Lectionary Calendar

Saturday, December 21st, 2024
the Third Week of Advent

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Matthew 6

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Introduction

Introduction: Read - Matthew 19:16-26
1. Jesus begins teaching the people the “Be-Attitudes” …how we should desire and strive to be as we grow in Grace and the knowledge of Jesus!
2. Jesus then moved to the servitudes…
  1. Salt of the Earth -- Matthew 5:13a Ye are the salt of the earth:
  2. Light of the World -- Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world.
3. Matt 5:17-45 dealt with issues of the Heart – which were basically “ME” attitudes!
  1. Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Law (Matt 5:17…)
  2. But without Jesus, our Righteousness exceeding the Pharisees (v20)
    1. Anger > Murder
    2. Lust > Adultery
    3. Vengence belongs to the Lord…
    4. We are to walk in Christ’s Righteousness, with our eyes on the CROSS!
4. Chapter 6 beings looking at the “Motives of the Heart” !
  1. To Begin, remember: Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

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Introduction

Introduction: Read - Matthew 19:16-26
1. Jesus begins teaching the people the “Be-Attitudes” …how we should desire and strive to be as we grow in Grace and the knowledge of Jesus!
2. Jesus then moved to the servitudes…
  1. Salt of the Earth -- Matthew 5:13a Ye are the salt of the earth:
  2. Light of the World -- Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world.
3. Matt 5:17-45 dealt with issues of the Heart – which were basically “ME” attitudes!
  1. Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Law (Matt 5:17…)
  2. But without Jesus, our Righteousness exceeding the Pharisees (v20)
    1. Anger > Murder
    2. Lust > Adultery
    3. Vengence belongs to the Lord…
    4. We are to walk in Christ’s Righteousness, with our eyes on the CROSS!
4. Chapter 6 beings looking at the “Motives of the Heart” !
  1. To Begin, remember: Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

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Verses 1-18

Who Are We Serving?
1. Discuss “Who is our master?” …self, money, time, tv, food, video games…
  1. Jesus is going to discuss 4 areas of our lives that are “Life Application” and call us to examine our own motives and to look at how we approach them…
  2. In the “Rich Young Ruler”, the man went away sad because he was unwilling to give up his “god” – in this case: MONEY.
  3. In the areas of life that Jesus speaks to, the question we must ask is who is God…the hypocrites and Pharisees’ god was themselves, their pride and egotism.
  4. Jesus is calling us all to worship HIM, not we ourselves or what we think is “right”. As soon as we move to the point in our lives where we choose to ignore HIS WORD, then we have become Pharisees ourselves!
2. In Giving to the Church
  Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  1. Notice, Jesus doesn’t say “IF” you give alms, rather “WHEN” you give…it’s an expectation by the LORD.
  2. We’re not to give as the Hypocrites…looking for the fame and honor! In fact, we’re to give in a manner where one hand doesn’t know what the other is doing – that’s why we don’t take an offering here at church!
  3. We do have many directives in the Bible how we ARE supposed to give:
    1. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
    2. Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
    3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
      1. hil-ar-os':: 1. cheerful, joyous, prompt to do anything
    4. Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
3. When We Pray?
  1. Not as the “Hypocrites”
    Matthew 6:5-8 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
    1. Don’t pray to get praise or respect or honor
    2. Pray in secret – Our Father desires an intimate friendship! (close-up and personal)
    3. Don’t use “vain” repetitions…this means don’t say the same phrase or words over and over with “emptiness”. Certainly we are to “seek and keep seeking, ask and keep asking, knock and keep knocking” because that’s what Jesus said to do.
      1. “Ohming” our bellybutton in attempt to move God is ridiculous.
      2. Wailing wall example
    4. Ask in faith knowing that our Father knows what we “NEED” (not want or are coveting).
  2. The Disciples Prayer (v. 9-13)
    1. Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
      1. “After this manner” – Jesus is teaching them to pray, and giving them example of how, not a “Cookie cutter”. This might also be called the “Disciple’s Prayer”.
      2. No Jew had ever heard or thought that they could approach the Great “I AM” with the familiarity of “Father”…but we can!
      3. Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
      4. Galatians 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
      5. “Hallowed be thy name” – holy is Your name, Lord. (similar in Psalm 111:9)
        
