Study Audio Download

The Treasury of God’s House

[Aired February 18, 2025]

Throughout Scripture, God’s house contained a treasury where offerings and dedicated things were stored. While the physical treasury held material wealth, it pointed to deeper spiritual realities about giving, stewardship, and our relationship with God. Understanding both the physical pattern and its spiritual significance helps us grasp important truths about God’s kingdom.

The physical treasury in the temple served multiple purposes. In King Jehoash’s time, “Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD” (2 Kings 12:9). This chest received offerings for temple upkeep. Similarly, in Nehemiah’s day, the people brought their tithes “unto the treasuries” (Nehemiah 13:12) to support the priests and Levites who served in God’s house.

However, the treasury held more than just money. Sacred vessels, dedicated offerings, and spoils of war set apart for God were stored there. When the Israelites conquered Jericho, “they brought into the treasury of the house of the LORD” the silver, gold, and vessels of brass and iron (Joshua 6:24). King David likewise dedicated war spoils to the treasury, as Scripture records: “which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued” (2 Samuel 8:11).

Just as the physical treasury held material wealth for the temple’s service, it also pointed toward timeless spiritual principles that apply to our lives today. This shift from the tangible to the intangible helps us see that everything ultimately belongs to God, as David acknowledged: “for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14). The treasury served as a constant reminder that we are stewards, not owners, of what God provides.

The treasury also represented the people’s relationship with God. Regular giving showed trust in His provision and commitment to His purposes. When the people were obedient, the treasury overflowed. Under Hezekiah’s reforms, “the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly” (2 Chronicles 31:5). Conversely, neglecting the treasury indicated disobedience, as Malachi rebuked: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings” (Malachi 3:8).

Having seen how the temple treasury reflected spiritual principles, we find a profound example in the New Testament through Jesus’ teaching on the widow’s mite. His observation of her offering shifts our focus from external acts to the heart behind the gift: “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:41-44).

This incident shows that God measures giving differently than man does. While others saw low valued coins, Jesus saw complete surrender and trust. The widow’s offering revealed that true giving flows from the heart, not merely the hands. Jesus declared, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24, showing that sincere worship matters more than material offerings.

Christ’s teachings transformed understanding of God’s treasury. He warned against storing earthly treasures, instructing instead: “lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

This reveals that God’s true treasury is spiritual, not physical. The material offerings in the temple treasury pictured the surrender of our hearts and lives to God. Paul grasped this reality, counting all material gain as loss “for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). He understood that knowing Christ constitutes true riches.

The spiritual treasury manifests through transformed lives. When Peter and John encountered the lame man, they declared: “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). While lacking money, they possessed spiritual riches that brought healing and restoration. This demonstrates how God’s power working through yielded vessels produces true wealth.

God’s treasury also represents His wisdom and knowledge. Paul describes “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8) and speaks of “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” being hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3). These spiritual riches far exceed material wealth, bringing age abiding benefit rather than temporal benefit.

Understanding the treasury spiritually changes how we view giving. Rather than focusing on amounts, we recognize that God desires the gift of ourselves. As Paul commended the Macedonian churches: “first gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5). This self-giving produces generous sharing of material resources as a natural overflow.

The principle that physical patterns reveal spiritual truth helps us grasp God’s purpose for His treasury. Just as the temple treasury received and stored valuable offerings, God desires to fill us with His spiritual riches. As Paul prayed, “that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16).

This indwelling wealth transforms us into living treasuries of God’s presence and power. Paul declares that “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Like the widow’s mites, our humble lives become vessels for displaying God’s glory when fully yielded to Him.

As we’ve seen how physical offerings reflected spiritual realities, we now turn to a different kind of wealth—spiritual gifts. Just as the temple treasury enabled the work of the priests, these gifts equip believers for God’s work today. The treasury principle applies here as well to be multiplied for His kingdom. Those who faithfully manage what He provides hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21).

As living treasuries, we’re called to freely share what God provides. Jesus instructed, “freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). This applies to both material and spiritual resources. We steward God’s provisions to bless others, knowing that “he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Ultimately, God’s treasury reveals His abundant provision for His people. While the physical treasury supplied the temple’s needs, God promises to “supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). These riches include not just material supply but “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

The treasury continues teaching us today. When we recognize that everything belongs to God and yield ourselves fully to Him, we become living treasuries that display His glory. Through complete surrender, like the widow’s mites, our lives store up eternal riches that neither moth nor rust can destroy. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

God’s treasury also relates intimately to spiritual gifts and ministry. As Paul explains, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Just as the physical treasury supported temple service, spiritual gifts enable ministry in God’s house today.

