, and instead, to work diligently and manage resources wisely in order to have the means to give. Jesus teaches that giving to the poor and showing love to others in His name is the way to transfer money from one place to another.
New Covenant Principles
By Zac Poonen8231:04:12MAT 6:15MAT 18:21LUK 12:33LUK 12:48JHN 10:27ACT 24:162CO 5:17HEB 9:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of keeping a clear conscience before God and men, focusing on forgiveness, setting things right, and pursuing peace. It highlights the need to align with God's standards, believe in His word, and strive for righteousness to be part of the resurrection of the righteous. The speaker urges the congregation to prioritize spiritual growth, humility, and genuine repentance to experience God's grace and salvation.
Holiness
By J.C. Ryle1MAT 6:19LUK 12:332CO 4:7COL 2:3HEB 11:26Greek Word Studies preaches about the concept of treasure as a repository for valuable things, emphasizing the heart as the storage of thoughts and feelings. Believers are entrusted with the priceless Gospel and are expected to use it wisely. The sermon highlights the importance of storing up treasures in heaven, reflecting the state of one's heart and values. It challenges listeners to evaluate where their treasure is and to prioritize eternal treasures over earthly possessions.
(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Kommunisten! - Part 1
By Leonard Verduin0MAT 19:21LUK 12:33ACT 2:441CO 7:301TI 6:17Leonard Verduin delves into the historical tension between the Reformers and their Stepchildren regarding the concept of 'community of goods,' as seen in the Belgic Confession and accusations of rejecting authority and introducing disorder. The sermon explores the ancient cliche of heretics seeking to abolish magistracy and decency, often associated with advocating 'community of goods.' Verduin highlights the biblical perspective on ownership, emphasizing that God is the ultimate owner and humans are stewards accountable for sharing with those in need. The sermon also addresses false accusations of 'community of wives' and 'goods in common' against the Stepchildren, revealing a lack of understanding and unfair treatment by the Reformers.
What to Do With Our Money
By J.R. Miller0StewardshipGenerosityMAT 6:19LUK 12:331TI 6:10J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical importance of how we use our money, warning that the love of money can lead to destruction. He illustrates this through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting that wealth used solely for self-indulgence leads to spiritual poverty. Miller encourages believers to view their finances as a trust from Christ, advocating for generosity and selflessness as the true path to laying up treasures in Heaven. He concludes that giving is essential for spiritual vitality, contrasting the stagnation of hoarding with the life-giving nature of generosity.
Baker , Caleb J. Bio
By John Bjorlie0MAT 6:19MAT 25:35LUK 12:33JHN 6:35ACT 20:352CO 5:11TI 6:17JAS 2:141JN 3:17John Bjorlie shares the inspiring story of Caleb Jason Baker, a man of faith who trusted in God's provision and turned his humble beginnings into a successful business, using his resources to help those in need and spread the gospel. Despite facing challenges like the Chicago fire, Baker's unwavering faith led him to establish a rescue mission and later start an assembly in Kansas City, impacting many lives through his evangelistic efforts and generosity. His dedication to serving others and sharing the message of Christ exemplifies a life lived in accordance with 2 Corinthians 5:1, focusing on eternal treasures rather than earthly riches.
Is This It?
By David Servant0LUK 12:331TI 6:7HEB 13:5REV 13:3David Servant addresses the concerns of Christians amidst the current economic crisis, exploring the potential signs of the end times and the rise of the antichrist as described in the Book of Revelation. He emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding eschatology and the need for humility in interpreting prophetic events. Drawing parallels between historical events and the present economic situation, he highlights the interconnectedness of the global economy and the implications of a world-wide economic system requiring a mark of allegiance. David encourages reflection on the value of earthly wealth in light of eternal perspectives and the importance of considering the plight of the poor during times of financial distress.
Faithful in That Which Is Least
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 6:19LUK 6:38LUK 12:33LUK 16:191TI 6:17Richard E. Bieber preaches on the parable of the three brothers faced with impending doom, illustrating the importance of using our wealth and possessions to help those in need rather than hoarding for ourselves. He emphasizes Jesus' teaching in Luke 16 that our earthly possessions will one day fail us, but the friendships we build by sharing with the less fortunate will be our security in the next life. Bieber challenges listeners to shift their focus from accumulating wealth to giving generously, highlighting that true wisdom lies in laying up treasures in heaven through selfless giving.
The Grace of Giving - 2 Cor. 9:7
By Bernard Fell0PRO 11:25ISA 58:10LUK 12:332CO 9:71PE 4:10Bernard Fell emphasizes the importance of cheerful giving, illustrating through a conversation the willingness to give generously for gospel work and to help those in need. He contrasts the ease of giving in imagination with the challenge of giving from one's current possessions, highlighting the true essence of sacrificial giving. The sermon encourages giving until it hurts, but not to the point of causing pain, emphasizing that as trustees of God's gifts, we owe Him our talents, resources, and time as a token of gratitude for His abundant grace.
