Matthew 13:44 ESV
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
1. What are we denying with self-denial?
Idolatry
We deny our inclination to seek idols as our ultimate .
Matthew 6:24 NIV
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak.
CS Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Luke 12:32-34 NIV
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and
give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Question for reflection: Is there an idol keeping me from enjoying the ultimate treasure?
Selfishness
We deny our inclination to .
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
2. Why do we struggle with self-denial?
We lose sight of the treasure in our simple .
Matthew 13:44 ESV
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
“…the novel and exceptional point is that the text places all emphasis on the fact that the treasure is hidden in a field. The outward appearance of the treasure is missing; it is hidden in the low-lying earth…the finder does not purchase the treasure, but the field! An ordinary piece of land is worth everything, because the finder knows that it contains the secret of the treasure that will renew his life.”
Jakob van Bruggen
3. What hope do we have?
Jesus self-denied for .
Matthew 26:39 ESV
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;
nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
4. How can we learn to self-deny?
Focus on the hidden treasure in the field: .
Philippians 3:7-8 ESV
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the
surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
Question for reflection: Is there a field for my life where I am not seeing the buried treasure?
Tips for simplicity:
● Devote yourself to knowing Jesus. Invest time in his presence.
● Give stuff away.
● Let go of craving status and approval from people.
● Consider whether your purchase is a want or a need.
● Enjoy the free outdoors and the cheap hangouts.
● Take a break from social media. Have conversations.
● Read and listen to music.
● Find a consistent way to help the poor and the outcasts of society.
Answer Key: treasure; selfishness; field; us; knowing Christ