SERMON REVISITED 3
What gems we find in Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount! Let’s examine the segment of Matthew chapter 6. Here we'll consider proper motive and prayer, and how to maintain our balanced focus on serving God while minimizing distractions.
Sermon on the Mount Revisited 3
1. What various topics are discussed in Matthew chapter 6, and why do you consider such matters to be worthy of consideration?
1. Let's continue our consideration of the Sermon on the Mount, picking up with Matthew chapter 6. What will we find there? Christ opens with discussing proper motive in serving God. He goes on with important matters involving prayer to Jehovah, including what some call the Our Father prayer, or the Model prayer. Then the Sermon continues with several points of distraction from service to God, and how to avoid these, recommending that focus remain on seeking God's Kingdom and His righteousness. May we consider these verses carefully for fine instruction from God's word.
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2. (a) With what aim are some failing to serve God properly? (b) Knowing this, then what should be considered before assisting needy ones?
2. Jesus continues the Sermon by addressing proper motive in serving God. Pay attention to his next words: "Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you." God's Son shows here that our motive in serving God should not be to be noticed by men, to be glorified by them. He therefore counsels not to make announcement ahead of your compassionate gifts to others--not even to your left hand, among your closest friends--such as gifts for the poor, in order to receive honor, as do the hypocrites in places of worship.
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3. (a) What does John 7:18 tell us about the effect of proper motive in serving God? (b) With that being the case, how might one still acquire a fine reputation before others?
3. Whose honor, then, should we be seeking? John 7:18 says "Whoever speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him, this one is true and there is no unrighteousness in him." This clearly shows one cannot remove sin, or unrighteousness, completely, without proper motive in serving God, truly seeking His honor in all things. Doing so, Jehovah "will repay you" for your proper motive in serving Him, up to the blessing of endless life in true peace and happiness. By seeking God's honor, might we have His blessing for a fine reputation before others? As 1Peter 5:6 puts it, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time." God himself states, at Jeremiah 17:10, "I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works." Says 1Corinthians 10:31, in part, "Do all things for God's glory." Therefore, only by doing this, is one properly acquiring a truly good name with Jehovah God, in harmony with Proverbs 22:1, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth; To be respected is better than silver and gold." There is, however, no further reward for those seeking their own glory--it ends there. As Proverbs 25:27 says, "It is not good to eat too much honey, Nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory."
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4. (a) Why is proper motive essential when offering prayers to God, and what reward is held out for those praying in this way?
4. The Sermon picks up with verse 5, beginning consideration of the vital matter of prayer: "Also, when you pray, do not act like the [stage artists], for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. 7 When praying, do not say the same things over and over again as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words. 8 So do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you ask him." Again, Jesus shows that proper motive is essential to please God properly here, as prayers must not be offered seeking glory from men. Rather, offer private prayers "in secret," that God may repay you accordingly, for example by seeing Jehovah really respond to your sincere requests in harmony with his will. As 1John 5:14 states, "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that no matter what we ask according to his will, he hears us."
5. (a) Why is it not necessary to offer ritualistic repetitive prayers to God? (b) Why is it, however, not a contradiction that God does want us to ask, even more than once, for what we need?
5. Then, another vital lesson. Do not offer insincerely repetitive, ritualistic prayers. The reason given? "Your Father knows what you need before ever you ask him." By this point in the Sermon, Jesus has referred to Jehovah endearingly as your "Father" several times, underscoring God's loving personality, truly caring for us as we might hope and expect from the God in whose image man was created (Gen 1:27). As Psalm 103:13,14 says, "As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him. 14 For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust." Yes, as Jesus points out, our loving, compassionate God is even aware of all our needs before we ask for them, but He still wants us to sincerely ask, even more than once. "Keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives." The more we sincerely and earnestly plead to Jehovah for something near and dear to us in harmony with his will, we may reveal the depth of our concern regarding the matter.
___
6. (a) What amazing insight is granted us by the revealing of the Our Father prayer or the Model prayer? (b) Why is the foremost request of genuine concern for all humanity?
