Matthew 6

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 5 2 8 0 0 The Sincere Devotion of the Heart (6:1 18)) Speaking, then, about righteousness in the ethical sense (included in 5:6), that is, the practice of the true religion here particularly as expressed in the religious exercises of giving to charity, prayer, and fasting Jesus says, 6:1. Take care that you do not practice your righteousness��307�� before the people, to attract their attention; otherwise you will not have any reward with your Father who is in heaven. But is not this exhortation in conflict with 5:16, So let your light shine before men that they may see your good works ? It is not, for the purpose commended in 5:16 was to secure praise for the Father who is in heaven (see 5:16b). On the other hand, the purpose of the hypocrites, referred to in 6:1 ff., is to obtain praise for themselves. They perform their religious acts in order to attract the people s attention, ��308�� so that the latter will carefully inspect and closely examine them, while they are engaged in almsgiving, prayer, and/or fasting.

Hopefully the spectators will then say, How devout, how remarkably pious are these scribes and Pharisees! Naturally, a public display, so motivated, must be avoided.) The point in & otherwise you will not have any reward with your Father who is in heaven is, You will then already have your reward, yes, your reward in full, namely, from men, the very people from whom you expected the reward of honor, admiration, and praise. Since in your innermost being you never meant to please and glorify God, he will not reward you. All the more is this true because such religious (?) exercises are fraudulent. If you engage in them, you are trying to cover up your real motive. You are putting on an act.

You are dissimulating, for under the guise of giving glory to God you are seeking glory for yourselves, as if you could deceive the Omniscient! In such cases (verses 1, 2, 5, and 16) the one reward, from men, cancels the other, from God. For the expression your Father who is in heaven see pp. 287, 326; for reward, pp. 316, 479.) The general principle having been enunciated (verse 1), the three expressions of righteousness that are here considered namely, charitable giving, prayer, and fasting are now taken up one by one.) Charitable Giving) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.23.10|AUTODETECT|” As to this, Jesus begins by saying, 2. So, whenever you give to the poor do not publicly announce it with a blast of the trumpet, as the hypocrites are in the habit of doing in the synagogues and in the alleyways in order to win the admiration of the people. Giving to the poor is demanded by the laws of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.23.10|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 23:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.23.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.23.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.15|AUTODETECT|” 30:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.15.7-5.15.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.15.7-5.15.11|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 15:7 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.22.16|AUTODETECT|” ), the exhortations of the prophets 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.22.16|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 22:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.27|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Amos 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.2.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.2.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.12|AUTODETECT|” ), and the teaching of Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.36|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.38|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.38|AUTODETECT|” 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.1-42.21.4|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.1-42.21.4|AUTODETECT|” 21:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.29|AUTODETECT|” John 13:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It also pertains to the expression of gratitude for benefits received. In this very sermon Jesus has already pointed out that it is exactly the merciful who shall have mercy shown to them (5:7). We are not surprised therefore when here in 6:2 he takes such charitable giving for granted. He assumes that it is being done.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Almsgiving was by no means confined to the disciples of Jesus. Even those Jews who refused to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior took pride in it. In fact, in Christ s day relief for the underprivileged was provided by the religious community, each person being taxed according to his ability.��309�� This amount was supplemented by voluntary gifts. The latter welfare contributions were announced publicly in the synagogues, and, as here indicated, even in the alleyways, the places where the poor were accustomed to gather, near where they lived. That such doles were literally announced by means of trumpet-blasts cannot now be ascertained. It seems unlikely that in the synagogues this would be allowed.

Besides, since in his sayings and discourses Jesus again and again makes use of symbolical language, it is probable that he does this also in the present case, and that he is simply referring to the fact that the Pharisees did everything in their power to advertise their gifts. It is this practice that the Lord condemns. No wonder, for it was hypocrisy, and the men who were guilty of it were therefore rightly called hypocrites. They were hypocrites (cf. 15:1, 7; 23:1 ff.) because while they pretended to give, they really intended to receive, namely, honor from men.) Continued: I solemnly declare to you, they have already received their reward in full. No future reward awaits them. See on 6:1.

In all kinds of ways, sometimes bold, at other times subtle, people are still advertising their deeds of benevolence and in the process of doing so are depriving themselves of any real reward.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Not only is it wrong, however, to seek praise from others, it is also wrong to praise oneself: 3. But when you give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. The two hands almost always act in unison. Together they often lift, carry, and catch things. They are together in work and in play. They can therefore be viewed as being thoroughly acquainted with each other.

Whatever the one does, the other knows. Symbolically speaking therefore, for the left hand not to know what the right hand is doing means total lack of acquaintance, utter ignorance. And since the hands are part of the person, the expression probably refers to the fact that as much as possible a person must keep his voluntary contribution a secret not only to others but even to himself; that is, he should forget about it, instead of saying in his heart, What a good man, woman, boy, girl, am I! This explanation receives support from 25:37 39, where the righteous are represented as being totally unaware of their own past benevolent deeds. Continued: 4. that your deeds of charity may be (performed) in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.��310�� It is God who keeps the account. Nothing escapes him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 16:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 139) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.13|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 4:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” John 21:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.34-40.25.36|AUTODETECT|” ). It is he who on the judgment day will grant the reward 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.34-40.25.36|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25:34 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) to the surprised well-doers. And are there not anticipatory rewards even now, such as a good conscience and rejoicing along with the recipients?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.12.14|AUTODETECT|” As far as grammar is concerned, the correct Greek text can also be rendered, & and your Father, the seeing One, will reward you in secret. Objections to this construction: a. After the introduction, which refers to hypocrites who do their best to have men admire their good works, and in which Jesus admonishes his hearers that these works must not be advertised but must be kept as secret as possible, we rather look for a statement to the effect that unadvertised deeds will, nevertheless, be seen and rewarded, namely, by your Father who sees in secret. The sudden introduction of the Father as the seeing One, without modifier, would make little sense here. b. Scripture everywhere proclaims that all of men s words, actions, etc., including what occurred in secret, will become public 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Eccl. 12:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.3-40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.3-40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:3 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.26|AUTODETECT|” 10:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.22|AUTODETECT|” Mark 4:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.2|AUTODETECT|” 12:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.25|AUTODETECT|” 14:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.12|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The idea that deeds of kindness toward the poor, done in secret, will remain secret forever, even the reward being bestowed in secret, clashes with this prevailing teaching.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Prayer in General) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.55.17|AUTODETECT|” Turning, then, to this subject (verses 4 15) Jesus says, 5. Also, whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by the people. The reference here is to prayer in general, including thanksgiving, praise, adoration, confession of sin, personal petition, intercession for the needs of others, etc. Among the Jews, though prayers were always appropriate, there were set times for prayer, when the pious were expected to attend to their devotions. Thus, there were morning, afternoon, and evening prayers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.55.17|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 55:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9|AUTODETECT|” ). According to Josephus (Antiquities XIV.65) sacrifices, including prayers, were offered in the temple twice a day, in the early morning and at the ninth hour. There was also a sunset service.��311�� Naturally, if one were living or staying in or near Jerusalem and could get to the temple in time, that would seem to the devout Israelite to be the best place to pray 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Otherwise, the synagogue would do, or even the street.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.6.14-14.6.42|AUTODETECT|” Now Scripture nowhere condemns public prayer 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.6.14-14.6.42|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 6:14 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.0|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.24-44.4.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.24-44.4.31|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:24 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9|AUTODETECT|” ), nor individual prayer offered in a public place. Neither the Pharisee nor the publican sinned by praying in the temple 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9-42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” ). What the Lord condemns here is ostentatious praying, that is, having one s private (?) devotions in the most public place, with the intention of being seen and honored by the people. That was, however, exactly what the hypocrites were in the habit of doing. When the Pharisee of Christ s famous parable 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9-42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:9 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.24|AUTODETECT|” ) entered the temple, he took care not to be standing in some corner or at a considerable distance from the front, like the publican. He stood up in front, in full view of everyone who might be present. What happened in the temple took place also in the synagogue. And even at the street corners! Note: here not alleys or alleyways as in 6:2, but the corners of the busiest streets. Did the hypocrites just happen to reach the most conspicuous place at exactly the right moment?

However that may be, their motive and purpose was to be seen by the people and to be admired by them. It is this that Jesus condemns. From this it appears clearly that in the teaching of Jesus it is the inner disposition that counts. It is the heart truly and humbly devoted to God upon which the divine approval rests 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.4.24|AUTODETECT|” John 4:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 As to the hypocrites and their vain display, Jesus repeats the words spoken just a moment ago (see on verse 2): I solemnly declare to you, they have already received their reward in full.) The negative condemnation of the wrong practice is followed by the positive exhortation to follow the right practice, just as in verses 2 and 3 in connection with giving to charity, and in verses 16 18 in connection with fasting. From start to finish the sermon is arranged in a very orderly, systematic, and logical manner. 6. But whenever you pray, enter into your most private room, and having shut the door, pray to your Father who is in secret. The idea is not that there must be a separate prayer room. As was pointed out earlier, the houses of many in the audience had only one room. The sense is this: if there be a private room��312�� then use that for your private prayer; otherwise choose the most hidden corner.

