5. What link did Jesus point out between our possessions and our hearts? Matthew 6:21. Compare Colossians 3:2.
NOTE: ‘“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” The affections of the heart, twine closely around its treasure, whether it be laid up in heaven or upon earth. And the words of our life are an index pointing directly toward that treasure; “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Hence if our treasure is in heaven, our conversation will be there, “from whence also we look for the Saviour.” The attractions of heaven as far exceed those of earth, for the real Christian, as the light of the shining sun does the dim rays of the most distant star. Now is the time to heed the divine injunction, “exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” Now is the time for the people of God to speak often one to another. The Lord hearkens and hears, and a “book of remembrance” is written. O let not your conversation be upon this poor dark fading earth, with its honours and riches, fashions and follies; its charms and excitements, its pleasures and vanities. If the blessed hope is yours, you have a treasure full, sure, satisfying, inestimable and eternal, which will draw your heart upward to God, His dear Son and holy angels, to heaven and heavenly things, like a holy and powerful magnet. You can talk of the exceeding great and precious promises, of the “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’ James White; Review & Herald, June 17, 1862.
6. How did John show that Christians must make a decision and choice between the things of this world and the things of God? 1 John 2:15-17.
NOTE: ‘“They are not of the world.” (John 17:16.) These are they for whom this prayer is made, and who can claim the comfort and the strength which it promises. For He said that in this prayer He prayed not for the world. “I pray for them. I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me.” It is plain therefore that no one can have the world, and the benefits of this prayer at the same time, nor even off and on. We must be Christ’s. We must be not of the world. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” “The friendship of the world is enmity with God. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:16, 15. Therefore, “be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2.’ A. T. Jones: Signs of the Times, September 9, 1886.