Chapter Six

Chapter Six

1. Purpose

   • Practice of piety (holiness). Definition of righteousness and how it can be put into practice.
     • MANSON: "A compass rather than a map; it gives direction rather than directions"
       • Jesus is not setting an impossible ideal. Setting an aim to be like God. We cannot be perfect as we are not divine but we can strive to be so.
         • Three pillars of Judaism: Almsgiving, prayer, fasting.
     • Matthew is concerned with the Kingdom genuine. Real kingdom v1, kingdom priority v19
       • Who has priority in the Kingdom. Those who are not hypocrites, or false. Those who are genuine and have faith in God and his plan - do not worry.

2. Giving to the Needy

   • Practice of piety. Concern with the practical moral life of disciples, guidance.
     • You should not act for the praise of others but act privately for the praise of God. "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of other"
       • The issue for Jesus is motive. "Do not announce it with trumpets"

3. Prayer

   • "Do not be like the hypocrites" Issue for Jesus is motive.
     • Gentiles criticised, long prayers meaning nothing. Disciple has to address only one God, ask him in trust.
       • V9: Our Father. Disciples forgiveness precedes God's forgiveness.

4. Fasting

   • "Do not look somber" Warnings against hypocritical piety.
     • Hypocrites look gloomy, draw attention to themselves. Only reward is popular admiration.
   • "Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you"
     • Father knows your inward attitude.

5. Treasures in Heaven

   • "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth"
     • Obedient loyalty to God which excludes worldly concerns. Treasures in heaven are worth more.
       • Exempt from corrosion/decay, beyond the reach of thieves.
       • "No one can serve two masters" "Devoted to one and despise the other". Money and God.
         • Undivided loyalty to God.
     • Reward in the coming Kingdom. No clear vision if focus is on God and possessions. No direction.

6. Do Not Worry

   • Single minded devotion should rid anxiety about ordinary material things.
     • Freedom from worry like "birds in the air" they still get fed by God without storing food.
       • Worrying will not lengthen your life.
   • Trust Jesus' power, do not lack confidence in God's care and provision.
     • God will satisfy his disciples with his generosity. Only with faith and seeking KOG will men be delivered from worry about tomorrow.