Review – Matthew 5:3-12 . The Beatitudes

• Brief review by Peter
• How would you summarize the point of the Beatitudes in one or two sentences?

If you want to dig deeper, check out my notes on the Beatitudes from February 2023.

Matthew 7:7-8.  Ask, Seek, Knock.

• See also Luke 11:9-10
• Do you think these verses are general advice about all sorts of prayer requests, or do you think Jesus has something more specific in mind?
• See Matthew 6:31-33.
  What might Jesus be encouraging us to seek?

Matthew 7:9-11. Father gives good gifts.

• See also Luke 11:11-13.
• When we are discontent, distressed or anxious, what sorts of comforts does our flesh (sinful nature) prompt us to seek?
  See Matthew 6:30-32.
• In the midst of a dark age, why do we need to be reminded that the Father wants to give us good gifts?
  See Matthew 6:32-33.
• See Luke 11:13 and Ephesians 1:13-14.
  Why is the Holy Spirit the best gift the Father could give us?

Matthew 7:12. The Golden Rule.

• Rabbi Hillel taught a very similar principle, although his teaching was to avoid doing to others what you would not want them to do to you. See this comment.
• Jesus was reminding his listeners of things they were already supposed to know, but as usual, he takes it to another level.
• What is the simple but profound challenge of this saying?

Matthew 7:13-14.  The Narrow and the Broad Road.

• Why is the way to eternal life narrow?

Recap from last week’s teaching on anxiety and trust

Matthew 6:31-33

• To whom was Jesus speaking when he gave this teaching?
• Why do the Gentiles seek after all these things (Matthew 6:32)?
• What does your heavenly Father know (Matthew 6:32)?
• Why does Jesus remind his disciples of this?

Teaching on Judging

Note on word usage

The Greek word krino means to judge or to decide. The underlying concept is that of separating one thing from another, e.g. separating wheat from chaff. So, it’s really about examining something to assess its worth, or making a judgment (assessment) about the truth of a situation.  For an example of this usage, see Jesus’ response to Simon the Pharisee in Luke 7:41-43 (make sure to read right to the end of verse 43).

The word krino came to be used in the context of the legal function of judging, which is legitimate and necessary when exercised properly. In this context it’s an aspect of rulership or proper governance. Rulers have to make judgments about what is right and wrong. See Deuteronomy 16:18, Matthew 19:28.

See Hebrews 5:14.  The word for “discernment” is diakrisis and is related to the word for judging used in Matthew 7. Based on this verse, what character quality might qualify one to exercise legitimate judgment over others?

See also 1 Peter 5:2-3. The verb poimen (to shepherd) is used here, but it carries the same connotation of exercising authority for the good of others, which includes the requirement of correcting (judging) but should be exercised with humility.

In today’s verses from Matthew 7, Jesus is commenting on the common human tendency to judge others illegitimately.

Matthew 7:1-2

• What is Jesus’ point here? See Luke 6:37-38, James 5:9
• Who is the righteous Judge?

Matthew 7:3-4

• How would you answer Jesus’ question in Matthew 7:3?
• What is the remedy for this affliction? See Luke 18:9-14

 Matthew 7:5

• What character quality is required in order to take the log out of your own eye?
• Are we always able do this by ourselves, or do we sometimes need help with it?

 Matthew 7:6

• What is Jesus getting at in this saying?
• What is the connection with the teaching on judging?

For further reflection

In chapter 3 of 1 Corinthians, Paul is commenting on the tendency among the Corinthian church to compare his ministry to that of other apostles.

His response is that the most important criterion in evaluating an apostle is that of faithfulness.  See 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.

He then follows up with this brilliant commentary on judging.  See 1 Corinthians 4:3-5.

• What is Paul’s point here?

Recap from October 17 (Matthew 6:24).

• Have you ever been in a situation where you were pulled between two conflicting priorities? What was it like?
• if we are going to follow Jesus, we have to let Him have the Lordship in our lives. How can we keep from letting money master us?

Read Matthew 6:25-34.

Part 1. Do not be anxious (Matthew 6:25)

• The Greek word for be anxious denotes a state of distraction in which we are unable to focus productively on the main thing.

• Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
  Why did Jesus say this? What was his point?

Part 2. God’s care, and the futility of anxiety  (Matthew 6:26-30)

• What three examples did Jesus give his first disciples of things they might be anxious about?
• What is his main message in these verses?
• Most of us don’t have to worry about food or clothing for tomorrow. Do we become anxious about other things? What things?
• When our thoughts are dominated by anxiety about our needs or concerns, how does this affect our relationship with God?
• Is God able and willing to provide for those who put their hope in Him?