        Heb 11:6…Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must *** believe that He is ***, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
    2. Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
      1. Coming in the spirit of humility and worship… “Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”.
      2. “hallowed” - means “HOLY”
      3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matt 5:5) – this is living this out when we want God’s will and desire to do it here on earth!
    3. Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
      1. Bringing petitions in due time w/o begging!
      2. Asking for the needs of the “Present Time”
      3. Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
      4. Remember: Matt 5:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
      5. Philippians 4:12-13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
      6. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
      7. We must learn to trust God with both the definition of “NEED” and the provision of it!
    4. Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
      1. Asking for forgiveness – past actions and sins; just as we choose to forgive those in our past.
    5. Matthew 6:13a And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
      1. Looking to the future: Lord, please keep me from temptation and deliver me from evil.
        
        “Keep me from temptation” :: This is good to pray, because sometimes we just can’t even handle the temptation – we fail because we are weak, frail & “HUMAN”!
        
        (I believe this is here because God knows we’ll forget His strength is made perfect in our weakness!)
      2. Deliver us from evil…from the evil in the world, it’s influences, it’s lusts, it’s carnality and the death that lies therein! …deliver us from “US”.
    6. Matthew 6:13b For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
      1. Turn the focus back to God, for He alone is good!
      2. Yours is the only kingdom (it is the ONLY ETERNAL KINGDOM)
      3. Yours is the only TRUE POWER – the power to save and to condemn.
      4. Yours is the only GLORY…everything else pales in comparison!
      5. And it’s ALL FOREVER!
  3. Opening the Door
    Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
    1. Psalms 66:17-19 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
    2. Lifestyle of unforgiveness (Rebellion) vs. difficulty of forgiving…
      1. Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
      2. We must allow Jesus to forgive through us…
4. When We Fast
  Read: Matthew 6:16-18
  1. Same principles…why are we doing it? Who gets the reward?
Conclusion
1. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

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Verses 1-18

Who Are We Serving?
1. Discuss “Who is our master?” …self, money, time, tv, food, video games…
  1. Jesus is going to discuss 4 areas of our lives that are “Life Application” and call us to examine our own motives and to look at how we approach them…
  2. In the “Rich Young Ruler”, the man went away sad because he was unwilling to give up his “god” – in this case: MONEY.
  3. In the areas of life that Jesus speaks to, the question we must ask is who is God…the hypocrites and Pharisees’ god was themselves, their pride and egotism.
  4. Jesus is calling us all to worship HIM, not we ourselves or what we think is “right”. As soon as we move to the point in our lives where we choose to ignore HIS WORD, then we have become Pharisees ourselves!
2. In Giving to the Church
  Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  1. Notice, Jesus doesn’t say “IF” you give alms, rather “WHEN” you give…it’s an expectation by the LORD.
  2. We’re not to give as the Hypocrites…looking for the fame and honor! In fact, we’re to give in a manner where one hand doesn’t know what the other is doing – that’s why we don’t take an offering here at church!
  3. We do have many directives in the Bible how we ARE supposed to give:
    1. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
    2. Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
    3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
      1. hil-ar-os':: 1. cheerful, joyous, prompt to do anything
    4. Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
3. When We Pray?
  1. Not as the “Hypocrites”
    Matthew 6:5-8 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
    1. Don’t pray to get praise or respect or honor
    2. Pray in secret – Our Father desires an intimate friendship! (close-up and personal)
    3. Don’t use “vain” repetitions…this means don’t say the same phrase or words over and over with “emptiness”. Certainly we are to “seek and keep seeking, ask and keep asking, knock and keep knocking” because that’s what Jesus said to do.
      1. “Ohming” our bellybutton in attempt to move God is ridiculous.
      2. Wailing wall example
    4. Ask in faith knowing that our Father knows what we “NEED” (not want or are coveting).
  2. The Disciples Prayer (v. 9-13)
    1. Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
      1. “After this manner” – Jesus is teaching them to pray, and giving them example of how, not a “Cookie cutter”. This might also be called the “Disciple’s Prayer”.
      2. No Jew had ever heard or thought that they could approach the Great “I AM” with the familiarity of “Father”…but we can!
      3. Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
      4. Galatians 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
      5. “Hallowed be thy name” – holy is Your name, Lord. (similar in Psalm 111:9)
        
