Treasures in Heaven - Investing for Eternity

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:12-13) Paul here explains how he is content in all circumstances (even as he is imprisoned) because he knows that his sufficiency is in Christ and not in circumstances.

However, note how Paul thanks the Philippians in the next few verses for their support of his ministry: “Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” (Phil. 4:14-17)

Paul is talking about a heavenly account for each of the Philippian believers. In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” As I look at these and other passages in Scripture, I can only conclude that our capacity to praise and give glory to God in heaven will be related somehow to the abundance of the treasures that we lay up in heaven during our time here on earth.

We just finished a nine-week study in Philippians and as we finished the study this past weekend, I believe that the Holy Spirit showed me something about the gifts the Philippians gave to Paul. Their gifts (at times the only support Paul was receiving from the church) allowed him to continue his ministry and to write the Epistles that are in our Bible today. Literally, God was still using the generous gifts of the Philippians to Paul to bless our men's group gathered around a breakfast table Saturday morning studying Paul's letter. God can use the gifts of our time, talents, and resources far beyond our own generation. How well are you investing for eternity?