MATTHEW CHAPTER 6
When God created man, Adam was made to live in harmony with his Creator. Placed in the perfection of Eden's garden, Adam dwelt in God's Kingdom where he could flourish. Fashioned in the very image of God, Adam was to reflect God's nature. Though granted free will, Adam's choice to disobey divine law fractured the relationship between creature and Creator. Cast from paradise into a blemished world, mankind was yet beloved by the Lord. God set in motion His plan to redeem people and restore them to the Kingdom through the atoning sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Don't do good deeds to show off to others or you will not be rewarded by God. When giving to the poor or praying, do it secretly so only God sees, not to gain praise from people. Then God will reward you.
When giving to the poor don't draw attention to yourself with a trumpet like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and streets. They get praise from people but that is their only reward.
When you pray, don't be ostentatious like the hypocrites who love to pray loudly in public places to be seen. They get attention from people but no reward from God.
Pray privately in your room with the door closed to only be seen by God who will then reward you.
When praying don't repeat endless phrases like the Gentiles thinking you will be heard for all the words. God knows what you need already before you ask.
Matthew Chapter 6:1-8 summarized:
Matthew chapter 6:1-8 highlights how the Kingdom man should live. He is of two kingdoms, and he is to be the representative, as one from the kingdom of light, to those who reside in the dark kingdom.
Matthew 6:1-8 is a crucial passage in understanding how Jesus taught His followers to live, especially in relation to the concept of being "Kingdom men" who are part of God's kingdom yet living in a worldly realm. This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the attitudes and behaviors that should characterize His followers.
In these verses, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness in order to be seen by others. Instead, He encourages His followers to do good deeds quietly and humbly, promising that the Father who sees what is done in secret will reward them. This teaching reflects the biblical principle that God's kingdom is not about outward show or human approval, but about a sincere and humble heart before God.
The idea of Christians being "of two kingdoms" is deeply rooted in the Bible. Believers are seen as citizens of God's kingdom, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Yet, they also live in a world that often operates on very different principles. This dual citizenship calls for Christians to be representatives of God's kingdom - the kingdom of light - in a world that can often be described as a kingdom of darkness.
Being a representative of the kingdom of light involves living out the values and principles of that kingdom, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It also means being a light in the darkness, showing others the way to God and demonstrating the transformation that comes from a relationship with Christ.
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:1-8 challenges believers to examine their motives and to seek to please God rather than people. It is a call to authentic, humble service that reflects the heart of God, rather than seeking the applause or approval of others. This way of living is counter-cultural and requires reliance on the Holy Spirit, but it is the way of the Kingdom that Jesus came to establish.
Matthew 6:9-13, commonly known as the Lord's prayer, further elaborates on how man should perceive his place in both kingdoms.
Matthew 6:9-13, known as the Lord's Prayer, indeed provides profound insight into how believers are to understand their place in both the kingdom of God and the earthly realm. This prayer is a model given by Jesus to His disciples, encapsulating key aspects of God's nature, our relationship with Him, and how we are to live as citizens of His kingdom while residing in the world.
Recognition of God's Sovereignty ("Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name"): The prayer begins by acknowledging God's holiness and sovereignty. This sets the tone for understanding that, while believers are in the world, they are primarily under the authority of God's kingdom. His name being "hallowed" implies a deep reverence and separation from worldly values.
God's Kingdom and Will ("Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"): This line is a petition for God's reign and will to be established on earth, reflecting the reality of heaven. It suggests that believers are agents through whom God's heavenly kingdom manifests on earth. In living out the values and teachings of Christ, Christians demonstrate a slice of heaven in the earthly realm.
Dependence on God for Provision ("Give us today our daily bread"): This part of the prayer shows reliance on God for daily needs, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider. It reflects a trust in God's care and provision, which transcends earthly systems and economies.
Forgiveness and Moral Conduct ("And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors"): Here, Jesus highlights the importance of forgiveness, which is a key principle in the kingdom of God. It signifies the need for believers to practice forgiveness in their earthly interactions, mirroring the forgiveness they receive from God.
Guidance and Protection ("And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one"): This final petition recognizes the moral and spiritual challenges believers face in the world. It is a plea for God's guidance and protection from evil influences and choices that are contrary to His will.
The Lord's Prayer is thus a blueprint for living as citizens of God's kingdom while in the world. It emphasizes the primacy of God's kingdom, the pursuit of His will, reliance on His provision, the practice of forgiveness, and the need for divine guidance and protection. In essence, it guides believers in navigating the tension of being in the world but not of it, aiming to reflect God's kingdom values in their daily lives.
The rest of chapter 6 further expounds on man's responsibilities in demonstrating the kingdom of light to a very dark world.
Indeed, the remainder of Matthew chapter 6 continues to provide guidance on how believers can demonstrate the kingdom of light in a world often characterized by spiritual darkness. This section of the Sermon on the Mount deals with various aspects of daily living, offering practical instructions on how to embody kingdom values.
Trust in God for Provision (Matthew 6:19-34): Jesus teaches about the importance of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth. He warns against the accumulation of earthly treasures, which are temporary and vulnerable, and instead encourages storing up treasures in heaven. The passage "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear" (Matthew 6:25) emphasizes reliance on God for daily needs, just as He cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. This teaches believers to trust in God's provision and care, demonstrating a life that is not consumed by material anxieties but is focused on spiritual realities.
A Single-Minded Focus on God (Matthew 6:22-23): The metaphor of the eye being the lamp of the body illustrates the importance of spiritual focus. A "good eye" (indicating a healthy spiritual perspective) fills one's life with light, while a "bad eye" (representing a worldly and materialistic focus) leads to darkness. This teaching encourages believers to have a single-minded devotion to God and His kingdom values.
Serving God Alone (Matthew 6:24): Jesus clearly states that no one can serve two masters, emphasizing the impossibility of dividing allegiance between God and wealth (mammon). This verse challenges believers to examine their loyalties and to commit wholeheartedly to serving God rather than being ensnared by worldly pursuits or wealth.
Throughout Matthew 6, Jesus presents a countercultural blueprint for living as part of God's kingdom in a fallen world. The teachings call for a radical reorientation of values and priorities, focusing on eternal spiritual realities rather than temporary worldly concerns. By living out these principles, believers become visible representatives of the kingdom of light, reflecting the character and priorities of God in a world that desperately needs His light and truth.