Do not try to make yourself conspicuous. The main emphasis, however, is not even on the place of prayer but on the attitude of mind and heart. Not the secrecy is the real underlying thought but the sincerity. The reason for mentioning the secret place is that the sincere and humble worshiper, one who is not interested in making a public display for the sake of enhancing his prestige, will find the secluded nook or den to be most appropriate for his devotions. It is there that he can shut out the world and be alone with his God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.4.33|AUTODETECT|” The shutting of the door 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.4.33|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 4:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.26.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.26.20|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 26:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.27|AUTODETECT|” ) makes the secret place even more secret. As to the Object of the prayer, namely, the Father, he not only sees in secret (verse 4), but also is in secret: he fills every secret (as well as public) place with his presence, yet transcends all spatial limitations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.27|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 8:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.7-19.139.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.7-19.139.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 139:7 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 66:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.23|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.48|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.48|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.49|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.49|AUTODETECT|” 49) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.27|AUTODETECT|” 17:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Here again it is necessary to add that the purpose of entering the secret place and shutting the door can be defeated if one begins to advertise this practice, as some ministers are in the habit of doing, when at the beginning of the worship service sometimes even in the pastoral prayer they assure the congregation that before they sat down to prepare the sermon they had locked the door of their study and spent so many minutes in earnest prayer!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|” The one who prays with the proper disposition of heart and mind is blessed, as in verse 4: and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. The man who so prays will have peace of heart and mind. He will know that the Father, in his infinite love, will give the supplicant whatever is best both for himself and for all concerned. He will also know that this same Father is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” A sincere prayer does not have to be wordy: 7. Moreover, in praying, do not babble on and on like pagans, for they imagine that they will be heard because of their flow of words. Is it possible that, in saying this, Jesus was also thinking of the scribes, who for a pretense make long prayers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.6.14-14.6.42|AUTODETECT|” )? However that may be, the Lord condemns this practice as being pagan in character. Not as if a lengthy prayer is always wrong. Such a position would immediately condemn the prayers found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.6.14-14.6.42|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 6:14 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.0|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.25-11.18.29|AUTODETECT|” ; and Ps. 18, 89, and 119. The motive must be kept in mind. Pagans pray on and on because they imagine that the longer and the louder they pray, the greater also will be their chance of success in receiving what they desire. The prayer of the priests of Baal 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.25-11.18.29|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 18:25 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) offers a striking example: They called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon. Another example is the prayer-wheel of the Tibetan Buddhists, a cylinder revolving on an axis, and inscribed with written prayers. Is not the rosary, used for example to keep count of five decades of Ave Marias, each preceded by a paternoster and concluded with a Glory Be, another illustration? As if the acceptability of our prayers depends, at least in part, upon the number of words we use or the number of prayers we rattle off!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.31|AUTODETECT|” Many of the most striking and fervent prayers recorded in Scripture are brief and pithy; such as that of: Moses 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.31|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 32:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.3.6-11.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ), Solomon 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.3.6-11.3.9|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 3:6 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.36|AUTODETECT|” ), Elijah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.36|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 18:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.37|AUTODETECT|” 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.19.14-12.19.19|AUTODETECT|” ), Hezekiah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.19.14-12.19.19|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 19:14 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ), Jabez 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.4.10|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.7-20.30.9|AUTODETECT|” ), Agur 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.7-20.30.9|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 30:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.13|AUTODETECT|” ), the publican 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.42|AUTODETECT|” ), the dying thief 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.42|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.60|AUTODETECT|” ), Stephen 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.60|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:60) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14-49.3.19|AUTODETECT|” ), and Paul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14-49.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:14 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ). To this class belong also the many sentence prayers or ejaculations of Nehemiah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 4:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.4.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.4.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.5.19|AUTODETECT|” 5:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.6.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.6.9|AUTODETECT|” 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.13.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.13.14|AUTODETECT|” 13:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.13.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.13.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.13.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.13.31|AUTODETECT|” 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.0|AUTODETECT|” ). Christ s highpriestly or intercessory prayer, too, can hardly be called lengthy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.0|AUTODETECT|” John 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.9-40.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ), and the Lord s Prayer, which he taught his disciples to pray, is certainly marked by brevity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.9-40.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:9 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.2-42.11.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.2-42.11.4|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:2 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Continued: 8. Do not be like them therefore, for your Father knows what you need before you (even) ask him. What Jesus means is, You must not approach your Father with the idea that he is uninformed, totally unaware of your needs, so that you have to explain to him in every detail just what your (or: your) situation happens to be. On the contrary, before you even begin to pray, your Father already knows your need. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.81.10|AUTODETECT|” Some might object, Then, why pray at all? The objector, however, misses the point. Jesus was not condemning the outpouring of the heart to God, not even when of necessity such an outpouring contains a brief statement of certain facts already known to the Lord (see, for example, many of the Psalms). In fact, it is just because an earthly father or mother understands a child so thoroughly and knows its needs better than any stranger does, that the child will go with his needs to him and/or to her, which is exactly what loving parents want him to do. So, far more so, it is also with the heavenly Father 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.81.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 81:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.7|AUTODETECT|” John 15:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.14-58.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.14-58.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 4:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.2|AUTODETECT|” James 4:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). What Christ condemns is the spirit of fear and distrust, which causes pagans, who recognize no heavenly Father, to babble on and on, in the belief that otherwise their gods will not be thoroughly informed nor sufficiently placated to grant the requests.) 1 19 2 8 0 0 The Model Prayer) Jesus introduces this prayer as follows: 9a. This, then, is how you should pray. Before entering into the contents of this prayer a few introductory remarks may be in order:) (a) Christ s Reason for Teaching His Disciples This Prayer Literally, according to the original, the sentence reads: Thus (or: in this manner), therefore, you should pray. Some stress the fact that the second person plural imperative verb is in the present tense. They interpret this present as having continuative force (you should keep on praying), and on this they base their conclusion that Jesus wants his very prayer to be prayed again and again and again. Now it certainly is not wrong to make frequent use of this prayer if the worshiper, when he does this, is able to do it with heart and mind.

On the other hand, very frequent use may easily lead to the sin of formalism which the Lord has been condemning. Besides, it must be borne in mind that Jesus said, Thus or In this manner or This is how. He did not say, Use exactly these words, and no other. The so-called Lord s Prayer is really the model prayer; meaning: it should serve as a pattern for our devotions. Its characteristics should mark also our prayers. Some of these qualities will now be mentioned:) (b) Its Brevity The prayer consists of two parts: an invocation and six petitions; or, if the conclusion be considered as belonging to it, then three parts, approximately seventy words in all.) (c) The Priority to Which It Points In harmony with the fact that, according to both Old and New Testament, the glory of God is important above everything else, the first three petitions have reference to the Father s name, kingdom, and will.

Human needs bread, pardon for sin, and victory over the evil one take second place.) (d) Its Breadth or Scope There are six petitions,��313�� as follows,) Petitions with reference to ) God s ) name first petition verse 9b ) reign second …. …10a ) will third …… …10b ) Our ) bread fourth ….. ….11 ) debts fifth …… ….12 ) foe sixth …… ….13 ) ) ) The comprehensive or universe-embracing nature of these petitions appears from the fact that they bear reference not only to God s glory, etc. (first three petitions), but also to our needs (last three); not only to our physical needs (fourth petition), but also to our spiritual (fifth and sixth); not only to our present need (fourth petition), but also to our need with reference to the past (fifth), and even to our future need (sixth). Finally, in this prayer the worshiper carries to the throne of grace the burdens that are not only his own but also his brothers . All of this is included in the six brief requests. This is indeed the perfect pattern for our prayers!) The Invocation or Words of Address) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.12|AUTODETECT|” 9b. Our Father who art in heaven. It is immediately clear that not everyone is privileged to address God thus. That is the exclusive prerogative of those who are in Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.12|AUTODETECT|” John 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.14-45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.14-45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:14 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.1|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ). To be sure, there is a sense in which God can be correctly referred to as the Father of all men. He has created all, and provides sustenance for all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.36.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.36.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 36:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.35|AUTODETECT|” ). But that is not the usual sense in which in Scripture the term Father can be interpreted. In the Sermon on the Mount, too, the term is used in a definitely soteriological or redemptive sense, a sense in which God is the Father not of all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.36|AUTODETECT|” 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.44|AUTODETECT|” ) but of some. He is called your (also: your) Father (5:16; 6:18, etc.), the Father of the peacemakers (5:9) and of those who love even their enemies (5:44, 45). Similarly, according to Christ s teaching recorded elsewhere, those who reject him are children not of God but of the devil 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.44|AUTODETECT|” John 8:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.10|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” Once this is understood it becomes clear that this model prayer is for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, for them alone. It also follows that the objection of those who say that the Lord s Prayer is not a Christian prayer because it does not even mention the name of Jesus, and/or because it does not end with the phrase, for Jesus sake, is groundless. The name and the atoning work of the Lord are clearly implied in the very words of the invocation. Apart from Christ no one can come to the Father 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” John 14:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14|AUTODETECT|” As to the words of address themselves, first of all see what has been said earlier (pp. 286, 287). The striking fact, of which we should never lose sight, is that he who is King of the kingdom of heaven is at the same time the Father of its citizens. The citizens are the children. The kingdom is the Father s Family. See N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.5|AUTODETECT|” . Note also the combination of immanence and transcendence, of condescension and majesty. Our Father indicates his nearness. He is near to all his children, infinitely near. Therefore with confidence they approach the Father s throne, to make all their wants and wishes known to him, that is, all those that are in harmony with his revealed will. They need not be afraid, for God is their Father who loves them. Yet, he is the Father in heaven . Therefore, he should be approached in the spirit of devout and humble reverence. The chumminess or easy familiarity that marks a certain type of present day religion is definitely antiscriptural. Those who indulge in this bad habit seem never to have read ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.1-23.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.1-23.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 6:1 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.24|AUTODETECT|” ; or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 !) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.23|AUTODETECT|” Also, whereas the words Our Father indicate God s willingness and eagerness to lend his ear to the praises and petitions of his children, the addition who art in heaven shows his power and sovereign right to answer their requests, disposing of them according to his infinite wisdom. Finally, reflect again on those words, Our Father & in heaven. They make the Father s children feel that they are pilgrims here below, and that their real home is not here but in heaven. It is comforting to know that not only do the children wish to be where the Father is, but the Father also desires that his children be where he Isaiah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.23|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 73:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.3|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 31:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” John 17:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.42.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Does the child sing ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.42.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 42:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.42.1|AUTODETECT|” ? With slight change of wording ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.42.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 42:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=36.3.17|AUTODETECT|” can be (shall we say is being ?) sung also by God himself. The idea of a God who sings, rejoicing in his children s salvation, has scriptural support 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=36.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Zeph. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Then in glory these children will forever address God as their Father, but nevermore will they have to add who art in heaven, for they will be with him.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The First Petition) 9c. Hallowed be thy name. In ancient times the name was not generally regarded as a mere appellation to distinguish one person from another, but often rather as an expression of the very nature of the person so indicated, or of his position, etc. This was true to such an extent that frequently when in some important respect the facts concerning a man had undergone a change, he was given a new name. See pp. 132, 138. The name was to some extent identified with the person.

