Well, we began to unpack the middle chapter of the Sermon on the Mount today. Chapter Six contains so much kingdom teaching. The King is offering the kingdom to Israel, with the constitution of the kingdom of heaven, explaining how the Mosaic Law will be enhanced from judgment for actions to judgment for attitudes. Chapter Six opens with Jesus dealing with matters of conduct which should exemplify the citizens of the kingdom. Judaism teaches alms giving, prayer, and fasting as the three chief acts of Jewish piety. Jesus deals with all three in succession in the first 15 verses of Chapter Six. Alms Giving – V.1-4: Your reward is determined by your motive. Matthew 6:19-21, 2 Cor 8:1-7, 9:7, 1 Cor 3:5-15, 2 Cor 5:9-11 Who are the hypocrites? The religious leaders of Israel. Matthew 23:13,14,15,23,25,27,29 We must always remember that God knows our motives! The Manner of Prayer – V.5-13: Instructions for a balanced prayer life Jesus prays the most quoted prayer in the history of Christianity. It is divided into two sections. V.9-10: There are three petitions that are vertical / heavenward V.11-13: There are four petitions that are horizontal, dealing with basic needs and relationships We realize that this prayer is a kingdom prayer directed toward the Jews on how to be in fellowship with our heavenly Father, as well as how to stay in fellowship with others. From this prayer we can compare and contrast Paul's prayers in his letters to Church Age believers. We read Colossians 1:9-17 and 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 to see what Paul focused on when he prayed. There are four key ingredients for a healthy prayer life: Adoration: Acknowledging God's holiness as King of the universe in Matthew 6:9-10, and Paul's acknowledgment of our heavenly Father as Abba Father. Romans 8:15 Confession: Remember, Judicial forgiveness is given at salvation. Practical forgiveness is all about fellowship. 1 John 1:7-10 Thanksgiving: Having a continual attitude of gratitude throughout the trials and struggles of daily life. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18,23 Supplication: Faithfully bearing one another's burdens to the throne of grace, praying constantly lifting each other up. Galatians 6:1-2, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-6 Next week, we will examine Matthew 6:14-15 dealing with the principles of kingdom forgiveness, and fasting.
