Introduction: Matthew 6 focuses on the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding the right approach to religious practices, material possessions, and the priorities of a believer’s life. The chapter sheds light on the importance of sincerity and humility in one’s relationship with God, as well as the need to trust in God’s provision and care. This outline will provide a verse by verse study of Matthew 6, seeking to reveal the treasures contained within its teachings.
I. Matthew 6:1-4 – The Righteousness of Giving
Jesus begins by warning against practicing righteousness to be seen by others, emphasizing the importance of giving in secret (Matthew 6:1-2). The act of giving should be done with a pure heart, not for the approval of others, but for the approval of God (Matthew 6:3-4). This teaching is supported by Proverbs 19:17, which says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” It is also stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, which reminds us that “the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
II. Matthew 6:5-15 – The Righteousness of Prayer
Jesus continues to address the issue of a sincere heart in religious practices by discussing prayer (Matthew 6:5-6). He instructs His followers to pray in private, with a focus on God rather than the approval of others. He then provides a model for prayer in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), which points to the priorities of God’s kingdom, provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. This model prayer is supported by Psalm 145:18, which states, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Additionally, James 5:16 reminds us that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
III. Matthew 6:16-18 – The Righteousness of Fasting
In discussing fasting, Jesus once again warns against performing religious acts for show (Matthew 6:16). Instead, fasting should be done in a way that is not obvious to others, with the focus on God rather than personal recognition (Matthew 6:17-18). This teaching lines up with Isaiah 58:6-7, which describes the true purpose of fasting as loosing the bonds of injustice and sharing food with the hungry.
IV. Matthew 6:19-24 – The Righteousness of Treasures
Jesus shifts His focus to the topic of material possessions, cautioning against storing up treasures on earth where they are subject to decay and theft (Matthew 6:19-21). He teaches that one’s heart will be where their treasure is, emphasizing the importance of investing in heavenly treasures. This teaching is supported by 1 Timothy 6:17-19, which encourages believers to set their hopes on God and to be rich in good works. Jesus also warns against serving two masters, stating that one cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24), a principle echoed in Luke 16:13.
Conclusion: Matthew 6 provides the believer with spiritual insights into the right approach to religious practices, material possessions, and life priorities. Jesus teaches that righteousness should be practiced with sincerity and humility, not for the approval of others, but for the approval of God. He speaks of the importance of prayer, fasting, and the pursuit of heavenly treasures. By following these teachings, believers can unlock the treasures of a life lived in accordance with God’s will and experience the joy and peace that come from a true and genuine relationship with Him.
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