◄ Matthew 6 ►
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Summary Gifts, Prayer, Fasting, Treasures Matthew 6 challenges believers to examine their motivations in spiritual practices and redirect their focus towards God and His Kingdom. It provides a blueprint for a life that is not obsessed with material wealth and daily worries, but a life that is immersed in sincere worship, trusting in God's provision, and pursuing God's righteousness. Section 1: Giving to the Needy (Matthew 6:1-4) Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for show. When giving to the needy, He encourages doing so secretly, promising that the Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward openly. Section 2: The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15) Addressing prayer, Jesus cautions against ostentatious and repetitive prayers. He then presents the Lord's Prayer, a model prayer that acknowledges God's holiness, seeks His will, requests provision, forgiveness, and protection. Section 3: Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18) On fasting, Jesus advocates for it to be done in secret, without showing signs of discomfort or sadness. He assures that God sees and will reward those who fast sincerely. Section 4: Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24) Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth, emphasizing the impermanence of worldly wealth. He speaks of the eye as the lamp of the body and concludes that no one can serve two masters, God and wealth. Section 5: Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34) Jesus admonishes against worry about material needs, pointing out God's care for nature as evidence of His provision. Instead, He encourages seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first. Jesus assures that by focusing on God, all needs will be met and encourages living in the present, tackling each day's troubles as they come. Matthew 6 continues Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, delving deeper into the heart of spiritual practices. It cautions against performative righteousness and instead emphasizes sincerity in worship, trust in God's provision, and prioritizing the Kingdom of God. Teaching Points The Right Motives in Giving (Matthew 6:1-4) Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for the sake of being seen by others. He emphasizes that our giving should be done in secret, with the assurance that your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:4). The Heart of Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15) Jesus instructs us to pray with sincerity, avoiding vain repetitions and public displays for attention. The Lord's Prayer serves as a model, highlighting the importance of seeking God's will, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. Fasting with Purpose (Matthew 6:16-18) Fasting should be a private act of devotion, not a public display of piety. Jesus teaches that when we fast, we should anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting (Matthew 6:17-18). Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24) Jesus contrasts earthly and heavenly treasures, urging us to store up treasures in heaven where they are eternal. He reminds us that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). Trusting God Over Worry (Matthew 6:25-34) Jesus calls us to trust in God's provision, encouraging us not to worry about our needs. He assures us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and invites us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Practical Applications Examine Your Motives Regularly assess whether your spiritual practices are motivated by a desire to please God or to gain human approval. Develop a Sincere Prayer Life Use the Lord's Prayer as a guide to cultivate a deeper, more authentic prayer life that focuses on God's will and provision. Practice Private Devotion Engage in spiritual disciplines like fasting and giving in a way that honors God rather than seeking recognition from others. Prioritize Eternal Values Evaluate where you are investing your time, energy, and resources, ensuring that your focus is on eternal treasures. Cultivate Trust in God Combat worry by reminding yourself of God's faithfulness and provision, seeking His kingdom above all else. People 1. Jesus The speaker of the Sermon on the Mount, delivering teachings on righteousness, prayer, fasting, and trust in God. He is the central figure providing guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God. 2. The Father (God) Referred to multiple times as the one who sees what is done in secret and rewards openly. Jesus emphasizes the relationship between believers and God as a Father who knows their needs and provides for them. 3. Hypocrites Mentioned in the context of giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus warns against being like the hypocrites who perform religious acts for public recognition rather than genuine devotion. The Greek term used here is "ὑποκριταί" (hypokritai), which originally referred to actors or pretenders. 4. Gentiles (Pagans) Referred to in the context of prayer and worry. Jesus contrasts the behavior of the Gentiles, who are anxious about material needs, with the trust that believers should have in God's provision. The Greek term "ἔθνη" (ethnē) is used, often translated as "nations" or "Gentiles." 