6. We pick up with verse 9 and the Our Father Prayer or the Model Prayer: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth. 11 Give us today our bread for this day; 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.’" We therefore here have amazing insight into what God considers highest priorities for our heartfelt concerns and prayers. First and foremost, Jehovah is addressed as our "Father," thus revealing the depth of God's love for the human family, as an endearing father feels toward his precious children. Then foremost come requests regarding concerns of our loving God, the first being: "Let your name be sanctified." This underscores the significance of His name and reputation remaining separated from all unrighteousness and impurity. He is a holy God, and His servants "must be holy, because [He] is holy." (1Pet 1:16) Thus we're reminded of our need to become clean "from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God's fear." (2Cor 7:1).
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7. (a) What vital concerns of God follow the request for His name to be sanctified, and why are these significant? (b) What personal requests typically may then follow God's utmost concerns, and how is prayer for these beneficial?
7. Next in priority is the request for God's Kingdom to come, His ultimate solution to all man's woes. Then along the same lines, the request for God's "will [to] take place, as in heaven, also on earth." Just as the heavens had been cleansed of all wickedness, so God's purpose is for the earth at His appointed time, according to His good purpose. Following the vital concerns of our God, come personal requests, such as for God's providing of our needed "bread for this day," doubtless referring to the needs for both our spiritual body, including our figurative heart and mind, as well as our physical body. Then "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors," revealing our need to be forgiving of others. Finally, "do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one." Thus we may acknowledge desire for God's watchful care, to guard us from any unbearable temptation of disobedience and to grant help from being caught by the snares of the devil. We should, however, still be quick to seek God's help as needed. Let's pick up next with the one thing Jesus chose to expand upon from the prayer, as we continue through the rest of Matthew chapter 6.
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8. (a) What part of the Our Father or Model Prayer did Jesus choose to expand upon, and why? (b) How do the Scriptures encourage us to have a merciful, forgiving spirit?
8. Let's pick up just after the Our Father Prayer or the Model Prayer, with the one thing Jesus chose to expand upon from that prayer. Jesus chose to add emphasis to what was said in verse 12: "and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Why did Jesus word things this way, asking forgiveness on the basis of having already forgiven others? He explains in verses 14 and 15: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 whereas if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Thus, God's word teaches us that we should be quick to settle differences and have a readiness to compassionately forgive others their minor offenses. When we have treated others in such a way, God is generally happy to extend such kindness toward us as well, if ever needed. God has set the example in this, as Psalm 86:5 says of Him: "For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive; You abound in loyal love for all those who call upon you." Colossians 3:13 encourages us: "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same." Proverbs 19:11 helps, saying this: "The insight (compassionate understanding) of a man certainly slows down his anger, And it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense." By compassionately seeking to understand what was behind or what led up to a mistake, with godly insight, we are helped to be less hurt and more willing to forgive someone.
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9. (a) For what purpose was fasting to be practiced in Jesus' day, yet what sad situation had developed? (b) While we want a good name or reputation, who can eventually help us achieve such, and what should be of utmost concern to us now and in the future?
9. Next, Jesus addresses the issue of fasting, as once again we come across a practice that was, while considered righteous, unfortunately often done for mere show. Fasting, or abstinence from food, was generally done during times of heartfelt sorrow and repentance over a wrong course, as the body does not assimilate food well during times of great distress. Far too often, however, such fasting was unaccompanied by such genuine remorse, and was done for a wrong purpose. Jesus puts it this way: 16 “When you fast, stop becoming sad-faced like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so they may appear to men to be fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But you, when fasting, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to be fasting to men but only to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you." So again, doing things for the purpose of seeking glory from men, rather than seeking God's glory and pleasure, has no reward other than any temporary glory thus received. God cannot bless such a selfish or self-centered course. Of course, any healthy loving person wants a good reputation before God and other humans. Seeking to please God first, we can trust Him to help us to have a good name before Him. For example, as an obedient child learning from God's word, Jesus "went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men." As 1Peter 5:6,7 sums up, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."
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10. (a) Why does Jesus recommend valuing spiritual treasures over material ones? (b) What are some spiritual treasures worth learning about and possessing?
