Commentary on Matthew 6: A Call for True Spirituality and Trust

Key Points from Matthew Chapter 6

A. Doing Good to Please God

• Avoid giving to be seen by others for praise, instead seek reward from God.
• Give secretly and without pride, for God sees and rewards hidden deeds.
• Pray in secret and focus on God's glory, not on impressing others.
• Use the Lord's Prayer as a model for meaningful prayer, recognizing God as Father and expressing trust in His will.

B. The Place of Material Things: A Warning Against Covetousness

• Treasure heavenly things over earthly possessions, as the former are lasting and incorruptible.
• Choose between serving God or mammon (material wealth), as one will lead to darkness and the other to light.

C. The Place of Material Things: Anxiety Over Material Things

• Trust God to provide for basic needs like food, clothing, and health.
• Consider the birds and the lilies, which God cares for despite their lack of concern.
• Do not worry about material things, but seek first God's kingdom and righteousness.
• Live in the present, addressing each day's challenges as they come.

Part One: Religious Practices and False Piety (6:1-6, 16-18)

In this section, Jesus cautions against religious practices performed for public display, warning that such piety is worthless before God. Giving, praying, and fasting should be motivated by a genuine desire to connect with God, not to seek attention or praise.

• Avoid Giving for Public Display (6:1-2): Jesus warns against publicizing charitable acts, as this undermines the true intention of giving. Giving should be motivated by love for God and compassion for others, not by a desire for recognition.
• Pray in Secret (6:5-6): Prayer should be an intimate conversation with God, not a performance for others. When we pray in secret, our focus is on connecting with God, not on impressing listeners.
• Fast Without Show (6:16-18): Fasting is a spiritual practice that should be done for the purpose of self-purification and seeking God's guidance. Avoid public displays of fasting, as these only serve to draw attention to oneself rather than to God.

Part Two: Treasures and True Value (6:19-21)

Jesus contrasts earthly treasures with treasures in heaven, emphasizing the impermanence and vulnerability of material possessions. True wealth lies in generosity and investing in causes that align with God's vision of righteousness.

• Store Up Treasures in Heaven (6:19-21): Jesus encourages us to prioritize spiritual wealth, which cannot be stolen or destroyed. By giving to charitable efforts, we can expand our hearts to care more deeply for those in need.
• The Eye and the Heart (6:22-23): The condition of our hearts determines how we use our resources. If our hearts are focused on earthly possessions, our vision will be clouded and we will struggle to see the needs of others.

1. What are the key principles of giving according to Matthew 6?

Matthew 6 provides several key principles for giving:

• Give secretly, without seeking recognition or praise.
• Give with a pure motive, seeking to please God, not to impress others.
• Give generously, without expecting anything in return.

2. Why does Jesus warn against excessive anxiety about material possessions?

Jesus warns against excessive anxiety about material possessions because:

• Anxiety is a sign of distrust in God's providence.
• Anxiety can lead to despair and prevent us from living fully.
• Material possessions are temporary and can be lost, but spiritual treasures are eternal.

3. How can we differentiate between false piety and genuine spirituality?

False piety is driven by a desire for recognition and praise, while genuine spirituality is rooted in a heart of love for God and a genuine intention to follow His ways. Key differences include:

• False piety focuses on outward appearances, while genuine spirituality is concerned with the heart.
• False piety seeks recognition from others, while genuine spirituality seeks only God's approval.
• False piety is easily tempted to hypocrisy, while genuine spirituality strives for consistency in both public and private.