Review:  Last week, we were encouraged to practice praying the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. How did that go? Overall, how have you been encouraged in your time of prayer with the Lord these days? 

Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read through Matthew 6:19-24 paying attention to any word or phrase that stands out to you.

In vv 22-23, Jesus highlights the importance of our "eyesight." Phil shared his experience of getting glasses for the first time and the significant impact that had upon his perspective of things and how he lived.  How does Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (or all of God's Word!) help keep our eyes healthy (v 22)? What are the dangers in day to day life of our eyesight going bad (v 23)?​

Read vv 19-21 again. Jesus clearly shows that to invest in the treasure of His Kingdom is far better, and yet, we can be so prone to the treasures of this world. Take a moment of reflection and ask, "What might those things be for me and why?" and "What will it all amount to, in the end?"

Read v 24 once more and reflect, and if in a group, discuss it together. What challenges you most about this verse? 

In this passage, Jesus talks of laying up treasures in heaven, and in Matthew's gospel as a whole, Jesus talks of the "Kingdom of Heaven" some 32 times in only 28 chapters. How does recognizing the reality of this "at hand" Kingdom (Matthew 4:17) shape how we view and handle the treasures of this world? And how does the reality of what we read in Ephesians 1:3 impact us as well? 

When we talk about laying up treasures in heaven, Phil emphasized that it's about investing in people and the advancement of the gospel. What do you think? What do you think this looks like in your everyday life?

Where and how might God be calling you to respond? Phil suggested three next steps:

• Repent​

• Make time to behold Jesus 

• Practice generosity (Regular tithing; giving to others)