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
No comments:
Post a Comment