What Do You Treasure? (Pt. 1) | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

In this teaching we are called to let go of the old self and fully surrender to the life Jesus offers. The heart of the message is that true life is found not by adding Jesus to our worldly pursuits, but by dying to ourselves and living wholly for Him. When we truly pursue Him, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the world’s values are replaced by God’s purpose. This is a radical invitation to abandon the illusion of “both” and embrace the fullness of life that comes from following Christ alone.

Key Scripture References

• 2 Timothy 3:1‑5 – Paul warns that in the last days the church will be filled with self‑loving, money‑obsessed, pleasure‑seeking people; this list shows how worldly values can seep into the church if we do not actively die to them.
• Philippians 2:5‑8 – “Have this mind in yourselves… emptied Himself… became obedient even unto death.” This passage models the attitude we must adopt: humility, self‑emptying, and obedience to God’s will.
• Matthew 16:24‑25 – “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and serve.” Jesus declares that true greatness is found in surrendering our own agendas to serve others.
• Romans 12:1‑2 – “Present your bodies as living sacrifices… do not conform to this world.” This scripture calls us to a life of worship that resists worldly patterns and reflects God’s holiness.
• John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches.” The metaphor reminds us that we cannot bear fruit without being rooted in Christ; our life depends on continual connection to Him.
• 1 Corinthians 5:1‑5 – Paul instructs the church to “judge those inside” and remove those who live in immorality, illustrating the need for holiness and self‑discipline within the community.
• James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves to God; resist the devil.” This verse encapsulates the practical step of surrendering to God’s authority to overcome self‑centeredness.

Key Takeaways

• Letting Go Is the First Step – The teaching emphasizes that holding onto worldly ambitions—money, status, comfort—prevents us from experiencing true life. By consciously releasing these attachments, we open ourselves to God’s transformative work.
• Dying to Self Is Not Self‑Denial, But Self‑Emptying – Following Christ means putting others first, serving without expectation of reward, and allowing His will to guide our daily decisions. This is the heart of humility and obedience.
• The Church Must Be Different – Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy and Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians show that the church should not mirror the world’s values. Instead, it must be a community that actively practices self‑denial, holiness, and service.
• Practical Discipleship Requires Daily Choices – The narrative of the Chinese village illustrates that real discipleship is lived, not just preached. It involves daily acts of love, generosity, and sacrifice that reflect the heart of Christ.

This Week's Challenge

1. Identify one personal attachment or habit that keeps you from fully serving others (e.g., a spending habit, a time‑wasting activity, or a prideful thought). Commit to consciously setting it aside for the next seven days and record how it affects your interactions with those around you.

2. Choose a neighbor, coworker, or family member who has been overlooked or undervalued. Reach out with a specific act of kindness—offer a meal, lend a listening ear, or help with a task—and reflect on how this demonstrates a Christ‑like heart.

Reflection Questions

• What is one area of my life where I am still “holding on” to worldly values instead of surrendering to God’s purpose?
• How can my small acts of service today reveal the radical love of Christ to my family or community?
• In what ways can I cultivate a mindset of self‑emptying and obedience in the midst of a culture that celebrates self‑promotion?