This is especially true with respect to the names of God. God s name is God himself as revealed in all his works. This is not so difficult to understand, for also among us the same holds with respect to the name Jesus, as is clear from the poetic line, That beautiful Name, that beautiful Name from sin has power to free us! (from the hymn That Beautiful Name, by Jean Perry). We immediately recognize the fact that a mere vocal cannot free or save anybody, but a person can and does!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.1|AUTODETECT|” Now since God s names reveal who he himself is, it is necessary for us to know them. This, moreover, is very rewarding. In the Old Testament the Supreme Being is called El, that is, God, viewed as the Mighty One. This name occurs in various combinations. El-Shaddai is God Almighty, the source of salvation for his people 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 6:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Elohim 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.24.16|AUTODETECT|” ) is a plural, and refers to God in the fulness of his power. Elyon indicates the Most High 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.24.16|AUTODETECT|” Num. 24:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Adonai points to God as Master or Lord; cf. O Lord, I am not a man of words 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.4.10|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ). The meaning of the name Jehovah is to some extent explained in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.2|AUTODETECT|” 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.16|AUTODETECT|” . It is a form of the verb to be, and has been interpreted to mean I am that I am, or I shall be what I shall be. In the original Hebrew this name consists of the four letters YHWH, and is therefore called the tetragram (maton). There came a time, perhaps about 300 b.c., when the Jews, owing to a. their reverence for God, b. their interpretation of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.16|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 24:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.2-2.6.4|AUTODETECT|” , and c. their resulting fear of becoming guilty of the sin of desecration, ceased to pronounce this name. In reading Scripture they substituted for it Adonai or, less frequently, Elohim. The Masoretes, those Jewish textual experts who flourished between the destruction of Jerusalem (a.d. 70) and the tenth century, but whose activity in a more general sense antedated the period of the Maccabees and extended to the year a.d. 1425, attached to the four consonants (YHWH) the vowels of Adonai (or of Elohim).��314�� It is sufficiently clear from such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.2-2.6.4|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 6:2 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.1-2.15.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.1-2.15.3|AUTODETECT|” 15:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.83.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.83.18|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 83:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.12.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.12.5|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 12:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 that the name Jehovah, however it be vocalized or transliterated, emphasizes God s unchangeable covenant faithfulness toward his people.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.46.7|AUTODETECT|” Various combinations occur in connection with this name. Probably most familiar are the designations Jehovah of hosts 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.46.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 46:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.46.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.46.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.6|AUTODETECT|” ), and Jehovah our righteousness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.6|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.14|AUTODETECT|” ). Other combinations are Jehovah will provide 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.14|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 22:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.17.15|AUTODETECT|” ), Jehovah (is) my banner 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.17.15|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 17:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.26|AUTODETECT|” ), Jehovah heals you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.26|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 15:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.6.24|AUTODETECT|” ), Jehovah (is) peace 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 6:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.23.1|AUTODETECT|” ), and Jehovah (is) my shepherd 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.23.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 23:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.3.0|AUTODETECT|” To hallow God s name means to hold it in reverence; hence, to hold him in reverence, to honor, glorify, and exalt him. To do this, far more than a merely intellectual knowledge of the meaning of the divine names is required. Humility of spirit, gratitude of heart, earnest study of God s works until observation changes into rapturous astonishment and worship is certainly implied. The composers of the Psalms knew what this meant. Everywhere in the work of creation and in the events of history they observed and took time to meditate upon God s majesty. They viewed their God as the One who delivered them from their enemies and constantly protected them.

As such he was a God filled with wrath aimed at those who rejected him and who persecuted his people. This very wrath was, as it were, the proof of his tender love for his own 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.3.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.4.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.4.0|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.5.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.5.0|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.7.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.7.0|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.11.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.11.0|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.13.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.13.0|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.14.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.14.0|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.0|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.48.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.48.0|AUTODETECT|” 48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.50.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.50.0|AUTODETECT|” 50) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.63.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.63.0|AUTODETECT|” 63) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.97.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.97.0|AUTODETECT|” 97) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.135.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.135.0|AUTODETECT|” 135) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.0|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.). As to the latter (the tender love), the Psalms are filled to overflowing with the idea that for those who trust in him the Lord is the hearer of prayer, the refuge in the time of storm, the one who daily cares, who blots out transgression, and never forsakes his children, not even at the moment of death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.0|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.23.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.23.0|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.42.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.42.0|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.0|AUTODETECT|” 73) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.81.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.81.0|AUTODETECT|” 81) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.0|AUTODETECT|” 89) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.91.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.91.0|AUTODETECT|” 91) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.92.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.92.0|AUTODETECT|” 92) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.0|AUTODETECT|” 103) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.111.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.111.0|AUTODETECT|” 111) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.0|AUTODETECT|” 116) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” 118) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.146.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.146.0|AUTODETECT|” 146) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; to mention but a few).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.34.3|AUTODETECT|” Hallowed be thy name means, therefore, that the one who has been brought into fellowship with this tenderly loving Father now calls upon everyone to share this experience with him, and to exalt this glorious God. This means far more than that the petitioner does his utmost to fight profanity. It has a positive content. The supplicant calls upon the entire creation and especially upon the world of men to praise his God. He exclaims, as it were, O magnify Jehovah with me, and let us exalt his name together 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.34.3|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 34:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.0|AUTODETECT|” ). He traces God s steps in history (Pss. 76 80, especially 78; further 106; 107; 118; 124; 126; 136), and wants his children and everyone to adore and glorify God because of his wondrous deeds. He also is filled with gratitude and amazement when he observes God s wisdom and goodness in nature, and he desires that his own thrilling observations and lasting impressions shall be shared by others, so that they too may see the reflection of God s glorious attributes in the sky above as well as in the earth below, and may exult in the One whom he calls my God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.19.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.19.0|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.29.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.29.0|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.63.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.63.0|AUTODETECT|” 63) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.65.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.65.0|AUTODETECT|” 65) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.0|AUTODETECT|” 104) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.0|AUTODETECT|” 139) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.0|AUTODETECT|” 145) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.0|AUTODETECT|” 147) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.150.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.150.0|AUTODETECT|” 150) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.15|AUTODETECT|” So also today the person who knows what it means to pray Hallowed be thy name will joyfully magnify the Lord when he beholds the blue of the starlit sky, full of silent beauty and majesty, with its myriads of stars, scintillating like so many dewdrops upon the meadows of the heavens. He praises God when he sees his glory reflected in the softly blending hues of the rainbow, in wooded hills, fruited groves, murmuring brooks, sparkling lakes, and meandering rivers, as well as when he listens to the richly variegated, almost continuous song of the mockingbird. He marvels when he contemplates the wisdom of God revealed in the construction of the human body 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.15|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 139:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” ). And when from general revelation he ascends to special revelation, and ponders the implications of such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.8-45.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.8-45.5.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:8 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.31-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.31-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” 8:31 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 8:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” , is it any wonder that he falls in love with the matchless name of him who through Christ is his Father, that he pours out his heart in fervent doxologies 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.16|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.16|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 19:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and urges others to do likewise?) 1 4 2 8 0 0 Style and grammar help us to enter into the spirit of this prayer. Not only is the contrast between the three imperative passives, all in the third person, of the first three petitions (literally, Let be sanctified thy name, let come thy kingdom, let be done thy will ) in striking and pleasing contrast with the second person verbs of the last three requests, but also these three crisp, opening third person imperatives, being aorists and in each case heading the petition, stress urgency. With respect to the first petition this means that the worshiper is so completely filled with unrestrained eagerness that the Father s name be adored, honored, and glorified, that he cannot wait to communicate his consuming desire that it receive this honor from the lips, hearts, and lives of everyone.) The Father s name will not be hallowed throughout the world unless his royal rule be acknowledged. This leads to) The Second Petition) 10a. Thy kingdom come. For the meaning of the concept kingdom of heaven or of God see pp. 249, 250. The second petition implies the following:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.20.7|AUTODETECT|”

1. It is only when the heavenly Father, on the basis of the Son s atonement, and through the operation of the Holy Spirit, rules in men s hearts that true and lasting betterment in individual, family, social, national, and international conditions can be expected 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.20.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 20:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|”
2. This is a prayer. In the history of missions it has been demonstrated again and again that the coming of the entrance of the reign of God into human hearts requires earnest prayer 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.29|AUTODETECT|” Mark 9:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.31|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” 13:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.21|AUTODETECT|”
3. Until the moment of the second coming there is need for this prayer; for, though the kingdom is here already 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), it is still absent from many hearts. In fact, there is every reason to doubt that progress in evangelization is keeping pace with progress in iniquity.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.0|AUTODETECT|”
4. The transforming grace and power of God is required before a man changes from the ardent yearning, My kingdom come, and from the boast, By my own effort I am already on the way to the realization of this goal, to the humble petition, Thy kingdom come. As to the boasters and their fall, think of Korah and his company 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.0|AUTODETECT|” Num. 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.37.10-23.37.13|AUTODETECT|” ), Sennacherib 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.37.10-23.37.13|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 37:10 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.37.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.37.37|AUTODETECT|”

37. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.37.38|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.37.38|AUTODETECT|”
38. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.30-27.4.33|AUTODETECT|” ), Nebuchadnezzar 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.30-27.4.33|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:30 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.21-44.12.23|AUTODETECT|” ), Edom (Obad. 1 4), Haman (Esther 3 7; especially 5:11, 12), Herod Agrippa I 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.21-44.12.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:21 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.18-42.12.20|AUTODETECT|” ), and the rich fool of the parable 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.18-42.12.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:18 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.20.17-44.20.38|AUTODETECT|”