10. Next, the Sermon addresses the value placed upon material possessions. Of course, residents of the earth enjoy things made of the earth, particularly if such things may be beneficial in our course of life in some way. However, are there things of higher value, that bring greater benefit to humanity? Jesus addresses such matters beginning with verse 19, instructing: “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." So the question becomes, where does our treasure lie? Most of us enjoy shopping and finding new and interesting things. But how much? While we need money, if we're not careful, the spirit of the world may influence us to primarily seek more and more money and the things money can buy, to be delighting greatly in such desires. If so, we may need to make an adjustment in our view. Or is our treasure already with God and spiritual things? Do we find delight in exploring and growing in true divine wisdom? (Matt 5:6; Prov 4:5-9) Are we learning to value beautiful selfless virtues, like appreciation and love for God, purity of heart, and faithfulness to Him, that promote genuine inner happiness and well-being, with a balanced view of material things (James 1:17; Matt 22:36-38; 1John 5:3; Matt 5:8; 23:23; Prov 15:16)?
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11. (a) What kind of things should our eyes be focused on, and why? (b) Why would Riches be a poor master to choose?
11. Jesus really continues this discussion on where our values are placed. In doing so, he encourages us to avoid having an envious eye, one overly concerned about the things others possess. How much better to be focused on the things that matter most, such as serving God, pleasing Him? Let's pick up in verse 22: "The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright. 23 But if your eye is envious, your whole body will be dark. If the light that is in you is really darkness, how great that darkness is! 24 “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches." What a helpful illustration regarding this matter, clarifying that we have a choice of masters! Really, what kind of master, or ruler, is heartless Riches? Do you really want to be a slave to such a master? Would this ruler care about your genuine everlasting happiness or welfare (Ec 3:11; Ps 37:29)? What about your true emotional and spiritual needs (Mt 5:3)? Would this master be interested in your finding true caring friends, even ones interested in your inner well-being and happiness (Pr 17:17)? Now, on the other hand, what about God? Is Jehovah not lovingly interested in all these things and so much more regarding the lives of those who would become His precious children? Surely He is a master of the finest sort, being motivated by true love in practically all He does (1Jn 4:8; 1Tim 1:11).
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12. Why does Jesus counsel against being anxious about obtaining needed food and clothing?
12. Continuing on the matter of material concerns, Jesus next addresses legitimate needs of food and clothing, with these words: “25 On this account I say to you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear. Does not life mean more than food and the body than clothing?" Thus Jesus counsels against being anxious about such needs. If we're not to be overly concerned about such things, then where should we look for help with these needs? He hints at the answer when saying that "life mean(s) more than food and the body than clothing." Who is the provider of life and the Creator of the body? Food and clothing were, of course, created to support life, not the other way around. Why should the lives of most people be centered around supporting food and clothing? Why, the entire earth was created to support human life itself. Life is what is so precious to God that He himself wants to sustain it. If God would create an entire planet in just such a perfect way in order to sustain the life of you and other humans, why would He not want to help you attain other, much less significant needs for your life and body? God wants us to focus our lives on more important things, such as loving and serving Him and helping fellow humans, while letting Him care for other needs. As the Sermon continues, "26 Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are?"
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13. (a) How does God's word continue to reason with us regarding the matter of food and clothing as Matthew chapter 6 concludes? (b) In what ways might we keep seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness?
13. The Sermon continues this subject, reasoning on the matter as follows: "27 Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span? 28 Also, why are you anxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil, nor do they spin; 29 but I tell you that not even Solʹo·mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. 30 Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? 31 So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ 32 For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. 34 So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles." So the counsel of Matthew 6:33 is to keep seeking first God's Kingdom and His righteousness, and let God care for all those other things. So let us pursue Kingdom interests, largely by learning Bible truth and sharing it with others, and seeking to consistently live in accord with God's righteousness, or His right standards and ways, in harmony with divine qualities and wisdom (John 17:3; Mt 24:14; Isa 48:17,18; Pr 2:20-22). In doing so, we can reduce much anxiety in life and find great happiness in a godly way of life. Let us next move on to Matthew chapter 7, the concluding chapter of the Sermon, to examine more spiritual gems.
