Matthew 6
BSB1 “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 5 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 9 So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ‘ 14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. 16 When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.
Study Notes — Matthew 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 6
- Themes from Matthew 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus teaches about the importance of authentic piety, emphasizing the need for believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God. He warns against hypocrisy, encouraging His disciples to give, pray, and fast in secret, rather than seeking to impress others. Jesus also teaches about the importance of trusting in God's provision, rather than worrying about material possessions or earthly concerns. Key verses include Matthew 6:1, where Jesus warns against practicing righteousness before men, and Matthew 6:33, where He encourages believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, rather than seeking to impress others.
Context for the Chapter
Matthew chapter 6 is part of the larger Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches His disciples about the characteristics of true discipleship. This chapter follows Jesus' teachings on the beatitudes and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. The chapter is also closely related to Jesus' teachings on the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, as well as His warnings against hypocrisy and the dangers of worrying about material possessions or earthly concerns. In the larger biblical narrative, Matthew chapter 6 is an important part of Jesus' ministry, highlighting His concern for His disciples and His desire for them to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God, prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. We must be careful to avoid hypocrisy and instead cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God. By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can trust that our needs will be met and that we will live a life that is pleasing to God. May we be encouraged to live a life of authentic piety, trusting in God's provision and care, and seeking to please Him in all that we do.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Matthew chapter 6 teaches about the importance of authentic piety and trusting in God's provision. Jesus warns against hypocrisy and encourages believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness should be the top priority for believers. This chapter is a call to faith and trust in God's provision and care, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
Voices from the Church
“The chief exercise of faith is to learn to despise the world and to trust in God's providence.”
— John Calvin
“Faith is not a matter of feeling, but of will; it is a matter of choosing to trust in God, despite our circumstances.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Importance of Authentic Piety (Matthew 6:1-4) — Jesus warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and true piety.
- The Right Way to Give (Matthew 6:2-4) — Jesus teaches that giving should be done in secret, rather than seeking to impress others.
- The Right Way to Pray (Matthew 6:5-15) — Jesus teaches about the importance of praying in secret, rather than seeking to impress others, and provides a model prayer for His disciples to follow.
- The Right Way to Fast (Matthew 6:16-18) — Jesus teaches that fasting should be done in secret, rather than seeking to impress others.
- Seeking First the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19-34) — Jesus teaches that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness should be the top priority for believers, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Faith
- Matthew chapter 6 teaches about the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, highlighting the need for believers to live a life of faith.
- The Dangers of Hypocrisy
- Jesus warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and true piety.
- The Priority of Seeking God
- Jesus teaches that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness should be the top priority for believers, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
- The Provision of God
- Jesus teaches about the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, highlighting the need for believers to live a life of faith and trust in God's goodness.
Lessons from Matthew 6
- The Importance of Authenticity — Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and true piety, warning against hypocrisy and encouraging believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God.
- The Danger of Worry — Jesus teaches about the dangers of worrying about material possessions or earthly concerns, encouraging His disciples to trust in God's provision and care.
- The Priority of Seeking God — Jesus teaches that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness should be the top priority for believers, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Provision — Jesus teaches about the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, highlighting the need for believers to live a life of faith and trust in God's goodness.
- The Call to Faith and Obedience — Matthew chapter 6 is a call to faith and obedience, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and characterized by faith, trust, and obedience to God's will.
Themes from Matthew 6
- The Importance of Authentic Piety — Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and true piety, warning against hypocrisy and encouraging believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God.
- The Dangers of Hypocrisy — Jesus warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and true piety.
- The Priority of Seeking God — Jesus teaches that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness should be the top priority for believers, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
- The Provision of God — Jesus teaches about the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, highlighting the need for believers to live a life of faith and trust in God's goodness.
- The Call to Faith and Obedience — Matthew chapter 6 is a call to faith and obedience, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and characterized by faith, trust, and obedience to God's will.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, and prioritize your relationship with Him above all else?
