Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like some treasure which has been buried in a field. A man finds it and buries it again, and goes off overjoyed to sell all his possessions to buy himself that field. Or again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he has found a single pearl of great value, he goes and sells all his possessions and buys it.
Matthew 13:44-46 (Phillips)
BEING A SUCCESSFUL KINGDOM TREASURE HUNTER…
1. REQUIRES ME TO BE A HUMBLE HUNTER.
Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like some treasure which has been buried in a field. A man finds it.
Matthew 13:44a (Phillips)
Or again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
Matthew 13:45a (Phillips)
First key word that must not be ignored: humble.
This is why I use stories to teach the people [speak in parables]: They see [look], but they don’t really see [perceive]. They hear, but they don’t really hear or understand. So they show that the things Isaiah said about them are true: ‘You will listen and, but you will not understand. You will look and look [keep on seeing; or look intently], but you will not learn [perceive; comprehend]. For the minds [hearts] of these people have become stubborn [dull; calloused; hardened]. They do not hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears. They might really understand in their minds [with their hearts] and come back [turn; return] to me and I would heal them.
Matthew 13:13-15 (EXB)
Jesus always used stories like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, He never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: "I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.
Matthew 13:34, 35 (NLT)
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Matthew 5:3 (NLT)
He leads humble people to do what is right…
Psalm 25:9a (NOG)
The arrogance of the wicked one keeps him from seeking the True God. He truly thinks, “There is no God.”
Psalms 10:4 (VOICE)
Second key word that must not be ignored: seeker.
… you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.
Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
2. REQUIRES ME TO BE AN AWARE HUNTER.
Idols are only statues—they can’t help you. So don’t worship them. Idols can’t help you or save you. They are nothing!
1 Samuel 12:21 (ERV)
Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in Your ways.
Psalm 119:37 (HCSB)
Everything that glitters is not Godly!
The eye is the light of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.
Matthew 6:22 (NLV)
No one can serve two masters. If you try, you will wind up loving the first master and hating the second…. People try to serve both God and money—but you can’t. You must choose one or the other.
Matthew 6:24 (VOICE)
Four Appraisal Questions to ask when investing:
How much will it benefit me?
How long will it benefit me?
Who else will it benefit?
What will it cost me?
For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.
1 Timothy 4:8 (AMPC)
3. REQUIRES ME TO BE AN ALL-IN HUNTER.
A man finds it and buries it again, and goes off overjoyed to sell all his possessions to buy himself that field.
Matthew 13:44b (Phillips)
When he has found a single pearl of great value, he goes and sells all his possessions and buys it.
Matthew 13:46 (Phillips)
Or imagine a king gearing up to go to war. Wouldn’t he begin by sitting down with his advisors to determine whether his 10,000 troops could defeat the opponent’s 20,000 troops? If not, he’ll send a peace delegation quickly and negotiate a peace treaty. In the same way, if you want to be My disciple, it will cost you everything. Don’t underestimate that cost!
Luke 14:31-33 (VOICE)