1. Let's continue our consideration of the Sermon on the Mount, picking up with Matthew chapter 6. What will we find there? Christ opens with discussing proper motive in serving God. He goes on with important matters involving prayer to Jehovah, including what some call the Our Father prayer, or the Model prayer. Then the Sermon continues with several points of distraction from service to God, and how to avoid these, recommending that focus remain on seeking God's Kingdom and His righteousness. May we consider these verses carefully for fine instruction from God's word.
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2. (a) With what aim are some failing to serve God properly? (b) Knowing this, then what should be considered before assisting needy ones?
2. Jesus continues the Sermon by addressing proper motive in serving God. Pay attention to his next words: "Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you." God's Son shows here that our motive in serving God should not be to be noticed by men, to be glorified by them. He therefore counsels not to make announcement ahead of your compassionate gifts to others--not even to your left hand, among your closest friends--such as gifts for the poor, in order to receive honor, as do the hypocrites in places of worship.
___
3. (a) What does John 7:18 tell us about the effect of proper motive in serving God? (b) With that being the case, how might one still acquire a fine reputation before others?
3. Whose honor, then, should we be seeking? John 7:18 says "Whoever speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him, this one is true and there is no unrighteousness in him." This clearly shows one cannot remove sin, or unrighteousness, completely, without proper motive in serving God, truly seeking His honor in all things. Doing so, Jehovah "will repay you" for your proper motive in serving Him, up to the blessing of endless life in true peace and happiness. By seeking God's honor, might we have His blessing for a fine reputation before others? As 1Peter 5:6 puts it, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time." God himself states, at Jeremiah 17:10, "I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works." Says 1Corinthians 10:31, in part, "Do all things for God's glory." Therefore, only by doing this, is one properly acquiring a truly good name with Jehovah God, in harmony with Proverbs 22:1, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth; To be respected is better than silver and gold." There is, however, no further reward for those seeking their own glory--it ends there. As Proverbs 25:27 says, "It is not good to eat too much honey, Nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory."
___
4. (a) Why is proper motive essential when offering prayers to God, and what reward is held out for those praying in this way?
4. The Sermon picks up with verse 5, beginning consideration of the vital matter of prayer: "Also, when you pray, do not act like the [stage artists], for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. 7 When praying, do not say the same things over and over again as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words. 8 So do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you ask him." Again, Jesus shows that proper motive is essential to please God properly here, as prayers must not be offered seeking glory from men. Rather, offer private prayers "in secret," that God may repay you accordingly, for example by seeing Jehovah really respond to your sincere requests in harmony with his will. As 1John 5:14 states, "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that no matter what we ask according to his will, he hears us."
5. (a) Why is it not necessary to offer ritualistic repetitive prayers to God? (b) Why is it, however, not a contradiction that God does want us to ask, even more than once, for what we need?
5. Then, another vital lesson. Do not offer insincerely repetitive, ritualistic prayers. The reason given? "Your Father knows what you need before ever you ask him." By this point in the Sermon, Jesus has referred to Jehovah endearingly as your "Father" several times, underscoring God's loving personality, truly caring for us as we might hope and expect from the God in whose image man was created (Gen 1:27). As Psalm 103:13,14 says, "As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him. 14 For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust." Yes, as Jesus points out, our loving, compassionate God is even aware of all our needs before we ask for them, but He still wants us to sincerely ask, even more than once. "Keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives." The more we sincerely and earnestly plead to Jehovah for something near and dear to us in harmony with his will, we may reveal the depth of our concern regarding the matter.
___
6. (a) What amazing insight is granted us by the revealing of the Our Father prayer or the Model prayer? (b) Why is the foremost request of genuine concern for all humanity?