- How can you avoid hypocrisy and instead live a life of genuine faith and true piety?
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's provision and care, and seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?
- How can you apply the teachings of Matthew chapter 6 to your everyday life, and live a life that is pleasing to God?
- What are some ways that you can seek to please God in all that you do, and live a life that is characterized by faith, trust, and obedience to God's will?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Importance of Authentic Piety (Matthew 6:1-4)
| 6:1 | Jesus warns against practicing righteousness before men, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and true piety. |
| 6:2 | Jesus teaches that giving should be done in secret, rather than seeking to impress others. |
| 6:3 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing, highlighting the need for secrecy in giving. |
| 6:4 | Jesus teaches that giving should be done in secret, so that the Father who sees in secret will reward the giver. |
2. The Right Way to Pray (Matthew 6:5-15)
| 6:5 | Jesus teaches that praying should be done in secret, rather than seeking to impress others. |
| 6:6 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of praying in secret, so that the Father who sees in secret will reward the prayer. |
| 6:7 | Jesus warns against using vain repetitions in prayer, emphasizing the importance of sincere and heartfelt prayer. |
| 6:8 | Jesus teaches that the Father knows what we need before we ask, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:9 | Jesus provides a model prayer for His disciples to follow, highlighting the importance of praying for God's name to be hallowed, for God's kingdom to come, and for God's will to be done. |
| 6:10 | Jesus teaches that praying should include a desire for God's kingdom to come and for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. |
| 6:11 | Jesus teaches that praying should include a request for daily bread, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:12 | Jesus teaches that praying should include a request for forgiveness, highlighting the importance of confessing sin and seeking forgiveness. |
| 6:13 | Jesus teaches that praying should include a request for protection from temptation, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and protection. |
| 6:14 | Jesus teaches that forgiving others is a condition for being forgiven by God, highlighting the importance of living a life of forgiveness and mercy. |
| 6:15 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiving others, highlighting the need for believers to live a life of forgiveness and mercy. |
3. The Right Way to Fast (Matthew 6:16-18)
| 6:16 | Jesus teaches that fasting should be done in secret, rather than seeking to impress others. |
| 6:17 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of not appearing sad or disheveled while fasting, highlighting the need for secrecy in fasting. |
| 6:18 | Jesus teaches that fasting should be done in secret, so that the Father who sees in secret will reward the faster. |
4. The Priority of Seeking God (Matthew 6:19-24)
| 6:19 | Jesus teaches that storing up treasures on earth is foolish, highlighting the importance of storing up treasures in heaven. |
| 6:20 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of storing up treasures in heaven, where they will not be corrupted or stolen. |
| 6:21 | Jesus teaches that where a person's treasure is, their heart will be also, highlighting the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God. |
| 6:22 | Jesus teaches that the eye is the lamp of the body, highlighting the importance of having a single-minded focus on God. |
| 6:23 | Jesus warns against having a bad eye, which can lead to darkness and blindness, highlighting the importance of having a single-minded focus on God. |
| 6:24 | Jesus teaches that no one can serve two masters, highlighting the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God above all else. |
5. The Provision of God (Matthew 6:25-34)
| 6:25 | Jesus teaches that believers should not worry about their lives or what they will eat or drink, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:26 | Jesus teaches that birds do not worry about food, but are fed by God, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:27 | Jesus teaches that worrying cannot add a single hour to one's life, highlighting the futility of worrying about earthly concerns. |
| 6:28 | Jesus teaches that flowers do not worry about clothes, but are dressed by God, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:29 | Jesus teaches that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as the flowers, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:30 | Jesus teaches that if God dresses the grass of the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, He will also clothe believers, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:31 | Jesus teaches that believers should not worry about what they will eat or drink, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:32 | Jesus teaches that pagans run after these things, but believers should not, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 6:33 | Jesus teaches that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness should be the top priority for believers, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. |
| 6:34 | Jesus teaches that each day has enough trouble of its own, highlighting the importance of living one day at a time and trusting in God's provision and care. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Matthew chapter 6?