These gifts flow from God’s abundant treasury of grace. Peter instructs, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). Like faithful treasurers, we steward these spiritual gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ.

The connection between God’s treasury and our hearts runs deep. Jesus taught that “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45). What we store in our hearts determines what flows from our lives.

The treasury also represents spiritual authority and power. When Solomon dedicated the temple, “the glory of the LORD filled the house” (2 Chronicles 7:1). Similarly, as we yield ourselves as living temples, God’s power works through us. Paul experienced this, declaring “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God’s spiritual economy operates differently than natural economics. Jesus taught, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). Giving from God’s treasury multiplies rather than depletes resources.

This principle appears throughout Scripture. The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal to Elijah, yet “the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail” (1 Kings 17:16). When the disciples distributed five loaves and two fish, twelve baskets remained after feeding thousands. God’s treasury operates by multiplication, not subtraction.

True worship and service flow from recognizing God’s abundant provision. David declared, “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all” (1 Chronicles 29:12). This acknowledgment produces willing service and generous giving.

The treasury’s practical application touches every area of life. Paul instructed believers to set aside offerings “as God hath prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:2). This regular giving acknowledges God’s provision while supporting ministry needs. Yet beyond material giving, we’re called to offer our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

This complete surrender transforms how we view possessions. Rather than seeing them as personal property, we recognize our role as stewards of God’s resources. The early church demonstrated this perspective when believers “had all things common” and “distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:32,35).

The treasury principle extends to spiritual inheritance. Paul reminded Timothy to “stir up the gift of God” within him (2 Timothy 1:6). Like invested talents, spiritual gifts multiply through use. As we faithfully steward what God provides, both natural and spiritual resources increase for kingdom purposes.

Understanding God’s treasury changes our approach to ministry. Rather than relying on human wisdom or strength, we draw from His unlimited resources. Paul ministered “according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power” (Ephesians 3:7). This dependence on God’s supply produces lasting fruit.

The same spiritual riches that empower ministry also equip believers for spiritual warfare. In the same way kings stored resources for battle, God provides His people with the weapons needed to stand firm against the enemy. In the same way kings stored supplies for battle, God empowers believers to stand firm against spiritual opposition. Jesus gave His disciples “power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1). This authority flows from God’s treasury of power, not human ability. As vessels of His presence, we steward this authority for others’ benefit.

Our access to God’s treasury comes through a relationship with Christ. Paul declares that in Him “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him” (Colossians 2:9-10). Through union with Christ, we receive “exceeding great and precious promises” that make us “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4).

As prayer grants us access to God’s spiritual treasury, it also moves us toward practical application. When we understand these spiritual principles, we can apply them to everyday life through generous giving, faithful service, and surrendered hearts. The treasury principle particularly illuminates our understanding of prayer and intercession. Just as the physical treasury stored valuable resources for temple service, our prayers become spiritual deposits that God uses for kingdom purposes. The prophet Isaiah reveals this truth: “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7). This shows how prayer extends the treasury’s blessings beyond individual believers to benefit many.

The early church understood this connection between prayer and spiritual treasury. When facing persecution, they “lifted up their voice to God with one accord” (Acts 4:24), and God responded by filling them with His Spirit and power. Their unified prayers accessed resources that transformed their circumstances. Like faithful treasurers, they knew how to draw from God’s storehouse through prayer.

Paul reveals how the Spirit helps us access God’s treasury through prayer: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). Through the Spirit’s help, our prayers tap into God’s unlimited resources, releasing His provision and power.

These spiritual deposits through prayer produce ongoing dividends. James teaches that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). Like compounding interest in God’s treasury, our prayers continue working long after we offer them, as demonstrated when the church prayed for Peter’s release from prison (Acts 12:5-17).

This relationship transforms giving into an act of worship rather than obligation. Paul commended the Philippians’ gift as “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). When giving flows from love for God, it becomes a spiritual sacrifice that brings Him pleasure.

The treasury principle reveals important truths about ministry provision. While supporting those who minister, Paul emphasized “not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (Philippians 4:17). True ministry focuses on spiritual multiplication rather than personal gain.