5. Prayer for the establishment of the kingship of Christ in human hearts does not exclude the necessity of work. There must be preaching, visits to the homes, Bible translation and distribution, follow-up work, etc. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.17-44.20.38|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:17 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.9-52.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.9-52.2.12|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:9 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.2|AUTODETECT|”
6. Thy kingdom come is clearly a prayer for the progress of missionary activity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 17 2 8 0 0 Jesus shall reign where er the sun) Does his successsive journeys run;) His kingdom stretch from shore to shore) Till moons shall wax and wane no more.) (Isaac Watts)) 7. The desire of the supplicant is, however, not only that the kingdom mar come extensively but also that it may more and more be established intensively, that is, that he himself and all those already converted may increasingly acknowledge God in Christ as their sovereign Ruler:) Fill thou my life O Lord my God) In every part with praise,) That my whole being may proclaim) Thy being and thy ways.) Not for the lip of praise alone,) Nor e en the praising heart) I ask, but for a life made up) Of praise in every part.) (Horatius Bonar)) Just as the first petition already implied the second, so the second implies the third, for God s kingdom will not come unless his will be done. So we proceed to) The Third Petition) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.35|AUTODETECT|” 10b. Thy will be done, as in heaven so on earth. The will of God to which reference is made is clearly his revealed will, expressed in his law. It is that will which is done in heaven, but not yet to any great extent on earth. On the other hand, the will of God s decree or plan from eternity is always being realized both in heaven and on earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.35|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and cannot be the subject of prayer. (Incidentally, the statement that God s revealed will is being perfectly obeyed in heaven hence not only by heaven s angels but also by the hosts of the redeemed implies that the very moment a soul is translated from this sinful earth to heaven it has been freed from every vestige of sin.) It is the ardent desire of the person who sincerely breathes the Lord s Prayer that the Father s will shall be obeyed as completely, heartily, and immediately on earth as this is constantly being done by all the inhabitants of heaven.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.1-9.15.3|AUTODETECT|” As to completely, the story of King Saul shows that incomplete obedience, in which man sets his own will over against the divine, does not receive God s approval and may have serious consequences 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.1-9.15.3|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 15:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.7-9.15.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.7-9.15.9|AUTODETECT|” 7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.26.16|AUTODETECT|” , and note especially verses 22 and 23). As to heartily, note the words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.26.16|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 26:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.1.0|AUTODETECT|” . And as to immediately, the cherubim in Ezekiel s vision of the throne-chariot, each cherub being equipped with four faces, and the chariot itself with wheels within wheels, so that its drivers were always ready to take it wherever the Lord wanted it to go, furnish a vivid illustration of the kind of obedience in which heaven delights 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.10.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=26.10.0|AUTODETECT|”

10. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.22|AUTODETECT|” ). Examples of human obedience: Noah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.22|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.11.28-1.11.32|AUTODETECT|” ), Abraham 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.11.28-1.11.32|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 11:28 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.3|AUTODETECT|” , cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.8|AUTODETECT|” , cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 22:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ff., cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.23|AUTODETECT|” James 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.5.13-6.5.15|AUTODETECT|” ); Joshua 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.5.13-6.5.15|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 5:13 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.3.1-9.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ); Samuel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.3.1-9.3.10|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 3:1 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ); Simon (Peter) and Andrew 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.20|AUTODETECT|”
11. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ); Simon (Peter) once more 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.21|AUTODETECT|” ); James and John 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.22|AUTODETECT|”
12. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.29|AUTODETECT|” ); Peter and the apostles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.28|AUTODETECT|” ); Mary of Bethany 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.28|AUTODETECT|” John 11:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.29|AUTODETECT|”
13. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.6-44.16.10|AUTODETECT|” ); Paul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.6-44.16.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 16:6 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.19|AUTODETECT|” 26:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ); and the Philippians 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.51|AUTODETECT|” ). The greatest example of all is Jesus Christ himself 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.51|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.52|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.52|AUTODETECT|”
14. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.10|AUTODETECT|” John 15:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” 17:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5-50.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5-50.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:5 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.39|AUTODETECT|” ). It was he who in the garden said, Not as I will, but as thou wilt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ). As to the manner in which obedience is rewarded, from a host of passages that could be listed the following few should suffice: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.8|AUTODETECT|”
15. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.17|AUTODETECT|” John 7:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.29|AUTODETECT|” 8:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.21|AUTODETECT|” 14:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.23|AUTODETECT|”
16. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.10|AUTODETECT|” 15:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.10|AUTODETECT|”
17. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.2|AUTODETECT|”
18. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.7|AUTODETECT|” The petitions for the fulfilment of human needs follow. Although it is true that between the first three petitions, pertaining to God, and the last three, pertaining to man, there is a rather sharp division, the two are not to be regarded as wholly separate. If the believer is to take an active part in the hallowing of God s name, the coming of his kingdom, and the doing of his will such an active part being certainly implied in the first three petitions he must have bread 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.18|AUTODETECT|” , cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.18|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.28|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.15|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.16|AUTODETECT|”
19. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.25-40.6.34|AUTODETECT|” ). Jesus, accordingly, is not forgetful of the physical needs of his disciples 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.25-40.6.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:25 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.34-40.25.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.34-40.25.40|AUTODETECT|” 25:34 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.29|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.30|AUTODETECT|”
20. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.17|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.17|AUTODETECT|” Acts 24:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.15|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.15|AUTODETECT|” James 2:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.16|AUTODETECT|”
21. 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), both in order that they may live and be happy, and that they may be able vigorously to support kingdom causes. This introduces) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The Fourth Petition) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.11.3|AUTODETECT|”

11. Give us this day our daily bread. What did Jesus mean by daily ? In Greek literature the word which it translates is very rare; in fact, so rare that it used to be thought that it was coined by the evangelists. In Scripture it occurs only in the Lord s Prayer 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.11.3|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Although it has now become clear that the word did not originate with the Gospel writers, there is no unanimity in explaining it. All kinds of guesses have been ventured, among them being continuous, supersubstantial, ready at hand, for future use, for sustenance, etc. The explanation sufficient for the next day has been strongly defended.��315�� As I see it, a good argument can be made in favor of: a. Give us this day our bread for (or: belonging to) the current day (the day in being), ��316�� and of b. Give us this day our needful bread, that is, our bread necessary for existence. ��317�� The two ideas (a. and b.) combine easily.

In any case we must make sure that our interpretation does not run counter to the teaching of Jesus in this very chapter (verses 31 34), the warning against worry about food. See especially verse 34. Personally I see no reason, therefore, to depart from the translation to which many people have become accustomed, namely, daily. The meaning then would be, Give us today the portion that is needed for any one day. ��318��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.8|AUTODETECT|” What has been said so far indicates that by means of this petition Jesus teaches his disciples to be moderate in their desires and requests. This is brought out even more strikingly in the original, where the words our daily bread occur at the very head of the petition; hence, Our daily bread give us this day. Christ s disciples must ask for bread, not for luxuries. Neither poverty nor riches give thou me. Feed me with the bread that is appointed to me, lest, being full, I deny thee and say, Who is Jehovah? Or, lest, being poor, I steal and profane the name of my God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.8|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 30:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , taken from the prayer of Agur). It is clear, of course, that the term bread should not be taken too literally. Whatever is necessary to sustain physical life is meant.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.37.25|AUTODETECT|” Not only a. moderation is here taught, also b. trust in the heavenly Father, who loves and cares, the childlike confidence expressed so beautifully in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.37.25|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 37:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.41.33-1.41.36|AUTODETECT|” . Yet, it is not making provision for the future 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.41.33-1.41.36|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 41:33 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.6.6-20.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.6.6-20.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 6:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ) that is here condemned, but anxiety about the future, as if there were no heavenly Father. And well may the conviction of c. total dependence fill the heart, for all men, including even the richest, in order to have, consume, and enjoy food, are dependent upon the condition of soil, water, weather, and health of body. Moreover, in order to eat, men of slender and those of average means need to work, that they may earn their bread. Therefore, all men are dependent upon the general state of the economy, together with all its contributing factors, ecological, social, political, etc., which in the final analysis means that all are dependent upon the sovereign God, who is in control of the universe. Then, too, d. humility is required; hence, Give us.& Although the supplicant is making a living in the sweat of his brow and besides has even paid for his groceries, he must still accept what is on the table as a gift from God, a product of grace; for, not only is God the ultimate source of every blessing 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.17|AUTODETECT|” James 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ) but also, by reason of sin man has forfeited all! e. Willingness to work is also presupposed. Else how would one dare to pray for daily sustenance 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.10|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14|AUTODETECT|” )? To all this add one more quality, namely, f. generosity; hence, not Give me, but Give us & our daily bread. The needs of believers all over the world are included, for together they constitute one family 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ). And, in the spirit of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , are not the supplicant s horizons extended even beyond the camp of the saints, the beloved city ?��319��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Man has been endowed by the Creator with body and soul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). So, from a petition for the fulfilment of the needs of the body the prayer now advances to a request for the satisfaction of the soul s requirements, that what is spiritual may be both first (see the first three petitions) and last (see the last two, or the last two plus the doxology).) 1 7 2 8 0 0 The Fifth Petition) 12. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. In connection with this petition, which sounds so simple, a few questions are in order:) 1. What is the difference between debts (verse 12) and trespasses (verses 14, 15)?) Answer: see on verse 14.) 2. Why should we pray for forgiveness, since we no longer sin?) Answer: We do, indeed, sin daily. See p. 317.) 3. Granted that we sin, why must we still daily pray for forgiveness, since through Christ s atonement we are already cleansed (justified) from every sin?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Answer: It is true that the basis of our daily forgiveness has been established once for all by means of Christ s atonement. Nothing need be and nothing can be added to that. But this total, objective cleansing needs daily application for the simple reason that we sin every day. A father may have bequeathed a large inheritance to his son. It now very definitely belongs to the son. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the latter is immediately allowed to withdraw the entire huge amount from the bank and spend it all within one week.