The main theme of Matthew chapter 6 is the importance of authentic piety and trusting in God's provision and care. Jesus teaches about the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, highlighting the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. (Matthew 6:1-4, 33)
How can I avoid hypocrisy and live a life of genuine faith and true piety?
To avoid hypocrisy and live a life of genuine faith and true piety, believers should prioritize their relationship with God, seeking to please Him in all that they do. This involves trusting in God's provision and care, and living a life of faith, trust, and obedience to God's will. (Matthew 6:1-4, 33)
What is the significance of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew chapter 6?
The Lord's Prayer in Matthew chapter 6 is a model prayer that Jesus provides for His disciples to follow. It highlights the importance of praying for God's name to be hallowed, for God's kingdom to come, and for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 6:1 → Isaiah 58:1-14 | The prophet Isaiah warns against hypocrisy and emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and true piety, highlighting the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. |
| 2 | Matthew 6:5 → Psalm 138:2 | The psalmist teaches about the importance of praying in secret, rather than seeking to impress others, highlighting the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. |
| 3 | Matthew 6:9 → John 17:1-26 | Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 provides a model for believers to follow, highlighting the importance of praying for God's name to be hallowed, for God's kingdom to come, and for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. |
| 4 | Matthew 6:11 → Exodus 16:1-36 | The story of the manna in the wilderness highlights the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, emphasizing the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. |
| 5 | Matthew 6:14 → Mark 11:25 | Jesus teaches that forgiving others is a condition for being forgiven by God, highlighting the importance of living a life of forgiveness and mercy. |
| 6 | Matthew 6:19 → Luke 12:13-21 | Jesus teaches that storing up treasures on earth is foolish, highlighting the importance of storing up treasures in heaven. |
| 7 | Matthew 6:25 → Philippians 4:6-7 | The apostle Paul teaches that believers should not worry about anything, but instead should pray and give thanks, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care. |
| 8 | Matthew 6:33 → 1 Timothy 6:6-10 | The apostle Paul teaches that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness should be the top priority for believers, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. |
Sermons on Matthew 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Judgment Seat of Christ by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its message that these events would come to pass shortly. He then shares a story about a preacher who c |
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Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and awakening in the church. He cautions against expecting the Holy Spirit to clean up the mess without taking responsib |
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A Craving for the Presence - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving the presence of the Lord amidst challenging times, highlighting the need to prioritize seeking God's presence over solely relying o |
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(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting |
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |
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(Alabama) the Prodigal by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a heart-to-heart talk about the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the uncond |
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Deliverance - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to him as the first step to becoming a true overcomer. He then advises his audience to sell their possessions an |
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Receiving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker, Pastor Dave, shares a story about a farmer who toiled his whole life on a rocky piece of land, only to die in poverty and discouragement. However, afte |
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(Australia) a Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the internal struggles and cries of a young person who is feeling overwhelmed and confused. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having |
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(1 Peter - Part 12): As Obedient Children by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the American spirit of rebellion and the importance of freedom. He references the historical event of pouring tea overboard in Boston Harbor |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 6
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus teaches about the importance of authentic piety and trusting in God's provision and care. Jesus warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and true piety, and teaches that giving, praying, and fasting should be done in secret, rather than seeking to impress others. Jesus also teaches about the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, highlighting the need for believers to live a life of faith and trust in God's goodness. Through His teachings in this chapter, Jesus reveals His character and heart, demonstrating His concern for His disciples and His desire for them to live a life that is pleasing to God. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is a doctrine of faith and trust, and not of sense and reason.' (Matthew 6:30) Jesus' teachings in this chapter are a call to faith and trust, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and characterized by faith, trust, and obedience to God's will. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Authenticity
Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and true piety, warning against hypocrisy and encouraging believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God.
The Danger of Worry
Jesus teaches about the dangers of worrying about material possessions or earthly concerns, encouraging His disciples to trust in God's provision and care.
The Priority of Seeking God
Jesus teaches that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness should be the top priority for believers, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.