In this part of Jesus’ sermon we learn that we must have our priorities concerning material things properly aligned if our relationship with God is going to be what it should. If your focus or “your eye” is on treasures on earth, your heart will experience great disappointment because the things in which you find your joy will not last. The enemy wants us to be consumed with earthly things, whether it be material possessions or internal issues like praise of men. He wants to steal our joy and peace. But, if you are storing up treasure in heaven, meaning you are living for God’s glory and the good of others, whatever happens on earth will not devastate you

We know that prayer is a powerful and necessary spiritual discipline. Jesus, Who modeled that prayer is of the utmost importance, teaches that the manner in which we pray can be more important than what we say when we pray. Jesus gives us elements of proper prayer that include: praying in secret, avoiding vain repetition, patterning after His example, and offering prayer with a merciful and forgiving spirit. Fasting is another discipline that Jesus addresses. Jesus Himself practiced this discipline and talks about it as something we are to do. We are to approach fasting in the same manner as prayer.

We know that prayer is a powerful and necessary spiritual discipline. Jesus, Who modeled that prayer is of the utmost importance, teaches that the manner in which we pray can be more important than what we say when we pray. Jesus gives us elements of proper prayer that include: praying in secret, avoiding vain repetition, patterning after His example, and offering prayer with a merciful and forgiving spirit. Fasting is another discipline that Jesus addresses. Jesus Himself practiced this discipline and talks about it as something we are to do. We are to approach fasting in the same manner as prayer

We heard Jesus say earlier in His sermon, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Now Jesus is saying that our giving should be done in secret. Jesus is not contradicting Himself, but is addressing a different matter—the matter of the heart. He is addressing hypocrisy and phoniness in regard to righteousness. It is proper to do good works before men when we are trying to secure praise for God, but not when we are trying to secure praise for ourselves. If, in the innermost being of your heart, you do not mean to please and glorify God, your reward will be limited to the praise of men, not of God.

We heard Jesus say earlier in His sermon, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Now Jesus is saying that our giving should be done in secret. Jesus is not contradicting Himself, but is addressing a different matter—the matter of the heart. He is addressing hypocrisy and phoniness in regard to righteousness. It is proper to do good works before men when we are trying to secure praise for God, but not when we are trying to secure praise for ourselves. If, in the innermost being of your heart, you do not mean to please and glorify God, your reward will be limited to the praise of men, not of God.

The Old Testament did not really say to hate your enemy, but it did teach to "love your neighbor as yourself,” and it taught that kindness was to be shown to your enemy. Choosing to love and pray for those who persecute or mistreat us mystifies unbelievers, and yet this is the lifestyle to which we are called by God. We are to love all people regardless of how they treat us. Although some may set themselves up as enemies against us, they are people in need of a saving relationship with Jesus and an understanding of His Lordship in their lives. The Word of God instructs us to love them, praying that they might enter His kingdom

“Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” This statement is from the Mosaic laws and was given to guide the priests in meriting out proper punishment. The scribes and Pharisees had interpreted these statements to justify personal retribution and applied them by frequently taking matters of revenge into their own hands, just as many people do today. Jesus taught about the righteous of the kingdom by proclaiming two principles: do not resist an evil person and react to the evil being done by doing good. We are not to take vengeance into our own hands; vengeance is the Lord’s

“Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” This statement is from the Mosaic laws and was given to guide the priests in meriting out proper punishment. The scribes and Pharisees had interpreted these statements to justify personal retribution and applied them by frequently taking matters of revenge into their own hands, just as many people do today. Jesus taught about the righteous of the kingdom by proclaiming two principles: do not resist an evil person and react to the evil being done by doing good. We are not to take vengeance into our own hands; vengeance is the Lord’s

Kingdom relationships are governed by truthfulness. Having integrity of speech by doing what you say, means that God is reigning in your heart. The emphasis of the commands of God regarding oaths in the Old Testament was on truthfulness and faithfulness. A person must be truthful when swearing an oath; one must truly mean it. Our word should be enough. When we say yes, that should be as binding as a vow. When we say no, someone should be able to take that to the bank, because our word is good.

Kingdom relationships are governed by truthfulness. Having integrity of speech by doing what you say, means that God is reigning in your heart. The emphasis of the commands of God regarding oaths in the Old Testament was on truthfulness and faithfulness. A person must be truthful when swearing an oath; one must truly mean it. Our word should be enough. When we say yes, that should be as binding as a vow. When we say no, someone should be able to take that to the bank, because our word is good.