Matthew 6
(1-4) We might be tempted to think that chapter 6 starts something new. However, this is all one sermon. It may start a new point, but not a different sermon.

 

Once again Christ addresses our hearts;
why do we do the things that we do?

We are warned not to do righteous acts so that others will see and praise us. We are to do those things out of obedience to God and for the reward that He gives us.

We should give to others in such a way that it is simply a part of life! Never for the praise of men, but only for the Lord.

HEART CHECK: Do you practice your deeds to be noticed by others? Do you get upset when others do not thank or honour you? When your family seems ungrateful for your service, how do you respond?

(5-8) Prayer is the same, we are not to pray so that others will notice and be impressed by our outward righteousness. Instead, we are to pray to our Father, not with pride or many puffed up words, but from the heart.

HEART CHECK: Which reward are you looking for in prayer: the reward of the praise of men or the reward from God?

(9-13) So that we will know how to pray, Christ teaches us how to pray:

  • To our Father in heaven for His name is to be reverenced.
  • Pray for His kingdom to come, his will be done, and for our daily needs.
  • Pray for forgiveness and to be able to forgive others.
  • Pray to be delivered from evil.
  • Pray acknowledging our dependence on Him in all things.
  • Remember that our forgiveness of others should be a reflection of our forgiveness by God.

HEART CHECK: Do your prayers focus more on you or on God?

(14-18) Why do we do the things that we do? Christ uses the example of fasting. Do we fast to seek the wisdom of God, to acknowledge our dependence on him, for a reward from him or do we fast for the notice and praise of others?

HEART CHECK: When you practice spiritual disciplines, do you do them to please God or for the attention that you receive from others?

(19-24) Christ has referenced rewards and praise several times so now he turns to what kinds of rewards to are storing up. Is our treasure in heaven or on earth? We cannot store both, if we try to be devoted to God and the things of the world it will cloud our spiritual eyes. If we try and serve God and money, we will fail at serving God. We can only have one master.

HEART CHECK: Do you have a divided heart? Or are you single-minded in your devotion to Christ as evidenced in how you spend your time, money, thoughts, etc.?

(28-34) Christ then shows us the connection between trying to serve the Master and trying to store up treasure in the wrong place and worry and anxiety in our lives.

We are commanded not to worry. Worry can add nothing to the length of our life, nor supply our daily needs.

HEART CHECK: Are you prone to worry or to worship?

by Dawn F.