Part 3. How to put anxiety in its place (Matthew 6:31-33)

• What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) ?
• Why does Jesus mention righteousness here?
• What assurance does he give to us about the things that we might be anxious about?

Conclusion. Trust God for tomorrow (Matthew 6:34)

• How can we lay down our concerns about things we can’t control?
• See Philippians 4:6-7.

1. Who are we trying to impress?

Matthew 6:16-18

• See Matthew 23:1-12 , especially verse 5  (They do all their deeds to be seen by others) and verse 12 (whoever exalts himself will be humbled, whoever humbles himself will be exalted).
• When we fast, or do any other deed that might be considered a good work in Christian circles (give to the poor, pray, testify, share the gospel) we need to be clear about our motivation.
• Does it matter who sees us? Whose approval are we seeking?
• One of the core issue of our lives is who we are seeking to please.

[17-18] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you..

• What Jesus is really saying here, translated into our context, is “when you fast, look normal. Don’t make it obvious”.
• See Psalm 35:13. The purpose of fasting is to humble ourselves before God, to clear away obstacles so we can focus on hearing His voice, seeking His favour, doing His will.
• Whether we are fasting or not, as believers this should be our focus.
• If we are seeking attention for our good deeds, what motivation lies behind this attitude?

2. Treasure in heaven

Matthew 6:19-21

• See Luke 16:14-15. The Pharisees loved money just as they loved the praise of men.
• See Psalm 49:18-20.  One of the main reasons people love wealth is so they can impress others. But God is not impressed.
• The issue is ultimately the same as with fasting. Where is your heart – on God, or on what brings approval in this age. See 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
• Having money is not a problem in itself. Wealth can be used to bless people. The issue is where the affection of our hearts is set – on money, or on God.
• If you have wealth, but love God more, you are free to do good by spending some of your money on the needs of others – thus laying up treasure in heaven. See 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

3. Avoiding double vision

Matthew 6:22-23

• If your eye is healthy : the Greek literally reads If your eye is single.
• It can also be translated simple, clear or perfect.
• How does spiritual confusion or error lead to darkness in our thoughts and actions?
• What does it mean to have clear spiritual vision?
• See Ephesians 1:17-21

Matthew 6:24

• The way to avoid double vision is to have only one Master.
• The Aramaic word mammon refers not just to wealth but to a spiritual stronghold, a spiritual power that demands to be worshipped.
• Satan, the god of this world, wants to control our lives. The love of wealth is one of his main tools.
• How can we avoid this trap?

1. Many words don’t impress God

Matthew 6:7-8

[7] And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do,

• Jesus was addressing a group of Jewish disciples. This teaching was given before the time when many Gentiles had become believers. So when he draws a contrast with the way Gentiles pray, he is really contrasting the prayers of pagans with the prayers of those who believe in the God of Israel  ( NIV :  do not keep on babbling like pagans )

for they think that they will be heard for their many words.

• See 1 Kings 18:25-39
• Contrast the prayers of the priests of Baal with the prayer of Elijah
• Whose prayer was a prayer of faith?
• Whose prayer was answered?

[8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

• Why do we not need to use many words to impress God?
• See Luke 11:1. What one thing did Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them?
• Why do you think they asked him this?

2. Praying to our Father for the coming of His Kingdom

Matthew 6:9-10

[9] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven,

• Father: See Romans 8:14-17
• In heaven : See Revelation 4:1-11

hallowed be your name.

• In the Hebrew mind, the name of God represented his person. His name was holy because He was holy.
• Holy means other or set apart. It also carries the sense of unmixed or pure.
• See Exodus 3:14. How does God’s name reflect His holiness (his other-ness)?
• What does it mean to consider God’s name as holy?

[10] Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

• See Mark 1:14-15.  Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was at hand.
• See Luke 11:14-20 . Jesus cast out demons as a demonstration of the soon-coming Kingdom.
• See Luke 21:25-31 – the Kingdom will come when Jesus returns.
• See Colossians 1:13-14. Believers in Jesus have been transferred into God’s Kingdom “by anticipation”, so to speak.
• See Luke 18:1-8. Disciples of Jesus are to pray without ceasing for the coming of the Kingdom of God, the time when a holy God will rule openly on a restored earth.

3, Praying to our Father for our daily needs

Matthew 6:11-13

[11] Give us this day our daily bread,

• The focus of the prayer now shifts from God’s nature and Kingdom to our personal needs.
• No matter how prosperous we may be, this prayer reminds us that we are dependent on God for everything – not only food, but even our next breath.  See Luke 12:16-21.