5. Disciples/Followers of Jesus While not explicitly named in this chapter, the teachings are directed towards Jesus' disciples and those who seek to follow His teachings. They are encouraged to seek God's kingdom and righteousness above all else. Places 1. Secret Place In Matthew 6:6, Jesus instructs, "But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." The "secret place" (Greek: ταμεῖον, tameion) refers to a private, secluded area where one can pray without distraction or the desire for public recognition. This emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of prayer. 2. Heaven Throughout Matthew 6, heaven is mentioned multiple times, such as in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-10) and in the context of storing treasures (Matthew 6:20). Heaven (Greek: οὐρανός, ouranos) is depicted as the dwelling place of God and the ultimate destination for spiritual treasures, contrasting with earthly, temporary possessions. 3. Earth In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus says, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Earth (Greek: γῆ, ge) is the realm where God's will is to be enacted, reflecting the divine order and purpose intended for creation. Events 1. Giving to the Needy (Matthew 6:1-4) Jesus instructs His followers to give to the needy in secret, emphasizing that acts of charity should not be done for public recognition. The Greek word "eleēmosynē" (ἐλεημοσύνη) is used for "charitable giving," highlighting the importance of mercy and compassion. 2. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15) Jesus teaches how to pray, introducing what is commonly known as the Lord's Prayer. He emphasizes sincerity in prayer, contrasting it with the hypocritical practices of the time. The prayer includes key elements such as reverence for God, submission to His will, and requests for daily provision and forgiveness. 3. Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18) Jesus advises that fasting should be done discreetly, not for show. The Greek term "nēsteuō" (νηστεύω) refers to fasting, which is a spiritual discipline meant to draw one closer to God rather than to gain human approval. 4. Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures, which are temporary, and encourages storing up treasures in heaven. The focus is on the eternal value of spiritual wealth over material possessions. 5. The Lamp of the Body (Matthew 6:22-23) Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body, teaching that a healthy (or "single," from the Greek "haplous" ἁπλοῦς) eye leads to a body full of light, while a bad eye leads to darkness. This emphasizes the importance of spiritual perception and focus. 6. Serving Two Masters (Matthew 6:24) Jesus declares that one cannot serve both God and money (mammon). The term "mammon" (μαμωνᾶς) is of Aramaic origin, representing wealth or materialism, and highlights the conflict between spiritual devotion and material pursuits. 7. Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34) Jesus encourages His followers not to worry about their lives, including food, drink, and clothing. He points to God's provision for the birds and flowers as assurance of His care. The Greek word "merimnaō" (μεριμνάω) for "worry" suggests being anxious or overly concerned, which detracts from trust in God's providence. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Samuel 16:7 The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Prayer Points Pray for a pure heart that seeks to honor God in all actions and intentions. Ask for guidance in developing a deeper, more sincere prayer life. Seek strength to practice spiritual disciplines with humility and devotion. Request wisdom to prioritize eternal values over temporary, worldly concerns. Pray for trust in God's provision and peace in the face of life's uncertainties. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' teaching on giving to the needy challenge societal norms around charity? 2. Reflect on the Lord's Prayer as a model for your personal prayers. How can it guide your prayer life? 3. How does Jesus' teaching on fasting apply to other spiritual disciplines you practice? 4. In what ways does the teaching about treasures in heaven reshape your understanding of success? 5. How does Jesus' teaching on worry challenge your approach to handling life's anxieties? 6. What does the phrase "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" mean to you in your present context? 7. How can Jesus' teachings on sincerity in worship impact your spiritual practices? 8. How does the concept of God seeing what is done in secret influence your approach to acts of righteousness? 9. Reflect on the statement "No one can serve two masters." How does it speak to your own priorities and commitments? 10. How do Jesus' words about God's provision in nature reassure you in times of worry? 11. In what ways can you store up treasures in heaven in your daily life? 12. How does Jesus' admonition to live each day as it comes influence your perspective on planning and future worries? 13. How does the idea of the eye as the lamp of the body reflect on spiritual and moral vision? 14. How can you implement the principles of not worrying about tomorrow in your life? 15. What does the dichotomy between earthly and heavenly treasures teach us about the values of the Kingdom of God? 16. How can the teachings in this chapter shape your attitude towards material possessions? 17. How does Jesus' reassurance of God's provision help to build trust in God? 18. How can you practice the principle of seeking God's Kingdom first in your personal and professional life? 19. Reflect on how the teachings in this chapter can influence the way you handle stress and anxiety. 20. How can you practically apply Jesus' teachings on sincere worship in your day-to-day faith journey? Topics 1. Giving to the Needy (Matthew 6:1-4) Jesus instructs on the proper attitude towards giving, emphasizing secrecy and sincerity. The Greek word "ἐλεημοσύνη" (eleēmosynē) refers to acts of mercy or charity. The passage warns against performing righteous acts for the sake of public recognition. 2. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15) This section provides a model for prayer, highlighting the importance of sincerity and humility. The Greek term "προσεύχομαι" (proseuchomai) means to pray. Jesus emphasizes private prayer and introduces the Lord’s Prayer, which includes elements of worship, petition, and forgiveness. 3. Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18) Jesus teaches about fasting, advising against outward displays of piety. The Greek word "νηστεύω" (nēsteuō) means to fast. The focus is on fasting as a private discipline between the individual and God, rather than a public spectacle. 4. Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) This passage contrasts earthly and heavenly treasures, urging believers to prioritize eternal values. The Greek word "θησαυρός" (thēsauros) refers to treasure or wealth. Jesus encourages storing up treasures in heaven, where they are secure and eternal. 5. The Lamp of the Body (Matthew 6:22-23) Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body to discuss spiritual perception. The Greek word "λύχνος" (lychnos) means lamp. A healthy eye symbolizes a clear and focused spiritual vision, while a bad eye represents spiritual darkness. 6. Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34) Jesus addresses anxiety about material needs, urging trust in God’s provision. The Greek word "μεριμνάω" (merimnaō) means to be anxious or worried. He encourages seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first, with the assurance that God will provide for all needs. Themes 1. Righteousness and Hypocrisy Jesus warns against practicing righteousness before others to be seen by them. He emphasizes sincerity in acts of charity, prayer, and fasting, contrasting it with the hypocrisy of seeking human approval. ^“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”^ (Matthew 6:1) 2. Secret Giving The theme of giving in secret is highlighted, where the left hand should not know what the right hand is doing, emphasizing the importance of humility and discretion in charitable acts. ^“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.”^ (Matthew 6:3-4) 3. Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches about sincere prayer, introducing the Lord’s Prayer as a model. The focus is on private, heartfelt communication with God rather than public displays. ^“But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”^ (Matthew 6:6) 4. Forgiveness Forgiveness is a key theme, where Jesus underscores the necessity of forgiving others as a condition for receiving God’s forgiveness. ^“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”^ (Matthew 6:14) 5. Fasting in Secret Jesus instructs on fasting with a focus on sincerity and humility, avoiding outward signs of fasting to gain human admiration. ^“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen.”^ (Matthew 6:17-18) 6. Treasures in Heaven The theme of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth is emphasized, encouraging believers to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth. ^“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”^ (Matthew 6:19) 7. The Eye as the Lamp of the Body Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body to illustrate the importance of spiritual perception and focus. ^“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.”^ (Matthew 6:22) 8. Serving Two Masters The impossibility of serving both God and money is highlighted, urging believers to choose their ultimate allegiance. ^“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”^ (Matthew 6:24) 9. Do Not Worry Jesus teaches about trusting God for provision, encouraging believers not to worry about their needs but to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. ^“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.”^ (Matthew 6:25) 10. Seek First the Kingdom of God The chapter concludes with a call to prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness, promising that all necessary things will be provided. ^“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”^ (Matthew 6:33) Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions