Sessions 14 & 15 Notes Download

Matthew 6:1-18   Three examples are provided – righteous deeds, prayer and fasting. Jesus indicated that all three were practiced for he used the word “when” and not “if”.

Matthew 6:1-4   As we live according to the beatitudes, we are different than the religious and the non-religious, but we are not separate from the world. We are the salt of the earth and the lights of the world (which certainly implies that our lifestyle and merciful acts are viewed by others). The point relates to our intentions and motives. We do what we do out of a pure heart with the purpose of glorifying God and reconciling people to Him.

Genuine, God-centered Christianity is not about appreciation or validation from people. We are at peace with God and believe He has called us, loves us, and includes us in His eternal family. We understand our identity is now in Christ and not self-accomplishment.

Galatians 2:20   I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Those who struggle to embrace their new identity in Christ may still seek validation from others, relying on their good works to feel valued. Those who do identity with “Christ in you” as their new identity no longer need or yearn for the acceptance and approval from people. Knowing that God is at work within us to will and do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13) voids out co-dependance with others. We are truly free to serve in love.

Galatians 5:13-14   For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”.

Feigning to serve with godly intentions, while actually being driven by selfish motives, is pure hypocrisy. We need to check our motives. God rewards us for serving, but the reward alone is not our primary motivation. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heave” (Matthew 5:16).

It does feel good to bless God and help others. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Scripture to consider regarding rewards are Matthew 25:31-40; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; 4:5; 9:17.

Matthew 6:4   The word “giving” is translated from the Greek word eleemosune meaning deeds of mercy.

The insatiable craving for human praise was the Pharisees’ great downfall. Their lust for power, control, and acclaim proved devastating for them and those around them. They used people to feel good about themselves.

John 5:44   How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?

Matthew 6:5-7   Again we are warned not to be like the religious people nor the pagans. The religious hypocrites feigned piety and devotion to God, but in reality, they sought to impress others and draw attention to themselves. The right way to pray is the opposite with devotion completely on God with no regard for self or others. Be real with God, never just going through the motions. He looks at the heart, so make sure it is from your heart.

Do not be like the Gentiles with vain, meaningless repetition. Repetition is not wrong. Jesus prayed three times the same prayer in the garden. He teaches us to be repetitious in Luke 11 and 18. The issue of concern is to have your heart and mind engaged. Be real with God, not robotic.

Matthew 6:9-13   This prayer is an outline and guideline for daily prayer.

OUR – The pronoun “us” in verses 11,12, and 13 demonstrates that the prayer is not only self-focused but also intercessory, encompassing the needs of others.

FATHER – First and foremost, we acknowledge that God is our Father. In the sermon, Jesus refers to God as “Father” 17 times. In the entire OT, God is referred to as “Father” around 15 times. The one to whom we pray is not some remote, untouchable deity but rather a loving, caring, compassionate parent.

6:8, 26, 32; 7:7-11   Foremost and central in Jesus’ instruction regarding prayer is our awareness of the parent/child connection we have with God.

YOU ARE IN HEAVEN – Our God, Yahweh, is the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present Almighty God, ruler of heaven and earth. We pray to the one who can really help by answering our petitions.

HOLLOWED BE YOUR NAME – We must always hold a reverent attitude to God for He is holy, holy, holy (Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8). Indeed, He is our Father, but He is also Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth. “Hallow” means to honor as holy or to revere. God’s name to be revered and kept sacred.

YOUR KINGDOM COME YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN – Jesus preached about the Kingdom both before the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 4:17) and continued teaching about it afterward (Matthew 9:35). During the sermon, he mentioned the Kingdom nine times. We are instructed to include the coming Kingdom in our daily prayer because it is the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) in this evil world. The patriarchs and matriarchs of our faith all kept the hope in the forefront of their minds (Hebrews 11).

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD – This highlights both our physical and spiritual needs, emphasizing our daily reliance on God as we seek His guidance in all our actions.

FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OTHERS – 1 John 1:6-10 – If we want forgiveness, then we MUST forgive others.

Matthew 6:14-15   Forgiveness is not optional.

Some dismiss this because they believe forgiveness is entirely dependent on the blood of Jesus and not their works; however, Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; and Colossians 3:13 (among other verses) support the above truth. It is not wise to discount Jesus’ teachings as 1 Timothy 6:3-4 warns – If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing….

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL – We have Jesus’ example of how to deal with temptation in Matthew 4 and the promise in      1 Corinthians 10:13 that He will help us escape, so we pray.

Matthew 6:17-19   Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food, drink, or certain activities for a spiritual purpose. It is used to seek closeness to God, repentance from sin, or to seek guidance (Acts 13:1-2).

Matthew 6:20-24   We are to shift our focus from earthly, temporary gains to eternal, spiritual treasures.

Where our treasure is, there our heart will be, and what is in your heart is in your life. Guard your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23).

A healthy eye has a clear, focused, and pure perspective on the good and righteous things thereby influencing our thoughts, actions, and overall life. The opposite is also true.

Matthew 6:22-33   Do not be swallowed up in all the things the nonbelievers focus on; rather, keep your eye on the Kingdom.

Matthew 6:34   Live one day at a time.