6. We pick up with verse 9 and the Our Father Prayer or the Model Prayer: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth. 11 Give us today our bread for this day; 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.’" We therefore here have amazing insight into what God considers highest priorities for our heartfelt concerns and prayers. First and foremost, Jehovah is addressed as our "Father," thus revealing the depth of God's love for the human family, as an endearing father feels toward his precious children. Then foremost come requests regarding concerns of our loving God, the first being: "Let your name be sanctified." This underscores the significance of His name and reputation remaining separated from all unrighteousness and impurity. He is a holy God, and His servants "must be holy, because [He] is holy." (1Pet 1:16) Thus we're reminded of our need to become clean "from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God's fear." (2Cor 7:1).
___
7. (a) What vital concerns of God follow the request for His name to be sanctified, and why are these significant? (b) What personal requests typically may then follow God's utmost concerns, and how is prayer for these beneficial?
7. Next in priority is the request for God's Kingdom to come, His ultimate solution to all man's woes. Then along the same lines, the request for God's "will [to] take place, as in heaven, also on earth." Just as the heavens had been cleansed of all wickedness, so God's purpose is for the earth at His appointed time, according to His good purpose. Following the vital concerns of our God, come personal requests, such as for God's providing of our needed "bread for this day," doubtless referring to the needs for both our spiritual body, including our figurative heart and mind, as well as our physical body. Then "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors," revealing our need to be forgiving of others. Finally, "do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one." Thus we may acknowledge desire for God's watchful care, to guard us from any unbearable temptation of disobedience and to grant help from being caught by the snares of the devil. We should, however, still be quick to seek God's help as needed. Let's pick up next with the one thing Jesus chose to expand upon from the prayer, as we continue through the rest of Matthew chapter 6.
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8. (a) What part of the Our Father or Model Prayer did Jesus choose to expand upon, and why? (b) How do the Scriptures encourage us to have a merciful, forgiving spirit?
8. Let's pick up just after the Our Father Prayer or the Model Prayer, with the one thing Jesus chose to expand upon from that prayer. Jesus chose to add emphasis to what was said in verse 12: "and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Why did Jesus word things this way, asking forgiveness on the basis of having already forgiven others? He explains in verses 14 and 15: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 whereas if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Thus, God's word teaches us that we should be quick to settle differences and have a readiness to compassionately forgive others their minor offenses. When we have treated others in such a way, God is generally happy to extend such kindness toward us as well, if ever needed. God has set the example in this, as Psalm 86:5 says of Him: "For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive; You abound in loyal love for all those who call upon you." Colossians 3:13 encourages us: "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same." Proverbs 19:11 helps, saying this: "The insight (compassionate understanding) of a man certainly slows down his anger, And it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense." By compassionately seeking to understand what was behind or what led up to a mistake, with godly insight, we are helped to be less hurt and more willing to forgive someone.
___
9. (a) For what purpose was fasting to be practiced in Jesus' day, yet what sad situation had developed? (b) While we want a good name or reputation, who can eventually help us achieve such, and what should be of utmost concern to us now and in the future?
9. Next, Jesus addresses the issue of fasting, as once again we come across a practice that was, while considered righteous, unfortunately often done for mere show. Fasting, or abstinence from food, was generally done during times of heartfelt sorrow and repentance over a wrong course, as the body does not assimilate food well during times of great distress. Far too often, however, such fasting was unaccompanied by such genuine remorse, and was done for a wrong purpose. Jesus puts it this way: 16 “When you fast, stop becoming sad-faced like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so they may appear to men to be fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But you, when fasting, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to be fasting to men but only to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you." So again, doing things for the purpose of seeking glory from men, rather than seeking God's glory and pleasure, has no reward other than any temporary glory thus received. God cannot bless such a selfish or self-centered course. Of course, any healthy loving person wants a good reputation before God and other humans. Seeking to please God first, we can trust Him to help us to have a good name before Him. For example, as an obedient child learning from God's word, Jesus "went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men." As 1Peter 5:6,7 sums up, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."
___
10. (a) Why does Jesus recommend valuing spiritual treasures over material ones? (b) What are some spiritual treasures worth learning about and possessing?
10. Next, the Sermon addresses the value placed upon material possessions. Of course, residents of the earth enjoy things made of the earth, particularly if such things may be beneficial in our course of life in some way. However, are there things of higher value, that bring greater benefit to humanity? Jesus addresses such matters beginning with verse 19, instructing: “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." So the question becomes, where does our treasure lie? Most of us enjoy shopping and finding new and interesting things. But how much? While we need money, if we're not careful, the spirit of the world may influence us to primarily seek more and more money and the things money can buy, to be delighting greatly in such desires. If so, we may need to make an adjustment in our view. Or is our treasure already with God and spiritual things? Do we find delight in exploring and growing in true divine wisdom? (Matt 5:6; Prov 4:5-9) Are we learning to value beautiful selfless virtues, like appreciation and love for God, purity of heart, and faithfulness to Him, that promote genuine inner happiness and well-being, with a balanced view of material things (James 1:17; Matt 22:36-38; 1John 5:3; Matt 5:8; 23:23; Prov 15:16)?
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11. (a) What kind of things should our eyes be focused on, and why? (b) Why would Riches be a poor master to choose?
11. Jesus really continues this discussion on where our values are placed. In doing so, he encourages us to avoid having an envious eye, one overly concerned about the things others possess. How much better to be focused on the things that matter most, such as serving God, pleasing Him? Let's pick up in verse 22: "The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright. 23 But if your eye is envious, your whole body will be dark. If the light that is in you is really darkness, how great that darkness is! 24 “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches." What a helpful illustration regarding this matter, clarifying that we have a choice of masters! Really, what kind of master, or ruler, is heartless Riches? Do you really want to be a slave to such a master? Would this ruler care about your genuine everlasting happiness or welfare (Ec 3:11; Ps 37:29)? What about your true emotional and spiritual needs (Mt 5:3)? Would this master be interested in your finding true caring friends, even ones interested in your inner well-being and happiness (Pr 17:17)? Now, on the other hand, what about God? Is Jehovah not lovingly interested in all these things and so much more regarding the lives of those who would become His precious children? Surely He is a master of the finest sort, being motivated by true love in practically all He does (1Jn 4:8; 1Tim 1:11).
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12. Why does Jesus counsel against being anxious about obtaining needed food and clothing?
12. Continuing on the matter of material concerns, Jesus next addresses legitimate needs of food and clothing, with these words: “25 On this account I say to you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear. Does not life mean more than food and the body than clothing?" Thus Jesus counsels against being anxious about such needs. If we're not to be overly concerned about such things, then where should we look for help with these needs? He hints at the answer when saying that "life mean(s) more than food and the body than clothing." Who is the provider of life and the Creator of the body? Food and clothing were, of course, created to support life, not the other way around. Why should the lives of most people be centered around supporting food and clothing? Why, the entire earth was created to support human life itself. Life is what is so precious to God that He himself wants to sustain it. If God would create an entire planet in just such a perfect way in order to sustain the life of you and other humans, why would He not want to help you attain other, much less significant needs for your life and body? God wants us to focus our lives on more important things, such as loving and serving Him and helping fellow humans, while letting Him care for other needs. As the Sermon continues, "26 Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are?"
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13. (a) How does God's word continue to reason with us regarding the matter of food and clothing as Matthew chapter 6 concludes? (b) In what ways might we keep seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness?
13. The Sermon continues this subject, reasoning on the matter as follows: "27 Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span? 28 Also, why are you anxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil, nor do they spin; 29 but I tell you that not even Solʹo·mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. 30 Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? 31 So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ 32 For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. 34 So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles." So the counsel of Matthew 6:33 is to keep seeking first God's Kingdom and His righteousness, and let God care for all those other things. So let us pursue Kingdom interests, largely by learning Bible truth and sharing it with others, and seeking to consistently live in accord with God's righteousness, or His right standards and ways, in harmony with divine qualities and wisdom (John 17:3; Mt 24:14; Isa 48:17,18; Pr 2:20-22). In doing so, we can reduce much anxiety in life and find great happiness in a godly way of life. Let us next move on to Matthew chapter 7, the concluding chapter of the Sermon, to examine more spiritual gems.