Dr. Charles Cooper presents Jesus’ “investment seminar” to the rich young ruler, teaching that heaven’s treasure is eternal compensation for earthly obedience. Salvation is by grace alone, but rewards must be earned through faithfulness. Cooper dismantles common misconceptions about treasure in heaven, emphasizing that Jesus was not describing mansions, perks, or a celestial economy—but divine honor, rulership, and joy in the coming Kingdom. Defining Treasure in HeavenTreasure in Heaven = Reward and Status. It refers to honor and position granted by God in Christ’s Kingdom—not salvation but reward for loyalty. Treasure is Singular. Jesus promised the treasure in heaven, meaning the comprehensive blessing of Kingdom participation. Treasure Is Earned, Not Credited. Salvation imputes righteousness; reward recognizes righteousness lived out. How Treasure Is ObtainedTreasure is secured through: Sacrifice — giving up what is temporal for what is eternal (Matt 19:29).Service — faithfully investing the talents God provides (Matt 25:21-23).Suffering — enduring for Christ’s sake brings public honor from God (Matt 5:11-12).Stewardship — using material wealth for Kingdom purposes (Luke 19:17).These are not symbolic but measurable acts of faithfulness that God rewards with tangible, eternal outcomes. What Treasure in Heaven IncludesReigning with Christ: Throne participation and authority (Rev 2–3, 20). Public Honor: Divine recognition and glory before all creation. Greater Joy & Responsibility: Sharing in “the joy of your Master.” Heavenly Inheritance: An imperishable, unfading portion reserved in heaven (1 Pet 1:4). Literal Crowns: Rewards such as the crowns of life, righteousness, and victory (1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4). Dr. Cooper emphasizes that the absence of reward will also be visible, marking those who wasted their stewardship. Key ContrastThe rich young ruler wanted kingdom glory without sacrifice. Jesus invited him to trade temporary wealth for eternal rulership, but he walked away sad. His story reminds believers that the price of faithfulness is temporary, while the reward is eternal. Central LessonTreasure in heaven is eternal compensation for earthly obedience. It represents God’s approval, measured in rulership, honor, joy, and intimacy with Christ. No price is too great to pay for the lasting reward of loyalty to Jesus. Those who invest generously, serve faithfully, and suffer willingly will experience the fullness of Kingdom life—not just presence in the Kingdom, but participation in its reign. Timestamps & Key Topics00:00 – The neglected but thrilling doctrine of rewards 00:31 – What is “treasure in heaven”? (Matt 19:21) 01:33 – Treasure defined: reward and status in God’s Kingdom 03:05 – Not mansions or perks—true reward is honor and rulership 04:22 – Difference between salvation and reward 05:02 – Treasure as Kingdom blessing for faithful disciples 06:09 – Participation in Christ’s future reign 07:22 – Discipleship and generosity as eternal investment 09:28 – Rewards tied to sacrifice, service, suffering, stewardship 13:41 – Not all believers inherit the same glory 15:30 – The rich young ruler’s fatal miscalculation 17:33 – Rewards defined: reigning, glory, honor, intimacy 20:09 – The joy that motivated Christ and will reward believers 22:56 – Heavenly inheritance and eternal compensation 25:07 – The three crowns: life, righteousness, victory 27:05 – Securing treasure through generosity, sacrifice, service 28:48 – The cost of eternal glory and the danger of loss 31:18 – Faithfulness determines Kingdom participation 33:20 – How treasure can be lost Scripture ReferencesMatthew 6:19-21 Matthew 19:21, 29 Luke 19:17 Luke 22:33 1 Timothy 6:18-19 Matthew 25:14-30 Matthew 5:11-12 Revelation 2-3, 20 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 9:24-27 2 Corinthians 2:9-10 1 Peter 1:4; 5:4 Hebrews 12:2 Episode Notes RecapWeek 7 of the Does God Hate the Rich? series: Defines treasure in heaven as reward and rulership, not salvation.Clarifies Jesus’ “investment seminar” for eternal dividends.Connects treasure to sacrifice, service, suffering, and stewardship.Explains that rewards reflect faithfulness, not favoritism.Warns that believers can lose treasure through unfaithfulness.Prepares for next week’s topic: How Treasure Can Be Lost. Connect & ShareInstagram Facebook YouTube Website 📧 Contact: info@3cplus.org 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts