10.19.25 – The Engine of the Heart: Where Your Treasure Is
Key Verse for 2025: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” — 1 Timothy 4:16
INTRO
This week’s sermon from Matthew 6:19–24 continues the theme of authority—who or what has authority in your life. Jesus calls us to look beneath the surface of our habits, spending, and pursuits to see the engine that drives our hearts.
We were reminded that everything we do is shaping us. What we invest in—our time, energy, money, and attention—reveals what we truly love. And as Terry said, “If you don’t like the direction of your heart, change your investment strategy.”
It’s not magic; it’s math. Our hearts follow our investments. Jesus wants us to live not as spiritual posers but as people in training—training to love what He loves, to seek His reward, and to serve Him as our one true Master.
MAIN POINT: Your heart follows your investments—so choose your investments wisely, because what you give your life to will shape who you become.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Have someone read Matthew 6:19–24 aloud—slowly and thoughtfully. Encourage your group to pause afterward and let the words settle. Then ask: Is there anything that stood out to you from the passage, the daily devotions, or the sermon that you’d like to share before we move into the discussion?
Additional references from the sermon include Psalm 90:12, Proverbs 4:23, Joshua 24:15, and John 14:21.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: What kind of treasure are you storing up?
Reminder: Jesus said, “Don’t store up treasures on earth.” The issue isn’t what you have—it’s what has you.
- What are some of the “earthly treasures” that tend to capture your focus?
- What does it look like in daily life to invest in “treasures in heaven”?
Q2: How have your investments shaped your heart over time?
Reminder: Terry said, “Your heart goes the direction you send it.”
- Where do you see your attention and affections already being shaped—toward God or away from Him?
- Can you think of a time when your heart grew toward something simply because you gave it time and effort?
Q3: What is the difference between training and posing?
Reminder: The sermon contrasted the young archer “posing to be seen” with the believer “training to become like Christ.”
- How can you tell the difference between spiritual posing and genuine growth?
- What practices (Bible reading, prayer, giving, serving) most help you train your heart rather than perform for others?
Q4: What’s driving your life right now?
Reminder: Jesus’ words reveal that everyone has an engine—something powering their choices and direction.
- If you looked under the hood of your life, what would you find running the engine?
- How might you begin shifting that power source toward pleasing God rather than others?
Q5: How can you guard your heart this week?
Reminder: Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
- What would it look like to become more intentional about where your thoughts, time, and emotions go?
- What’s one “investment” you can begin making today that would move your heart closer to God?
LET’S REMEMBER: Your heart will follow your investments—it’s how God designed it. Everything you do is shaping you into someone. So invest in what lasts. Live for the applause of heaven, not the approval of people. Train to bless, not impress. Choose your Master—and live decided.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank You for giving us the ability to choose what and whom we love. Forgive us for investing our hearts in things that don’t last. Help us store up treasure in heaven by loving You and serving others in secret. Shape our hearts through every act of obedience, and teach us to live for Your reward alone. Amen.