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 is recommended for reward from the Father in Heaven and His good
pleasure (Matthew 6:4, 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. Do your 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. *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 your life. Reconcile with your brother or sister in the
Lord’s way for His favor. Otherwise bitterness will grip and conquer your life
as you continue to live in sin and unforgiveness.
-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. *Application*
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 you’ve been given. Don’t get too busy for time with
God. Remember Him and keep Him close every moment of your 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 your heart is
centered on the right things when you fast and pray before the LORD.
-Jesus deals with the essence of the problem of worry in
next section of this passage. It is little 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 (Luke 12:33). *Application*
Where our treasure is, there will our heart be also. Invest in the things of
God’s Kingdom and quit worrying about the mundane things of this earth. God
will take care of you. Have the faith that He desires and requires for your
contentment and peace of mind. God is able. Do you trust Him?
Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 6:3, 9-13, 19-21, 33
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