Very wisely the father included a stipulation limiting the withdrawal privilege to a certain generous amount each month. So also when a person receives the grace of regeneration, this does not mean that all of that which Christ merited for him is immediately experienced by him. If it were, would it not overwhelm and crush his capacities? Rather, He [God] giveth and giveth and giveth again. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.10|AUTODETECT|” John 13:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The prayer for forgiveness implies that the supplicant recognizes that there is no other method by which his debt can be wiped out. It is, therefore, a plea for grace.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” However, a totally different difficulty arises in connection with Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. This certainly cannot mean that our forgiving disposition earns God s pardon. The forgiveness of our debts is based not on our merits how could we have any? but on Christ s, applied to us. Consequently, from our point of view, forgiveness is based on God s unmerited (not merited by us) favor, that is, on divine grace 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.27|AUTODETECT|” ), compassion 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 18:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.13|AUTODETECT|” ), and mercy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ). Nevertheless, our own forgiving disposition is very important. In fact, without it we ourselves cannot be forgiven. For us it is the indispensable condition of receiving the forgiveness of sins. That fact is stated clearly in verses 14 and 15, which, together with 18:21 35, is the best and simplest explanation of 6:12 one could ask for. It is with this as it is with salvation in general. We are not saved on the basis of our faith, as if faith had earning power. We are saved by grace 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ). Yet faith must be present if we are to be saved . Faith and one of its manifestations, namely, the disposition to forgive, are conditions that must be met and exercised if salvation and its component, pardon, are to be received. We must believe, we must forgive. God does not do these things for us. Nevertheless, it is God who plants in our hearts the seed of faith and of the forgiving disposition.

Moreover, the power to believe and the power to forgive are from God. At every step beginning, middle, and end, all along the way God is both present and active. With fear and trembling continue to work out your own salvation; for it is God who is working in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ). See also N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” and on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.4|AUTODETECT|” . It is exactly as Greijdanus observes, in commenting on the parallel passage, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.4|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . He writes, In spite of for, this clause does not indicate the ground upon which God bestows forgiveness, but that which must be complied with for us to enjoy God s forgiveness of our own sins. ��320��) 1 2 2 8 0 0 To be genuine, this forgiveness that we ourselves bestow upon our fellow men must be given gladly, generously, and with finality; not in the spirit of, I ll forgive, but I m telling you that I ll never forget. Lord s Day 51 of the Heidelberg Catechism gives a correct, succinct, and beautiful explanation of the fifth petition: Be pleased, for the sake of Christ s blood, not to impute to us, miserable sinners, any of our transgressions, nor the evil which always cleaves to us; as we also find this witness of thy grace in us that it is our full purpose heartily to forgive our neighbor. ) A possible objection to the explanation given must be briefly answered: Does not this mean, then, that our act of kindness toward the one who has injured us precedes Christ s act of kindness toward us? ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Answer. In the circle of salvation the beginning is always with God, never with us. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.19|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.15|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.15|AUTODETECT|” John 13:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.32|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Nevertheless, the forgiving love of Christ not only precedes but also accompanies and even follows the love with which we love him and the neighbor.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Our sincere purpose to forgive those who have injured us, and thus also our experience of the pardoning love and grace of God in Christ, can be enhanced by the following considerations:) Extend forgiveness to others, for) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.35|AUTODETECT|”

1. God so commands. Vengeance belongs to him, not to us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.35|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.34|AUTODETECT|”
2. We should follow the example Christ himself has given us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.12-43.13.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.12-43.13.15|AUTODETECT|” John 13:12 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.32|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.1|AUTODETECT|” 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.5.2|AUTODETECT|”

2. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0

3. We cannot be forgiven unless we forgive, as has been shown.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.13.8|AUTODETECT|”
4. The man who injured us needs our sympathy and love. We owe him this love 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|”
5. Harboring a grudge and planning revenge is not only wicked but also foolish, for it deprives us of the strength we need to do effective work. We should have the forward look 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|”
6. Forgiving others will impart peace of heart and mind to us, the peace that passes all understanding 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|”

9. 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|”

7. Thus, thus alone, will God be glorified, which should be our aim in all we do 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 The fourth petition is linked to the fifth, and the fifth to the sixth, by the conjunction and. All three represent human needs, and are closely connected. The connection between the fourth and fifth has already been indicated. Very close is also the relation between the fifth and the sixth, and this in at least the following respect: we are in need not only of forgiveness of past sins, but also of God s protecting care so that in the future we may not fall into the clutches of Satan.) Between And lead us not into temptation and deliver us from the evil one there is no conjunction and. On the contrary, the conjunction but shows that the petition simply continues, the negative request being balanced by the positive in one petition. These two are, as it were, the two sides of the same coin. Accordingly, I am in agreement with all those who accept six, not seven,��321�� petitions.) The Sixth Petition) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.13|AUTODETECT|”
8. or 13a.��322�� And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. Probable meaning: If it be thy will do not permit us, weak as we are by nature and prone to sin, to enter into situations which in the natural course of events would expose us to temptation and fall (cf. 26:41), but, whatever be thy way with us, deliver us from the evil one. Though it is true that here as before (5:37) both the neuter from evil and the masculine from the evil one are possible, and, as Calvin points out, There is no necessity of raising a debate on this point, for the meaning remains nearly the same, nevertheless, both because in the consciousness of Christ the devil was very real (see proof on p. 309), and because one naturally associates temptation, mentioned in this petition, with the tempter (see especially 4:1), I, along with many others,��323�� give the preference to the rendering the evil one. Though it is true that God himself never tempts man to sin 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.13|AUTODETECT|” James 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.14-47.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ), it is also true that there is good reason to ask him not even to permit us voluntarily to run into temptation; for example, by establishing a dangerously close alliance with the world, becoming unequally yoked with unbelievers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.14-47.6.16|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ); or by going into the opposite extreme and withdrawing ourselves entirely from society 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.12|AUTODETECT|” ); by becoming so absorbed in our daily affairs that the spiritual atmosphere which should characterize our home is neglected, by serving on so many good-cause committees that matters even more important are not attended to; etc. It is God alone who knows how many tests of faith, and how severe, each saved sinner can endure, as he is constantly being assaulted by the devil 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.12|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.19|AUTODETECT|” ), the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.19|AUTODETECT|” John 15:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.23|AUTODETECT|” ), and his own flesh 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ). Instead of going down to defeat in this struggle, may he remain watchful at all times, and in any event, may he triumph completely over the evil one 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ). For more with respect to Satan and his crafty methods see N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Ephesians 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and 6:11, 12.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 The logic of the petition is clear. An analogous request would be, Lord, grant that I may be so careful in observing the rules of health that I may not become ill, but whatever in thy providence befalls me, keep me close to thy side that my faith may not fail. Here, too, however, we, our, and us should be substituted for I, my, and me. The supplicant is constantly including others in his prayers.) The Conclusion) 13b. [For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.] It is commonly held that, since these words are absent from the leading manuscripts, the rules of textual evidence do not favor their inclusion in the Lord s Prayer. Without disputing the correctness of this view it is but fair to point out, however, that, in one form or another, the doxology is found in some rather ancient versions.