[12] and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

• The Greek word translated debts refers to wrongs or offenses against another person.
• Wrongs we have done constitute a debt to God.  We can only be released from this debt by His pardon.
• The assumption behind this prayer is that we will need this pardon on a regular basis.
• What condition does Jesus set for being forgiven by God?

[13] And lead us not into temptation,

• Since God cannot tempt anyone to do evil, this prayer should be taken as a request to protect us from falling into temptation. See Matthew 26:41.

but deliver us from evil.”

• Some translations render this “deliver us from the evil one”.
• See 2 Corinthians 2:11
• We are to ask the Father to help us recognize the schemes of the devil so we can avoid his traps (primarily temptations, but also other forms of attack).

4, Prayer and Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15

[14] For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
[15] but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

• See Matthew 18:21-35
• Why does God place such strong emphasis on our willingness to forgive others?

Matthew 6:1-4

Cultural Background

• Middle Eastern culture is largely a shame/honour culture.  “Looking good” is of utmost importance.
• Today we might call this type of behavior “virtue signalling”.

[1] Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

• Whose approval should we not seek when we do good deeds?
• Whose approval should we seek instead?
• Why do most of us have trouble with this?

[2] Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

• What group is Jesus referring to here?  See Matthew 23:5-7
• What reward have they received?
• What reward will they not receive?

[3-4] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

• What is Jesus’ point here?
• Why does God care whether we seek attention from others for our good deeds?
• See 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Corinthians 4:3,  Proverbs 29:25
• See Psalm 34:15-16, John 5:19-20

Matthew 6:5-6

[5] And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 

• Whose approval were the Pharisees seeking with their public displays of piety?
• Whose approval were they not receiving?

[6] But when you pray, go into your room [KJV “closet”] and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

• The term “prayer closet” comes from the KJV translation of this verse. But Jesus was not literally telling us that we have to pray in a closet. He was saying that we pray in private, not for show. 
• Where did Jesus conduct his prayer life? See Luke 6:12-13.
• Is Jesus saying that we should never pray in front of others? If he is, then every prayer leader, pastor and worship leader is sinning.
• If this is not what he is saying, what is his point?
• What reward do we receive when we pray for an audience of One?
• What reward do we receive when we pray (or lead worship, or preach) for the sake of human approval?
• See Matthew 5:8, Galatians 1:10

Through the summer of 2023, as time permits, we will review some of the teachings in Matthew 5 and ask Holy Spirit to apply them to our hearts

Tonight we’ll look briefly at Matthew 5:13-16, which we studied in more depth a few weeks ago. We’ll also look at Acts 1:4-8 which Pastor Dan preached on a few weeks ago. We’ll take a quick look at Paul’s prayer in Philippians 3:10-11. Marion and I will share a few reflections on our visit to West Ottawa Community Church 50th anniversary  celebration.  Then we’ll pray for each other, for more of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power in our lives, empowering us to be salt and light, to be living witnesses of the risen Christ.

Brief commentary

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus speaks of salt and light to express the influence that true disciples will have in the world.

Salt is a preservative. It also adds flavour, and has a cleansing effect. “Salt water has been used since ancient times to treat cuts, wounds, sores and skin irritations”. (Blog by Reliant Medical Group : Can Salt Water Really Heal Wounds?)

Light dispels darkness by its very presence, and enables others to see clearly. It brings hope, comfort and courage.

In Acts 1:4-8 , spoken in the days following His resurrection, Jesus tells his disciples to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit who will enable them to be witnesses to His risen life. A witness is someone who has seen or experienced an event, and can speak about it authoritatively.  The first witnesses of Jesus were the first-century apostles. They had encountered the risen Jesus and so they were witnesses in a unique sense. But since then, all who have truly died to themselves and encountered the risen Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, can be a witness to His life.

In Philippians 3:10-11 Paul expresses his heart-felt desire to know the crucified and risen Christ more fully, dying to himself, “becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection of the dead“.

Marion and I were deeply impacted and encouraged by our visit to West Ottawa Christian Community this past Sunday. We heard many testimonies of the power of God at work transforming lives through genuine Christian community. This was deeply encouraging and motivating for us. It made us want to become more like Jesus. This is only possible by His power.

Questions for reflection and prayer

• What does it mean to be filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit?
• What Jesus says we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, what kind of power is he speaking of? What is the effect of this power in our lives?
• What does it mean to die with Christ?