Refined By Fire

Tag: Sacrifice

  • Uncovering the Hidden Treasure

    Introduction

    As we continue our journey through Refined by Fire, we’ve seen how faith transforms us, much like the leaven in the Kingdom of God (Post 8). Now, we return to Part 2: Spirit-Led Works in This Age, exploring how our works in the Kingdom of God now prepare us for the Kingdom of Heaven. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44), another gem from Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 13, reveals the incomparable value of the Kingdom and the sacrificial works required to pursue it. This parable challenges us to prioritize the Kingdom above all else, giving everything to gain its eternal rewards. Let’s dive into this hidden treasure and discover how our Spirit-led works can reflect a heart fully devoted to God’s Kingdom.

    The Value of the Kingdom

    In the 1st-century Galilean context of Matthew 13, Jesus taught the crowds by the Sea of Galilee, using parables to unveil the mysteries of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:2, “And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down”). The Parable of the Hidden Treasure is strikingly concise yet profound: “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” (Matthew 13:44, ESV). In this agrarian society, fields were often places where treasures—coins, jewelry, or family heirlooms—were buried for safekeeping, especially during times of war or upheaval. The man in the parable, likely a laborer or tenant farmer, stumbles upon such a treasure while working the land. Recognizing its immense value, he joyfully sells all he has to buy the field, securing the treasure for himself. Jesus uses this imagery to show the surpassing worth of the Kingdom of Heaven—it’s a treasure so valuable that it’s worth giving up everything to obtain. This aligns with Dual-Realm Dispensationalism, where our works in the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13) prepare us for the eternal rewards of the Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 22:12). J. Dwight Pentecost writes, “The Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure worth more than all earthly possessions, a prize that demands our all” (Things to Come, 1958, p. 142).1 The parable calls us to recognize the Kingdom’s value and pursue it with wholehearted devotion.

    The Man’s Joyful Sacrifice

    The man in the parable represents the believer who discovers the Kingdom’s worth and responds with joyful sacrifice. His actions—selling all he has to buy the field—reflect a radical commitment to the Kingdom, driven not by obligation but by joy. In 1st-century Galilee, selling all one’s possessions was a significant act, often leaving a person with nothing but the field they purchased. Yet the man does so “in his joy”, showing that the treasure’s value far outweighs the cost. This mirrors the Spirit-led works we’re called to in the Kingdom of God now—works of sacrifice, service, and devotion that prepare us for the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 6:33 instructs us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (ESV). The man’s joyful sacrifice challenges us to prioritize the Kingdom above all else, trusting that God will provide for our needs. H.A. Ironside notes, “The joy of the Kingdom’s discovery leads to a willing surrender of all, for its value is eternal” (Matthew, 1920, p. 146).2 Like the man, we’re called to let the Spirit guide our works, sacrificing earthly comforts for the eternal treasure of the Kingdom.

    Practical Application: Seeking the Kingdom Through Works

    The Parable of the Hidden Treasure calls us to seek the Kingdom through Spirit-led works, prioritizing its eternal value above all else. In our modern context, this means reorienting our lives—our time, resources, and priorities—around the Kingdom. Philippians 3:8 captures this mindset: “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (ESV). Practically, this might look like giving generously to support a ministry, even when it stretches your budget, or dedicating time to serve others, even when it means sacrificing personal comfort. For example, volunteering at a local shelter or mentoring a young believer can be acts of joyful sacrifice, reflecting a heart that values the Kingdom above all. Norman Geisler writes, “The Kingdom’s worth demands our all, for its rewards are eternal” (Systematic Theology, 2002, p. 683).3 Seek the treasure—prioritize the Kingdom, sacrificing all for its eternal value.

    More to Explore

    The Hidden Treasure challenges us to seek the Kingdom through sacrificial works. Our next post will explore how love (Luke 10:25-37) in the Kingdom of God now leads to glory in the Kingdom of Heaven, followed by a focus on readiness (Matthew 24:45-47). Stay tuned—God’s Word holds treasures (2 Timothy 3:16), and for a deeper dive, look forward to Refined by Fire, a forthcoming book exploring these truths across 24 chapters, deepening your journey in the Kingdom of God and Heaven (Ephesians 2:10).

