An Overview of Matthew Chapter 6

The How to of the Beatitudes

I. Charity is to be done in private. We are to focus our goals and loyalties toward God and not men. If this rule is not obeyed, the beatitudes will not be carried out. 6: 1-14

II. Goals of the Kingdom People!

A. A probation against laying up treasures on one earth. Matthew uses three images that mandate against laying up treasures.

1. Moths - Represents the precious nature of material things.

2. Rust - Foods - a short shelf life

3. Tangibles - those things which can be taken away by thieves.

Principle

Earthly materials cannot stand the natural state of deterioration. All of these things will perish.

III. Ones goals will determine ones actions!

A. We are to have no other goals before him! 6:22ff

B. We must then - study and understand correct values. There must be a balance learning and how to live.

C. Happy is the man with a full vision!

IV. It is a fact, we cannot serve two Masters 6:24

A. Must have a singleness of vision.

1. be single in our focus

2. single in our loyalty

3. Must seek first the Kingdom of God

4. Must make a choice, either God or Mammon.

5. Can't be the salve of two owners

6. We need to determine each day - who we are going to serve.

II. Two Anxieties

A. For food and clothing. We become anxious when we are threatened. This is called anxiety. But -----the writer states that there are two things used to threaten the power of God.

1. Food and Clothing - it protects us from the cold and summer heat. Clothing allows us to present ourselves to the rest of the world.

The Omnipotence of God must be realized as a response to this deep cause of anxiety.

1.Principle - Do you believe in seeking first the kingdom of God and if we do this, God will take care of us? God is concerned about our basic needs. He will provide.

Worry is Sinful!

Worry is sinful and not a virtue of a Christian.

Worry is irrelevant.

Worry makes things worse.

Worry is irresponsible

Worry is a lack of faith in God to sustain.

Worry is - placing ones faith solely in ones own ability and not giving God the credit.

If we really want to be free from anxiety,must make God the center of trust.