Understanding God’s treasury brings profound peace regarding provision. Jesus taught, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). As we prioritize God’s kingdom, He faithfully supplies every need from His abundant treasury.

This principle remains vital for the true church today. When believers grasp that all things come from and belong to God, giving becomes natural. We simply return to Him what He has provided, recognizing that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). This perspective produces generous, cheerful giving that God loves.

The treasury’s lessons extend beyond mere giving and receiving. When properly understood, they reveal God’s heart for relationship with His people. As David expressed, “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). This intimate communion represents the highest purpose of God’s treasury.

Just as the physical temple treasury supported worship and service, our lives should facilitate deeper relationship with God. Paul understood this, counting all else as loss “for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). When we value knowing Christ above all else, we discover true riches that can never be taken away.

The treasury principle culminates in Christ, who “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). His sacrifice opened access to God’s unlimited spiritual treasury. Through Him, we receive “abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness” to “reign in life” (Romans 5:17).

This understanding should transform our daily lives. Like the widow who gave her all, we’re called to complete surrender. Yet this surrender leads not to poverty but to abundance, for God promises to “supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). As we yield ourselves fully to His purposes, we experience the truth that “in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Living as God’s treasury brings practical responsibilities and privileges. When we truly grasp that we’re vessels of His presence and power, it changes how we approach every aspect of life. As Paul declared, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). This indwelling presence makes us living treasuries of life.

The early church demonstrated this reality. After Pentecost, believers “were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). The power flowing from God’s treasury through yielded vessels transformed lives and communities. Signs and wonders followed as God’s presence manifested through His people.

This same power remains available today. Jesus promised, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12). As living treasuries, we access resources for ministry that exceed human ability or understanding.

True prosperity flows from this spiritual reality. While the world seeks material wealth, believers find riches in Christ that transcend circumstances. Paul learned to be content in any situation because he drew from God’s unlimited treasury. He testified, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). This inner sufficiency produced outer effectiveness in ministry.

The treasury’s role in spiritual warfare becomes clear when we understand how God’s resources empower our spiritual battles. Just as ancient kings stored weapons and supplies in their treasuries for warfare, God’s spiritual treasury equips us for battle. Paul reveals this connection when describing our spiritual armor: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Each piece of this armor represents resources drawn from God’s treasury of grace and truth.

David’s experience particularly illuminates this principle. Before facing Goliath, he refused Saul’s physical armor, instead drawing from his experience of God’s faithfulness – his spiritual treasury. He declared, “The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). David accessed divine resources that transcended natural weapons.

The early church understood this warfare dimension of God’s treasury. When persecution arose, they didn’t rely on physical defenses but accessed spiritual resources through prayer: “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29). God’s response – filling them with His Spirit and shaking their meeting place – demonstrated the power available in His treasury. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)

Paul reveals how this spiritual treasury operates in warfare: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). These spiritual weapons, drawn from God’s treasury, prove more effective than any earthly resource.

Even Jesus demonstrated this principle during His temptation. Against Satan’s offers of worldly treasure, He drew from the treasury of God’s Word, declaring “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10). His example shows that the treasures of God’s truth overcome all enemy deception.

The treasury principle reveals important truths about spiritual authority. Jesus gave His disciples “power over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19). This authority comes not from human ability but from Christ’s work. As we abide in Him, His power flows through us to accomplish His purposes.

Living as God’s treasury means becoming pure vessels for His use. Paul instructed, ”If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). This purification prepares us for God’s ultimate purpose – revealing His glory. As yielded vessels beholding the Lord, we are ”changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Each experience of His presence makes us more effective vessels of His treasury, manifesting His character to others.

The final purpose of God’s treasury extends beyond individual blessing to corporate expression. Together we form “an holy temple in the Lord… builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21-22). This corporate temple displays God’s glory more fully than any individual can alone.

As living stones in God’s temple, we each contribute to this greater expression. Together we manifest the fullness of Christ’s treasury to creation. Through complete surrender to His purposes, our lives become channels of blessing to others. As we faithfully steward both material and spiritual resources, God’s kingdom advances and His glory increases. Let us draw deeply from His unlimited treasury, knowing that in Christ we have access to “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

For from His treasury flow all things needed for life and ministry. As we abide in Him, having His life to fill and flow through us, we fulfill our destiny as living treasuries of divine presence and power. In this way, the physical pattern finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s body manifesting His glory to all creation.