Homily 14 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 6:19LUK 12:331TI 6:17JAS 2:14John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of shifting our focus from the temporary pleasures and riches of this world to the eternal glory and blessings of the Kingdom of Heaven. He emphasizes the need to show mercy, kindness, and love towards others, especially the poor and needy, as a way to store up treasures in Heaven. Chrysostom urges his listeners to prioritize acts of charity and compassion, highlighting the eternal value of helping those in need over accumulating material wealth. He paints a vivid picture of the glorious rewards awaiting those who choose to invest in acts of kindness and generosity towards others, aligning their actions with God's will and demonstrating love towards their fellow human beings.
Is Greed Only an Attitude?
By David Servant0MAT 5:20MAT 6:19LUK 6:38LUK 12:332CO 9:8David Servant addresses the misconception among Christians that greed is solely an attitude of the heart and not reflected in outward actions, emphasizing that Jesus clearly stated our actions reveal what is in our hearts. He challenges the notion that God only looks at our hearts and not our bank accounts, pointing out that where we place our treasures, whether in heaven or on earth, reflects our hearts. Servant highlights the self-deception of claiming to hold possessions loosely while still clinging to them, stressing the importance of obeying Christ's command to sell possessions and give to charity as a true reflection of our hearts.
Day 32, Acts 4
By David Servant0MAT 10:17LUK 12:33JHN 13:35ACT 4:8David Servant preaches on the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to His disciples regarding the Holy Spirit empowering them to speak boldly. Despite miraculous signs, the hearts of the Sanhedrin remained hardened. Facing looming persecution, Peter and John turned to prayer, reminding themselves of God's power and control over their circumstances. Through their united prayers, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and emboldened to speak God's Word. The early Christians in Acts demonstrated love for one another by sharing their possessions to meet the needs of the poor, following Jesus' command to give to charity and store up treasures in heaven.
Conscientious Acting in the World
By Samuel Rutherford0MAT 6:19LUK 12:331TI 6:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:4Samuel Rutherford preaches about the necessity of prioritizing heaven above all earthly possessions, emphasizing the importance of salvation and the steep journey to eternal glory. He encourages believers to examine their hearts, make conscience of their ways, and not be deceived by the temporary pleasures of the world. Rutherford urges perseverance in faith, even in times of trial and when God seems distant, reminding them to wait patiently for His return and to seek sanctification.
Call Not Thou Common
By A.B. Simpson0JOB 13:28ISA 50:9HOS 5:12MAT 6:19LUK 12:33JAS 5:1Greek Word Studies, in a sermon about the destructive nature of moths as illustrated in the Bible, emphasizes how moth larvae feed on and destroy fabric, particularly wool, symbolizing the decay and destruction of material wealth. The preacher highlights James' warning to the rich about their moth-eaten garments and decaying riches, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly possessions. Through biblical references, the sermon connects the imagery of moths consuming clothing to God's judgment on rebellious nations, portraying His power to destroy like a moth consumes wool.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Sell that ye have - Dispose of your goods. Be not like the foolish man already mentioned, who laid up the produce of his fields, without permitting the poor to partake of God's bounty: turn the fruits of your fields (which are beyond what you need for your own support) into money, and give it in alms; and the treasure thus laid out, shall be as laid up for yourselves and families in heaven. This purse shall not grow old, and this treasure shill not decay. Ye shall by and by find both the place where you laid up the treasure, and the treasure itself in the place; for he who hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and he may rest assured, that whatever, for Christ's sake, he thus lays out, it will be paid him again.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Sell, &c.--This is but a more vivid expression of Mat 6:19-21 (see on Mat 6:19-21).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Sell that ye have, and give alms,.... Since they had a kingdom bequeathed them by their heavenly Father, they should be so far from indulging an anxious care about food and raiment, that when there was a call in providence for it, and rather than the poor should go without a supply, it became them to sell their houses and lands, and whatever possessions they had, and relieve them; and so they did not long after; for some of those who sold their estates, and brought the money to the apostles, Act 4:34, might be now present; and the more readily and cheerfully do what they did, remembering these words of Christ: provide yourselves bags which wax not old; as do the bags of misers: their bag is, , "a bag pierced through", or that has a hole in it, which lets the money out as it is put in, Hag 1:6 and which the Targum renders by, "for a curse"; as money hoarded up in bags by covetous persons generally is: Christ would have his followers put their money up in other bags; not in such which rot through age, or are worn out, and are full of holes through use; but into the hands and bellies of the poor, the fruit and reward of which will always abide; a treasure in the heavens that faileth not: whereas treasure on earth does, being either taken away from the possessors of it by various ways, or they from that: where no thief approacheth; can come near to steal it away, which is often the case here on earth: neither moth corrupteth; as it does the best of garments, wore by men: but the robes of glory and immortality can never be corrupted: See Gill on Mat 6:20.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:33 Sell your possessions and give to those in need: This is not a command to liquidate all personal possessions, since elsewhere in the Bible it is assumed that believers will own property. It means recognizing that everything we have is God’s and should be used to serve him and his people (see Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-34). Believers are responsible for meeting the needs of the poor, especially in the church (Gal 6:10). • treasure for you in heaven: See Luke 16:1-13; Matt 6:19-21. When God gives wealth, he also gives a ministry to help the unfortunate.