Thursday, January 24, 2019

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 6


Matthew 6



-Jesus says it is hypocritical to make a big deal out of your charitable acts of righteous before men. Your reward is in full already when you perform to gain selfish applause and recognition. Hidden giving and prayer are recommended for reward from the Father in Heaven and His good pleasure (Matthew 6:1-6).

-*Application* This again is a heart issue with the Lord in Kingdom living. He knows our deepest motivations and will justly reward on that basis. We should do our righteous acts with pure intentions and secretly if at all possible.

-Forgiveness is a big to the Lord as He teaches further after giving His disciples the model prayer. Our forgiveness from the Father is in a large way dependent on our attitude towards forgiving others who’ve wronged us He tells us and His disciples plainly. Jesus teaches His disciples, and us, how to pray properly before the LORD God. This is not to be a repetitious prayer devoid of meaning and ritualistic. It is a guideline for all the aspects that should be included as we communicate with our Maker. We will see worship, praise, adoration, respect, awe, and fear in the beginning phase. We see a surrender to the Lord’s will and His Kingdom purposes in it on earth as it is in Heaven (notice the struggle this earth has going on with sin and the enemy present). We can see that it is alright to ask for things from the Father for our benefit and well-being. We learn that we must seek forgiveness from the Father as we forgive others in our lives that have wronged us, which includes confession and intercession of all kinds. We conclude that it is wise for us to ask that temptation be taken away from us as we walk the path of life. Lastly, we see that thanksgiving should be a major part of our prayer life as we recognize His greatness, provision, and supreme glory (Matthew 6:7-15).

*Application* When people do us wrong, it gives us the opportunity to learn the precious art of forgiveness. We would never learn the compassion of our Father towards us if we were never mistreated unjustly. Learn the grace gift of forgiveness in life. Reconcile with our brother or sister in the Lord’s way for His favor. Otherwise bitterness will grip and conquer our lives as we continue to live in sin and unforgiveness. Also, we must consider this question. How seriously do we take our prayer life? Coming before God should be consistent, purposeful, meaningful, and effective among other things. Jesus instructed us with all we need for a vibrant prayer walk with Him. Don’t neglect the opportunities we’ve been given. Don’t get too busy for time with God. Remember Him and keep Him close every moment of our day (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

-The next few verses in this section deal with fasting and again the proper manner with inward purity verses exterior expression for full reward from the Father (Matthew 6:16-18). *Application* It is a great discipline to fast and pray with proper focus and attention on God’s will. However, as Jesus points out it can become a prideful exercise when we do it for public recognition and glory. Make sure that our heart is centered on the right things when we fast and pray before the LORD.

-Jesus deals with the essence of the problem of worry in next section of this passage, which is smallness of our faith. Jesus tells His listeners, and us, not to be afraid for the Lord will take care of His most precious possession. His desire is for us all to seek Him first and all these other things of need (and many wants I might add) will be added unto us. Jesus emphasizes giving for the purpose of eternal riches, which can only happen with a heart of love and faith (Matthew 6:19-34, Luke 12:33).

-*Application* Where our treasure is, there will our heart be also (Matthew 6:21). Invest in the things of God’s Kingdom and quit worrying about the mundane things of this earth realizing that God will take care of us. Have the faith that He desires and requires for our ultimate contentment and peace of mind. God is able. Will we simply trust Him?





Verses to Memorize: Matthew 6:3, 9-13, 19-21, 33

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