Moreover, the Didache or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (VIII.2), by many regarded as having originated in the first half of the second century, contains the conclusion in the abbreviated form for thine is the power and the glory forever. A defense of the authenticity of the Greek words upon which the A.V. form of the conclusion is based is found in E. F. Hills, The King James Version Defended, Des Moines, 1956, pp. 97 102. His main argument is that from the earliest times in the worship of the church the conclusion was separated from the rest of the Lord s Prayer. The body of the prayer was repeated by the people, the conclusion, exclusive of Amen, by the priest, after which the people responded, Amen. ��324�� Because of this liturgical separation, so he argues, this conclusion began to be regarded by some Christians as a man-made response and not part of the original prayer as it fell from the lips of Christ. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.23-46.14.40|AUTODETECT|” Now it is true that even during the gatherings for worship, whether regular or on special occasions, both in ancient Israel and in the apostolic church, the scene was more lively and responsive, less formal, than in much of later Christendom (except for the modern trend). To be sure, the services were generally orderly. If they were not, the membership was apt to be duly admonished 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.23-46.14.40|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 14:23 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.15-5.27.26|AUTODETECT|” ). The control was definitely in the hands of the leader. There were, however, responses by the congregation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.15-5.27.26|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 27:15 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.16.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.16.36|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 16:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.5.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 5:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.8.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.8.6|AUTODETECT|” 8:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.16|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 14:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Nevertheless, whether an argument of this type, based to a large extent on ancient liturgical practices, is sufficient to offset the considerable lack of manuscript support for the retention or insertion of the words in question is debatable. The evangelist Luke, in reporting the Lord s Prayer, omits any mention of a concluding doxology.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.29.11|AUTODETECT|” On the other hand, it must be admitted that the A.V. conclusion reflects the spirit of both the Old Testament 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.29.11|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 29:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 9:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.50|AUTODETECT|” ; the conclusions of Pss. 145 150) and the New 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.50|AUTODETECT|” John 8:50) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” 17:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.18|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.11|AUTODETECT|” 4:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.12|AUTODETECT|” 5:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.1|AUTODETECT|” 19:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ff.). It would be difficult, indeed, to frame or devise a more fitting close.��325�� Is it not entirely appropriate that we, the supplicants, having concluded our humble petitions, as it were turn our eyes upward again (as in the beginning of the prayer) in adoration, and concentrate heart and mind on God s majesty and love, which constitute the basis of our confidence that the prayer will be heard?��326��) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Viewing the words of the doxology, therefore, as being in any case in thorough harmony with the rest of the Bible, and as constituting an eminently suitable conclusion of this prayer, a few words of interpretation are in order. The phrase For thine is the kingdom can be regarded as pertaining to each of the preceding petitions, as if to say, Hallowed be thy name, for thine is the kingdom, that is, for it is thy sovereign right as King that thy name be hallowed ; so also, Thy kingdom come, for thine is the kingdom, that is, for it is proper that thy divine authority over hearts and lives be reverently acknowledged ; Thy will be done, for thine is the kingdom, that is, for since thou art King thy will should be obeyed by us and by everyone ; and so on through the rest of the prayer.) Not only the Father s right to grant the requests, since he is King over all, but also his power to do so is recognized , and this, too, is basic to each of the preceding petitions. Those who pray this prayer acknowledge that all power belongs to the Father, not only the power over the entire universe and all it contains, but even the power that resides within all: in the sun to glow, in winds to blow, in rivers to flow, in plants to grow, etc. Even the power exercised by sinister forces is his, though they are responsible for its evil use. If it were not his, how would he be able to overrule it for good?) Finally, since all of God s virtues are reflected in his work of creation and redemption, in each according to its own nature, the children of this heavenly Father, deeply impressed with the manifestations of his power, wisdom, and goodness, add, and the glory, ��327�� joyfully ascribing to the Father all these three the kingdom, the power, and the glory not only now but forever. With a reverend Amen, in attestation of the sincerity of their words and of their conviction that the Father will attend to their needs, they conclude the prayer.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” Though the Lord s Prayer is ended, Jesus regards it necessary to append to it a clarification of the fifth petition, And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. Since in the explanation of the petition I have already touched on verses 14 and 15, little need be added here. 14, 15. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Though in the teaching not only of Paul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.1-40.5.6|AUTODETECT|” ) but certainly also of Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.1-40.5.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.27|AUTODETECT|” 18:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) salvation rests not on human accomplishments but solely on the grace and mercy of God, this does not mean that there is nothing to do for those who receive it. They must believe. Included in this faith is the eagerness to forgive. Unless the listeners forgive men their trespasses, they themselves will remain unpardoned.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.1|AUTODETECT|” In verse 12 sins were called debts, that is, that which we owe, and for which we must suffer punishment unless payment is made, satisfaction rendered, by ourselves or by another. Here, in verses 14 and 15, these sins are called trespasses, deviations from the path of truth and righteousness.��328�� Now whether these deviations are of the milder character, as in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.15|AUTODETECT|” and perhaps also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” , or whether they are far more serious, as in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1|AUTODETECT|” 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , they must be forgiven. Moreover, as far as it is in his power to do so a follower of Jesus should make not only his brothers in the Lord but also men in general the objects of his forgiving love, as is clear from the fact that the very word men, that is, human beings, is spelled out in full, and this both in verse 14 and in verse 15.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.3|AUTODETECT|” The question might be asked, But in the process of bringing about forgiveness and reconciliation, does the entire obligation rest upon the person who has been sinned against? Does not the offender also have an obligation? The answer is, Indeed, he does. He must repent and with the message of this repentance he must gladden the heart of the one whom he has injured 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.3|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But this does not remove the latter s obligation to do all in his power to open wide the gate toward reconciliation. If in that case there is no co-operation from the other side, the blame will rest not on the offended person but on the offender, who originally inflicted the injury.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Of the three manifestations of righteousness here reviewed two have been discussed: charitable giving and prayer. There remains) Fasting) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.7.5|AUTODETECT|” Prayer and fasting are often combined 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.7.5|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 7:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.7.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.7.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.16|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 12:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.21-10.12.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.21-10.12.23|AUTODETECT|” 21 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.3|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 20:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=15.8.21-15.8.23|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=15.8.21-15.8.23|AUTODETECT|” Ezra 8:21 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.1|AUTODETECT|” 9:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.58.6|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.58.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 58:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.58.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.58.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.14.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.14.12|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 14:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.3|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 9:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.23|AUTODETECT|” 14:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ). 16. And whenever you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, looking glum, for they make their faces unsightly in order that (other) people may see that they are fasting. Fasting, as here meant, refers not to a condition that is forced upon a person 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.5|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.27|AUTODETECT|” 11:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.16.29-3.16.34|AUTODETECT|” ), but to voluntary abstinence from food as a religious exercise. It served various purposes, either singly or in any combination. Thus, it might be an expression of humiliation, that is, sorrow for, and in connection with confession of, sin 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.16.29-3.16.34|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 16:29 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.23.26-3.23.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.23.26-3.23.32|AUTODETECT|” 23:26 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.29.7-4.29.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.29.7-4.29.11|AUTODETECT|” Num. 29:7 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.18|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 9:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.27|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.1|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 9:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.3|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.3|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 9:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Jonah 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.20.26|AUTODETECT|” ), or of lamentation over ill, either already experienced defeat in battle 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.20.26|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 20:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.31.13|AUTODETECT|” ), bereavement 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.31.13|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 31:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.10.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.10.11|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 10:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.10.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.10.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.1.12|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ), the arrival of sad tidings 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ), a plague 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Joel 1:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.12-29.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.12-29.2.15|AUTODETECT|” 2:12 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.3|AUTODETECT|” ) or threatened 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.3|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 20:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Esther 4:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.9.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.9.31|AUTODETECT|” 9:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.16|AUTODETECT|” ). In the case of David, when the threatening death of the child becomes a reality he ceases to fast 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.16|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 12:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.21-10.12.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.21-10.12.23|AUTODETECT|” 21 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ). There was a natural basis for the fasts mentioned so far, since overwhelming grief or distress produces loss of appetite 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.1.7|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” Sometimes a fast was ordered and/or observed in order to promote concentration on an important religious act or event, such as the commissioning of missionaries 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.23|AUTODETECT|” ), or the appointment of elders 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.2|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.2|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 34:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.58.0|AUTODETECT|” . In this connection, what is perhaps the most beautiful chapter on fasting in the entire Bible 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.58.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 58) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.16-40.6.18|AUTODETECT|” ) deserves special mention (especially verses 6 12). It may well be that here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.16-40.6.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:16 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.9|AUTODETECT|” Jesus had that chapter in mind, as a comparison will show. In both cases the wrong kind of fast 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.9|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.7.3-38.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.7.3-38.7.5|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 7:3 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is condemned and the right kind commended.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.16.29-3.16.34|AUTODETECT|” The law of God suggests only one fast in an entire year, namely, on the day of atonement 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.16.29-3.16.34|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 16:29 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.23.26-3.23.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.23.26-3.23.32|AUTODETECT|” 23:26 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.29.7-4.29.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.29.7-4.29.11|AUTODETECT|” Num. 29:7 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.9|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.9|AUTODETECT|” Acts 27:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.20.26|AUTODETECT|” ). In course of time, however, fasts (not always total; see the text in each instance) began to multiply, so that we read about their occurrence at other times also: from sunrise to sunset 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.20.26|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 20:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.14.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.14.24|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 14:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.1.12|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.3.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.3.35|AUTODETECT|” 3:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.31.13|AUTODETECT|” ); for seven days 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.31.13|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 31:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.3|AUTODETECT|” ); three weeks 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.3|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 10:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.2|AUTODETECT|” ); forty days 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.2|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 34:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.9.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.8|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 19:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.7.3-38.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ); in the fifth and seventh month 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.7.3-38.7.5|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 7:3 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.8.19|AUTODETECT|” ); and even in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth month 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.8.19|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 8:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.12|AUTODETECT|” ). The climax was the observance of a fast twice a week, ��329�� the boast of the Pharisee 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.12|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.14-40.9.17|AUTODETECT|” As an expression of lamentation over sorrowful circumstances Jesus did not encourage fasting on the part of his disciples. On the contrary, he wanted them to rejoice because of his own presence among them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.14-40.9.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:14 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.18-41.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.18-41.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:18 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.33-42.5.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.33-42.5.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:33 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.2|AUTODETECT|” ). He himself, as has been indicated, observed a fast of lengthy duration, probably for the purpose of concentration on the work which the Father had given him to do, and which he, Jesus himself, had voluntarily taken upon himself 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.2|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.16-40.6.18|AUTODETECT|” Here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.16-40.6.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:16 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.20.38|AUTODETECT|” , however, it is the fast as an expression of humiliation, whether feigned (verse 16) or genuine (verses 17 and 18), that is in view. The hypocrites, that is, the scribes and Pharisees (5:20; 15:1, 7; 23:13), put on a dismal look, making their faces unsightly, perhaps by covering them with ashes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.20.38|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 20:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), in order that to the people round about them they might look O so sorry for their sins; hence, O so pious! They were putting on an act.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Jesus continues, I solemnly declare to you, they have already received their reward in full. For explanation see on 6:1 and 2. They tried hard to look glum so as to impress the fickle crowd. Well, they attained their goal! As if to say, How utterly ridiculous, such a reward! ��330�� How absurd to prefer it to the real reward (6:1)!) Continued: 17. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.

Jesus does not say that his followers must fast, neither does he forbid them to fast if that is what they wish to do. In certain circumstances he seems to regard fasting as entirely proper. Did he not himself fast also, though, as has already been indicated, for an entirely different reason? The point Jesus stresses is that when his followers think they ought to fast they should, by anointing their head and washing their face, make this voluntary observance of a religious exercise as inconspicuous as possible. This admonition parallels that with respect to giving to charity (6:2 4) and praying (6:5, 6). All such practices should take place in secret, that is, away from the eyes of men.

