Jesus beautifully brings together the old (the old testament law followed by Jews) and the new (the faith of Christians) with this illustration.
Introduction
A teacher of the Word:
- Needs to become a kingdom disciple
- Needs to understand
- Is like an owner (of a house of treasure)
- Who brings out treasures
- Old
- And new
Bible Passage
Mathew 13:51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Introduction
Jesus and his disciples were very knowledgeable on the law. Jesus was not introducing new concepts based on the right understanding of the law.
The disciples were trained in the law (old way) and were being introduced to the new way.
Jesus brings to us a brilliant perspective bringing together the old and the new.
A teacher Today
Today, we have both the old and new testament in our hands
Today, if we are disciples, we are called to be teachers via the great commission of Jesus
Through our lives and / or through teaching every disciple is a teacher.
We are stewards of a vast treasure house.
What is the treasure?
In contrast to earthly treasures, these are heavenly treasures which reap vast dividends and never spoil.
They pass on to bless generations
They are worth far more than everything you own.
What is the treasure?
Found in the path of the journey of discipleship:
Kingdom values – encompassed by love – joy, hope, peace
Kingdom investments – study of the word, prayer, witnessing
Kingdom choices – use of time, talent, treasures
Kingdom lifestyle – simplicity, humility, love – like Christ
Kingdom riches and rewards – temporal – guarded by providence, eternal – perfect life
Those who believe
Believing in Christ is not merely a verbal profession.
It is a spiritual connection
Faith is a turning point which changes your life forever.
Have you experienced that turning point?
The Treasure House - Overview
Preparation
understand
Practice
Become a disciple in the Kingdom
Privilege
Become an owner of a treasure house
Perpetuation – Share treasures
the old
the new
Preparation - understand
Be a disciple
Strive to understand
By giving time to the bible and prayer
By allowing the spirit to work
By being willing to change as the spirit leads
Preparation - understand
Some people say study of the word is not for everyone.
True. It is only for those who choose to be disciples of Christ.
Preparation - understand
Mathew 13:51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
They understood enough to surrender and sacrifice to the extent that they launched the gospel across the world.
How far does our understanding go?
Practice - Become a disciple in the Kingdom
True understanding does not remain in the head but extends to the heart and life.
It changes perspective
It surrenders to the Holy Spirit to take charge of the life
It eventually results in changing the direction of our lives forever.
Privilege - Become an owner of a treasure house
Mathew 13:52a He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Perpetuation - bring out old treasures
Is the old testament still relevant? Jesus says it is.
The foundations laid in the law are timeless.
The guidelines are still valid.
The principles need to be understood and applied to our current time.
Only the Holy Spirit can help us understand and share these with others – our family, church and those around.
Perpetuation - bring out new treasures
The errors in understanding and limiting the old testament to a bunch of rules, need to be corrected.
The new life in Christ of Christ in us is the key to living
Not by works, but by the Spirit.
The teachings of the New Testament reflect the changes that will occur if we are truly living the life
They are not commands. They are benchmarks to reflect progress
Where do we stand?
Apostle Paul progressively realized His insufficiency before God. So do we. As we walk more in the light we see the darkness in us and seek more of the light.
We evaluate ourselves constantly – our attitudes, thoughts and responses even in the most trivial things of life.
Where do we stand?
We have a great treasure before us.
How much have we really utilized?
Discussion
1.In what ways can we teach others? Give examples.
2.Give examples of old treasures you have gained and shared.
3.Give examples of new treasures you have gained and shared.