    Endnotes

    1. J. Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1958), 142.
    2. H.A. Ironside, Expository Notes on the Gospel of Matthew (Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1920), 146.
    3. Norman Geisler, Systematic Theology (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2002), 683.

  • The Pearl of Great Price: Hope of Glory

    A Merchant by the Sea

    Along the Mediterranean coast, a merchant sifted through treasures, his eyes fixed on a single pearl (Matthew 13:45, “the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls”). The salty breeze of Tyre, as described by ancient sources like Strabo (Geography, Book 16), carried the sound of waves crashing against the shore, a vivid setting for Jesus’ parable. Yet, this merchant’s quest revealed human failure—pursuing wealth over eternal value. Christ’s teaching offers hope through sacrifice. Dual-Realm Dispensationalism unveils this Sod (סוֹד, Strong’s H5475: hidden secret), showing how seeking the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:13, “transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son”) prepares us for the Kingdom of Heaven’s glory (Revelation 20:6). Tim LaHaye writes, “The Pearl signifies the priceless value of salvation, pursued with all one’s heart” (Revelation Unveiled, 1999, p. 123). Seek earnestly—your pursuit shapes your eternal hope.

    The Merchant’s Quest

    The merchant sold all he had to buy one pearl (Matthew 13:46). This pearl, rare and costly, symbolized the Kingdom of Heaven—a treasure worth everything (Matthew 13:44). Jesus taught that true value lies in giving up the temporal for the eternal (Luke 12:33, “sell your possessions, and give to the needy”). The merchant’s sacrifice mirrors the believer’s faith, entering the Kingdom of God now (John 3:3, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”), with hope of reigning later (Revelation 20:4, “they came to life and reigned with Christ”). David Jeremiah notes, “The Pearl calls us to prioritize eternal riches over worldly gain” (The Handwriting on the Wall, 1992, p. 89). Value highly—let your heart chase God’s kingdom.

    The Kingdom of God Now

    The Kingdom of God, a spiritual realm accessed by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, “by grace you have been saved through faith”), demands total commitment. The merchant’s sacrifice reflects this—selling all to gain the pearl mirrors surrendering to Christ (Philippians 3:8, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ”). This kingdom, lived now through the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17, “righteousness and peace and joy”), prepares us for the Kingdom of Heaven’s rewards (Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant”). Commit fully—let your life reflect the pearl’s worth.

    The Rich Young Ruler

    A rich young ruler sought eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22), but when Jesus said, “Go, sell what you possess and give to the poor… and come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21), he walked away sad (Matthew 19:22). His wealth was his tares, choking faith (Matthew 13:22). Skip Heitzig reflects, “The ruler’s refusal shows the cost of discipleship—choosing Christ over all” (The Gospel of John, 2007, p. 67). Unlike the merchant, he missed the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:25, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle”). Choose wisely—let go of what hinders your pursuit.

    Hope for the Kingdom of Heaven

    The pearl foreshadows the Kingdom of Heaven, where overcomers inherit glory (Revelation 21:21, “the twelve gates were twelve pearls”). The merchant’s sacrifice prefigures the Rapture’s call (1 Thessalonians 4:17, “caught up… to meet the Lord”), separating the Church Age from the millennial reign (Revelation 20:6). John MacArthur writes, “The Pearl points to the eternal value of a life surrendered to Christ” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew, 1989, p. 345). This hope drives us to seek God now, ensuring rewards later. Hope boldly—your pursuit today secures your crown tomorrow.

    More to Explore

    The Pearl challenges us—are we seeking God’s kingdom above all? Upcoming posts will explore how love (Luke 10:25-37) and readiness (Matthew 24:45-47) in the Kingdom of God now lead to glory in the Kingdom of Heaven. Stay tuned—God’s Word holds treasures (2 Timothy 3:16), and for a deeper dive, look forward to Refined by Fire, a forthcoming book exploring these truths across 24 chapters, deepening your journey in the Kingdom of God and Heaven (Ephesians 2:10).