They should be sincere acts of devotion to God, to him alone. Concluded: 18. that not men but (only) your Father who is in secret may see that you are fasting. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you (for explanation see on 6:4).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.14|AUTODETECT|” With the passing of the day of atonement, fasting is no longer a religious requirement 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Are there, nevertheless, lessons here that hold today as well as they did yesterday? I suggest the following:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=56.1.12|AUTODETECT|”

1. Intemperance in eating, as well as in everything else, is warned against in Scripture. See N.T.C. on I and II Timothy and Titus, p. 122. The lazy gluttons of Crete, sluggish and sensual gormandizers, do not remain unrebuked 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.19|AUTODETECT|” ). A mark of the enemies of the cross is that their god is their belly 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.18|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.13|AUTODETECT|” ). Instead of striving to keep their physical appetites under control 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.27|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ), realizing that our bodies are the Holy Spirit s temple, in which God should be glorified 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|”

20. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ), these people surrendered themselves to gluttony and licentiousness. They worshiped their sensual nature. The Bible forbids this. In this connection it is interesting to note that the physical advantage in cutting down the intake of animal fats is not a modern medical discovery 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.7.22-3.7.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.7.22-3.7.25|AUTODETECT|” 7:22 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��331��) 1 15 2 8 0 0

2. Nevertheless, in Scripture it is not the salutary effect which a moderate amount of fasting may have on a person s physical welfare that is especially in view. It is rather the spiritual benefit that is basic. As has already been indicated, often fasting was an expression of sorrow for sin or was observed in order that mind and heart might concentrate not on material matters but wholly on God and on the tasks which he assigns. That there is a close connection between fasting and spiritual meditation and contemplation is widely recognized.) 3. The indispensability of sincerity in worship is, however, the main thrust of this entire section (6:1 18).) As to the relation of 6:19 34 to the sermon as a whole, and specifically to the immediately preceding verses 1 18, see pp. 263, 318.

Righteousness in relation to God requires not only the sincere devotion of the heart to the heavenly Father (6:1 18) but also unlimited trust in him under all circumstances. We turn, therefore, to the sub-theme:) Unlimited Trust (6:19 34)) This truth is made clear, first of all, by the condemnation of its opposite, namely, lack of trust in God, that is, feverish anxiety. The latter:) a mounts to idolatry,) for its accompanying attachment to mammon means detachment from God (verse 24);) b lurs vision,) for, by being preoccupied with piling up material wealth, it obscures the real goal of our existence (verses 22, 23);) c onfuses values,) for it attaches primary significance to that which is secondary, and vice versa, as if food were more important than life, and clothing than the body (verse 25); and) d efies all reason,) for it barters away heavenly for earthly treasures, the imperishable for the perishable (verses 19 21); forgets that it cannot even add one cubit to a person s life-span (verse 27); borrows tomorrow s troubles as if today s were inadequate (verse 34); and, worst of all, refuses to consider that if, even as Creator, God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, then certainly, as heavenly Father, he will care for his children (verses 26, 28 32).) Secondly, this truth (the necessity of unlimited trust in God) is also stated positively; for over against the negative commandments of, respectively, verses 19, 25, and 31, 34, stand the positive of, respectively, verses 20, 26, and 28, climaxed by the powerful and very comforting words of verse 33, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be granted to you as an extra gift. ) 19, 20. Do not gather for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves dig through and steal. But gather for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves do not dig through and steal. First the negative command is issued, then the positive (cf. verses 5, 6; 7 9; 16, 17; 19, 20; 25, 26, 28; 31, 33; and 7:1, 5).

How absurd (see d above), Jesus is saying, to treasure up for oneself perishable earthly treasures, and while doing this to lose the imperishable heavenly riches! Earthly treasures are vulnerable because of deterioration and defalcation.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.51.8|AUTODETECT|” As to the first, deterioration, the moth consumes them. Moths, skippers, and butterflies belong to the large order of insects called Lepidoptera, that is, insects with scale-covered wings. In distinction from butterflies, moths a. constitute the largest division of this order, b. are largely nocturnal, and c. have antennae that are not club-shaped.��332�� The reference here in 6:19 21 is to the tiny insect that deposits its eggs in woolens. It is in the larval stage that it feeds on the cloth until the garment, etc., becomes moth-eaten and is destroyed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.51.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 51:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.33|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.2|AUTODETECT|” James 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Rust probably indicates the corrosion of metals, their being gradually gnawed into by the action of chemicals.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.9.5|AUTODETECT|” In all probability, however, the terms moth and rust represent all those agencies and processes that cause earthly treasures to diminish in value and finally to cease completely to serve their purpose. Thus, bread becomes moldy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 9:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.102.26|AUTODETECT|” ), garments wear out 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.102.26|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 102:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.24.30|AUTODETECT|” ), fields (particularly neglected ones) become weed-infested 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.24.30|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 24:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.24.31|AUTODETECT|” ), walls and fences break down 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.24.31|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 24:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.10.18|AUTODETECT|” ), roofs cave in so that houses begin to leak 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.10.18|AUTODETECT|” Eccl. 10:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ), and gold and silver become tarnished and perish 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.7|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Add the havoc brought about by termites, hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, earthquakes, plant diseases, soil erosion, etc. The list is almost endless.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.3|AUTODETECT|” As to the second, defalcation, thieves break through and steal. Through the clay wall of the houses of which Jesus was thinking the thief rather easily digs an entrance and steals the ill-guarded treasures. Inflation, oppressive taxation which may amount to confiscation, bank failures, stock market slumps and crashes, expenses in connection with prolonged illnesses, these and many similar woes have the same effect. Besides, man s body, including that of the strongest, gradually wears away 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.3|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.39.4-19.39.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.39.4-19.39.7|AUTODETECT|” 39:4 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.90.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.90.10|AUTODETECT|” 90:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.15|AUTODETECT|” 103:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.12.1-21.12.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.12.1-21.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Eccl. 12:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). When he dies, all the earthly treasures on which he had pinned his hopes vanish with him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Completely different are the treasures in heaven (cf. 19:21), that is, those blessings that are reserved for us in heaven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.4|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.14|AUTODETECT|” ), that are heavenly in character, but of which we experience a foretaste even now. Beginning, as is proper, with the enumeration of some of these as Jesus himself describes them, one thinks of our standing with God as being fully pardoned 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.20|AUTODETECT|” ), answered prayer (7:7), the enrolment of our names in heaven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.27|AUTODETECT|” ), the Father s love 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.27|AUTODETECT|” John 16:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.2|AUTODETECT|” ), a welcome not only to the mansions of heaven but to the Savior s own heart 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.2|AUTODETECT|” John 14:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.27|AUTODETECT|” ), a full share in Christ s own peace 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.27|AUTODETECT|” John 14:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.11|AUTODETECT|” ), his own joy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.11|AUTODETECT|” John 15:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” ), and his own victory 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” John 16:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.16|AUTODETECT|” ), and the Holy Spirit s permanent indwelling 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.16|AUTODETECT|” John 14:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.26|AUTODETECT|” 15:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.1-40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ). See also all the spiritual blessings mentioned in the beatitudes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.1-40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:1 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Paul is thinking of these same treasures, and describes them sometimes in the same, sometimes in his own terms: our being justified by faith 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.8|AUTODETECT|” ), answered prayer 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ), the love of God shed abroad in our hearts 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ), the crown of righteousness with which the Savior will welcome us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ), the peace of God that passes all understanding 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ), rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” ), the victory 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:57) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ), and his Spirit in the inner man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.14|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.14|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The enumerations are merely illustrative, not exhaustive.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 There is a degree of difference with which spiritual (as over against material) blessings are emphasized in the New Testament as compared with the Old. With the coming of Christ heaven as it were touches the earth. See N.T.C. on Ephesians, p. 73.) That the heavenly treasures are moth-proof, rust-proof, and burglar-proof (verse 20), in other words, that they endure forever in all their sparkling luster, as the irremovable possession of the children of the heavenly Father, is the teaching of Scripture throughout, for it tells us about:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.33|AUTODETECT|” a faithfulness that will never be removed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.33|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 89:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.138.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.138.8|AUTODETECT|” 138:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” a life that will never end 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.14|AUTODETECT|” a spring of water that will never cease to bubble up within the one who drinks of it 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.14|AUTODETECT|” John 4:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.37|AUTODETECT|” a gift that will never be lost 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.37|AUTODETECT|” John 6:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.39|AUTODETECT|” 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|” a hand out of which the Good Shepherd s sheep will never be snatched 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|” John 10:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” a chain that will never be broken 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” a love from which we shall never be separated 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.29|AUTODETECT|” a calling that will never be revoked 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.19|AUTODETECT|” a foundation that will never be destroyed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.19|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ),) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.4|AUTODETECT|” and an inheritance that will never fade out 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.4|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.41.33-1.41.36|AUTODETECT|” The following questions may well be asked, however, But if it is wrong to gather treasures on earth, does this mean, then, that making provision for future physical needs is always and absolutely wrong? Must all trade, commerce, and industry, carried on for the purpose, at least in part, of making a profit, be condemned? Are all rich people to be considered reprobates? To all three questions the answer is, No. God did not condemn Joseph for advising Pharaoh to store up grain for future use 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.41.33-1.41.36|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 41:33 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.6.6|AUTODETECT|” ). Nor were Solomon and Agur wrong in pointing to the ant as an example of the common sense revealed in providing during the summer for the needs of the winter 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 6:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.25|AUTODETECT|” 30:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.14|AUTODETECT|” ). Nor did Paul make a mistake when he wrote ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.8|AUTODETECT|” b and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.8|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.14-40.25.30|AUTODETECT|” . Business and banking are encouraged, by implication, in Christ s parables 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.14-40.25.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25:14 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.11-42.19.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.11-42.19.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:11 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.13.2|AUTODETECT|” ). The rich man Abraham 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.13.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 13:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.41.8|AUTODETECT|” ) was a friend of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.41.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 41:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.7|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 20:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.23|AUTODETECT|” James 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.2|AUTODETECT|” ). Rich Zachaeus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.2|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.9|AUTODETECT|” ) was accounted worthy to be called a son of Abraham 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.57|AUTODETECT|” ); and wealthy Joseph of Arimathea was a follower of the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.57|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:57) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.24|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, the accumulation of wealth is fraught with spiritual danger 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 19:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.16-42.12.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.16-42.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:16 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.10|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ). To be sure, money can be a great blessing, if it is not an end in itself but a means to an end, namely, a. to prevent one s own family from becoming a burden to others 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.8|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.14.21|AUTODETECT|” ), b. to help those who are in need 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.14.21|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 14:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.19.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.19.17|AUTODETECT|” 19:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.36|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.37|AUTODETECT|” 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.27-44.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.27-44.11.30|AUTODETECT|” 11:27 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.17|AUTODETECT|” 24:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.4|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.10|AUTODETECT|” 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.28|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.41|AUTODETECT|” ), and c. to encourage the work of the gospel both at home and abroad 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.41|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.2|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Acts 16:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.40|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.40|AUTODETECT|” 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.15-50.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.15-50.4.17|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:15 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.17|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ), all to the glory of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.11|AUTODETECT|” ). However, money can also be a snare 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.11|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.5|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 8:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Naturally, if a person s real treasure, his ultimate aim in all his striving, is something pertaining to this earth the acquisition of money, fame, popularity, prestige, power , then his heart, the very center of his life 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 4:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), will be completely absorbed in that mundane object. All of his activities, including even the so-called religious, will be subservient to this one goal. On the other hand, if, out of sincere and humble gratitude to God, he has made God s kingdom, that is, the joyful recognition of God s sovereignty in his own life and in every sphere, his treasure, then there is also where his heart will be. Money, in that case, will be a help, not a hindrance. Something of this nature Jesus must have had in mind when he said, 21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The heart cannot be in both of these places at the same time. It is an either-or proposition! See verse 24.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Piling up earthly treasures blurs vision (see b above, p. 343). With a figure of speech that amounts almost to a parable Jesus says, 22, 23. The eye is the body s lamp. Therefore, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be illumined. But if your eye is in poor condition, your whole body will be dark. If then the (very) light in you is darkness, how great (is) that darkness.