        Heb 11:6…Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must *** believe that He is ***, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
    2. Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
      1. Coming in the spirit of humility and worship… “Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”.
      2. “hallowed” - means “HOLY”
      3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matt 5:5) – this is living this out when we want God’s will and desire to do it here on earth!
    3. Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
      1. Bringing petitions in due time w/o begging!
      2. Asking for the needs of the “Present Time”
      3. Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
      4. Remember: Matt 5:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
      5. Philippians 4:12-13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
      6. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
      7. We must learn to trust God with both the definition of “NEED” and the provision of it!
    4. Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
      1. Asking for forgiveness – past actions and sins; just as we choose to forgive those in our past.
    5. Matthew 6:13a And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
      1. Looking to the future: Lord, please keep me from temptation and deliver me from evil.
        
        “Keep me from temptation” :: This is good to pray, because sometimes we just can’t even handle the temptation – we fail because we are weak, frail & “HUMAN”!
        
        (I believe this is here because God knows we’ll forget His strength is made perfect in our weakness!)
      2. Deliver us from evil…from the evil in the world, it’s influences, it’s lusts, it’s carnality and the death that lies therein! …deliver us from “US”.
    6. Matthew 6:13b For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
      1. Turn the focus back to God, for He alone is good!
      2. Yours is the only kingdom (it is the ONLY ETERNAL KINGDOM)
      3. Yours is the only TRUE POWER – the power to save and to condemn.
      4. Yours is the only GLORY…everything else pales in comparison!
      5. And it’s ALL FOREVER!
  3. Opening the Door
    Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
    1. Psalms 66:17-19 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
    2. Lifestyle of unforgiveness (Rebellion) vs. difficulty of forgiving…
      1. Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
      2. We must allow Jesus to forgive through us…
4. When We Fast
  Read: Matthew 6:16-18
  1. Same principles…why are we doing it? Who gets the reward?
Conclusion
1. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

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Verses 19-24

Introduction: Read - Matthew 19:16-26
1. So far in the beatitudes we have looked at:
  1. The Methods of the Heart (Matt 5:1-16)
  2. The Issues of the Heart (Matt 5:17-45)
  3. The Wrong Motives of the Heart (Matt 6:1-18)
  4. The Right Motivation of the Heart (1Cor 13:1-8)
2. Today we will look at the “The Affections of the Heart” as we complete Matthew chapter 6.
Where is Our Heart?
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1. Where (truly) is our treasure?
  We can find out by asking 3 Questions:
  1. Where is our time spent? …We primarily spend our time in 4 areas:
    1. Work – do we work to live or live to work?
    2. Family – Is our spouse and then our children first in our ministry priorities
    3. Leisure – Does our leisure take priority over God and what He is calling us to do?
    4. God – What priority does the Kingdom business have in our lives?
  2. Where or How do we use our talents?
    1. God has given each of us multiple talents…are we using them for His kingdom, for temporal treasures? …or simply burying them in the ground?
      1. Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the talents)
    2. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
  3. How do we spend our money?
    ??? Do we acknowledge to God that all that we have is His? …and do we then ask Him how He wants it spent?
2. Jesus desires to be our treasure
  1. Jesus desires to be our motivating factor…
  2. Jesus desires that our eternity be at the forefront of our LIVES!
  3. Luke 12:15-22 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
3. Who is Our Master?
  Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  1. In the first part of this chapter, Jesus discussed 4 areas of our lives: Giving, Praying, Forgiving, & Fasting
  2. Mammon is: Earthly goods; property; riches. (KJVD)
  3. As we look back at these…we can ask ourselves do we do them with Jesus as our Master?
  4. We have the story of the Rich Young Ruler – his master was money:
    1. Luke 18:18-27 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? 27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
  5. The principle is that we can ONLY serve ONE MASTER…Jesus or ourselves!
  6. Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
  7. Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife. (Tell story of Lot’s wife…pillar of salt)
  8. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

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Verses 19-24

Introduction: Read - Matthew 19:16-26
1. So far in the beatitudes we have looked at:
  1. The Methods of the Heart (Matt 5:1-16)
  2. The Issues of the Heart (Matt 5:17-45)
  3. The Wrong Motives of the Heart (Matt 6:1-18)
  4. The Right Motivation of the Heart (1Cor 13:1-8)
2. Today we will look at the “The Affections of the Heart” as we complete Matthew chapter 6.
Where is Our Heart?
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1. Where (truly) is our treasure?
  We can find out by asking 3 Questions:
  1. Where is our time spent? …We primarily spend our time in 4 areas:
    1. Work – do we work to live or live to work?
    2. Family – Is our spouse and then our children first in our ministry priorities
    3. Leisure – Does our leisure take priority over God and what He is calling us to do?
    4. God – What priority does the Kingdom business have in our lives?
  2. Where or How do we use our talents?
    1. God has given each of us multiple talents…are we using them for His kingdom, for temporal treasures? …or simply burying them in the ground?
      1. Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the talents)
    2. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
  3. How do we spend our money?
    ??? Do we acknowledge to God that all that we have is His? …and do we then ask Him how He wants it spent?
2. Jesus desires to be our treasure
  1. Jesus desires to be our motivating factor…
  2. Jesus desires that our eternity be at the forefront of our LIVES!
  3. Luke 12:15-22 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
3. Who is Our Master?
  Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  1. In the first part of this chapter, Jesus discussed 4 areas of our lives: Giving, Praying, Forgiving, & Fasting
  2. Mammon is: Earthly goods; property; riches. (KJVD)
  3. As we look back at these…we can ask ourselves do we do them with Jesus as our Master?
  4. We have the story of the Rich Young Ruler – his master was money:
    1. Luke 18:18-27 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? 27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
  5. The principle is that we can ONLY serve ONE MASTER…Jesus or ourselves!
  6. Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
  7. Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife. (Tell story of Lot’s wife…pillar of salt)
  8. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

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Verses 25-34

Take NO ANXIOUS Thoughts for Your Life
1. God’s Got Your Back
  1. Anxious Thoughts are Forbidden
    Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
    1. The phrase “Take no thought” literally means: It is forbidden to take anxious thought
      1. God’s heart here is that we don’t go through torment that comes through anxiousness – He loves us too much for that.
      2. Rather, He desires that we walk by faith, trusting Him and not leaning on our own understanding…
      3. We do this by taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
    2. Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
  2. Why?
    Matthew 6:26-29 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
    1. Solomon, the richest man in all the world, wasn’t dressed as beautifully as a lily in the field…God does exceedingly abundantly always – He’s God!
2. Have Faith
  Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  1. This tells us that if we are anxious about the cares of this world, we are not walking by faith!
  2. Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
  3. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
  4. Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
3. Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God
  Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
  1. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
  2. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
  3. James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Conclusion
Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

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Verses 25-34

Take NO ANXIOUS Thoughts for Your Life
1. God’s Got Your Back
  1. Anxious Thoughts are Forbidden
    Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
    1. The phrase “Take no thought” literally means: It is forbidden to take anxious thought
      1. God’s heart here is that we don’t go through torment that comes through anxiousness – He loves us too much for that.
      2. Rather, He desires that we walk by faith, trusting Him and not leaning on our own understanding…
      3. We do this by taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
    2. Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
  2. Why?
    Matthew 6:26-29 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
    1. Solomon, the richest man in all the world, wasn’t dressed as beautifully as a lily in the field…God does exceedingly abundantly always – He’s God!
2. Have Faith
  Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  1. This tells us that if we are anxious about the cares of this world, we are not walking by faith!
  2. Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
  3. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
  4. Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
3. Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God
  Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
  1. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
  2. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
  3. James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Conclusion
Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

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Brown's Commentary on the New Testament is reproduced by permission of author. All other rights reserved.

Bibliographical Information
Brown, Jim. "Commentary on Matthew 6". "Brown's Commentary on the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnc/matthew-6.html. 2017.

Bible CommentariesMatthew 6

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Matthew 6