Jesus does not mean that the eye is the source of light for our body, but that it is, as it were, the light-bringer, the guide on which the entire body depends for illumination and direction. It is because of the eye that a man is able to make use of the light. Therefore, in this secondary sense, the eye may itself also be called the body s light or lantern.) This implies, however that the eye must be single, that is, in this connection, without any speck, hence, sound.��333�� It must be able to see clearly. If the eye is diseased, the body will be full of darkness and thus not able to function properly. It is a well-known fact that lack of sufficient light from sun, moon, stars, lamps, etc., makes it difficult to see things. Yet, a sound eye quickly adjusts to the darkness.

But if the eye itself, the very organ of light (in the sense already explained), is in poor condition, the darkness will be great indeed. In that case, even if the sun were shining, not much would be gained. At best, everything would be indistinct, a huge blur.) Implication on the basis of verses 19 21: Just as a person has a natural eye (the one eye representing both eyes here) to illumine his physical existence and to bring him into contact with his earthly environment, so he has a spiritual eye, namely, the mind, to brighten his inner life, to guide him morally and spiritually, and to keep him in contact with the heavenly Father. But if the light that is in him be darkened for example, by means of his inordinate yearning for earthly treasure , then how great must be that darkness, the very organ of light-reception having been obscured by sin. By missing what should have been his goal, namely, the promotion of God s glory, this person misses everything!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.16.5|AUTODETECT|” The impossibility of combining two opposite goals (glorifying God and satisfying the yearnings of the flesh) is stated very tersely and unambiguously in verse 24. No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and look down on the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon. The man with the misplaced heart (verse 21) and misdirected mind (verses 22 and 23) also suffers from a misaligned will, a will not in line with God s will (verse 24). He imagines, perhaps, that he can give his full allegiance to the two goals of glorifying God and acquiring material possessions, but he errs. He will either hate the one and love the other, or vice versa.

By God is meant the heavenly Father, as representing the Trinity, and as revealed to us by Jesus Christ. By Mammon, a word of uncertain derivation, is meant wealth, property, as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.5|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” clearly indicates. Think of money, real estate, victuals, clothes, etc. Here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.13|AUTODETECT|” , as well as in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , wealth of property is, however, personified: it is presented as a master to whom a person is devoted and whom he loves. Today also people will say, He has become the slave of his holdings. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37|AUTODETECT|” If a person loves God he will show this by being devoted to him, placing everything money, time, talents, etc. at his disposal, serving him. It is clear, therefore, that loving God is not merely a matter of the emotions but of heart, soul, mind, and strength 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.30|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.37-40.10.39|AUTODETECT|” ). To love God requires service and even sacrifice 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.37-40.10.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:37 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). So described, it becomes all the more evident that this supreme, self-sacrificing, enthusiastic allegiance cannot be rendered to two parties. Whoever renders it becomes a worshiper, and the One to whom it is rendered becomes his God. Moreover, since there is only one true God, it follows that Mammon-worship is idolatry (see a on p. 343).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.14-40.26.16|AUTODETECT|” The psychological tension that is built up in the soul of a person who imagines for a while that he will be able to love and serve both masters becomes so severe and unendurable that in attitude, word, and deed he will sooner or later begin to show where his real allegiance lies. Either the one master or the other will win out, actually has been on top all the while, though, perhaps, the individual in question was not fully aware of this. In the crisis the agitated soul, out of love for the one master, will begin to show that he hates the other, perhaps even to the point of being willing to betray him. Think of Judas Iscariot. Was it not Mammon that led him to deliver Christ into the hands of the enemy? See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.14-40.26.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.6|AUTODETECT|” John 12:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.7|AUTODETECT|” . And on the other hand, think of Paul. There came a time in the life of this former persecutor when he began to look down on whatever of personal merit, earthly possessions, and prestige he at one time had prized so highly. Whatever used to be gain had now become loss 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ff.).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Another point, already implied in the preceding, is now brought to the foreground more definitely, namely, that the person who, because of his lack of trust in the heavenly Father, devotes his time and talent to the piling up of earthly treasures, hence to the worship of Mammon, confuses values. He is all mixed up with respect to priorities. He attaches primary significance to that which is secondary, and vice versa (see c on p. 343). Says Jesus, 25. Therefore I say to you, Do not be anxious about your life, what you are going to eat or what you are going to drink, nor about your body, what you are going to wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?) The word Therefore shows the connection with the preceding.

On the basis of what has gone before and in connection with what follows, the meaning is probably this: Since transitory earthly treasures do not satisfy, and setting the heart on them implies forfeiting the enduring pleasures of heaven (verses 19 21), and since the yearning for such earthly riches blurs mental and moral vision (verses 22, 23), and finally, because a choice must be made between God and Mammon (verse 24), do not continue to set your heart on the latter, that is, on earthly things, such as food and drink, to keep alive, or on clothes, to keep dressed. After all, it is your heavenly Father who gave you your life and your body and will sustain them. He who has provided the greater, namely, life and body, will he not also furnish the lesser, namely, food, drink, and clothes? Is not life��334�� more important than food, and the body than clothes? Do not, then, confuse priorities!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” What we have here, therefore, is an argument from the greater to the lesser, somewhat on the order of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , He who did not spare his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also graciously give us all things? ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.38-42.10.42|AUTODETECT|” Do not be anxious, says Jesus. Since the present imperative is used here, the meaning seems to be, Do not have this bad habit. It may, however, also mean, If you have already fallen into it, then break this habit: stop being anxious. Compare with verse 31, where the exhortation is, Do not become anxious. The word used in the original for being anxious means being distracted, as was, for example, Martha, whose attention was divided to such an extent that she, for a while, forgot about the one thing needful 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.38-42.10.42|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:38 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; note verse 41, you are anxious and troubled about many things ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.11.13-3.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Anxiety must also be avoided because it is unreasonable (see d on p. 343). Jesus has just now (verse 25) warned about being unduly concerned about the means of sustaining life, namely, food and drink. So, pointing upward, perhaps, to a flock of birds, he continues: 26. Look at the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. You are of more value than they, are you not? The sky above Palestine and neighboring countries is full of birds. Scripture mentions many of them. In the small compass of seven verses 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.11.13-3.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 11:13 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ) no less than twenty kinds are listed: eagle, ossifrage, osprey, kite, falcon, raven, ostrich, nighthawk, sea gull, hawk, owl, cormorant, ibis, water hen, pelican, vulture, stork, heron, hoopoe, and bat.��335�� In the old dispensation all of these were considered unclean. The pigeon and the turtle-dove are mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.12.6|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 12:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.24|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.84.3|AUTODETECT|” ); the sparrow and the swallow in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.84.3|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 84:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.29|AUTODETECT|” ; for the former see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.31|AUTODETECT|” 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.8.7|AUTODETECT|” . In addition to turtle-dove and swallow ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.8.7|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 8:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.26|AUTODETECT|” mentions the crane. In the passage parallel to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.26|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.24|AUTODETECT|” Jesus calls the attention of his audience to the (already mentioned) raven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.24|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” ). The barnyard with its domestic fowl is not neglected; note the strikingly beautiful passage about the hen and its chicks 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.34|AUTODETECT|” ), and the part the rooster plays in the story of Peter s denial 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.11.0|AUTODETECT|” ff., and parallels). The eagle, referred to not only in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.11.0|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.11|AUTODETECT|” but in several other Old Testament passages 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.11|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.5|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 103:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.17.3|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.17.3|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 17:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.17.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.17.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.28|AUTODETECT|” ) returns in the pages of the New Testament 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.37|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.14|AUTODETECT|” 12:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We have already become acquainted with the dove in our study of the baptism of Jesus (see p. 214).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 For a complete list and description of the birds mentioned in Scripture one should turn to the delightfully interesting work by A. Parmelee, All the Birds of the Bible, New York, 1959. That author calls the country in which the Sermon on the Mount was delivered the cross-roads of bird-migrations. ��336�� Was a thick swarm of winged travelers cleaving the air at the very moment when the Lord spoke the words of 6:26? It is entirely possible.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.12.16-42.12.21|AUTODETECT|” What Jesus is saying here is that the birds of the air neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet are being fed and kept alive by their Creator. This passage must not be misinterpreted as if it were an encouragement to idleness. It could not have been that, for the Lord knew well enough that his audience was conscious of the fact that adult birds are by no means lazy. They work for their living. They do not just settle themselves on some twig and wait for food to drop into their mouths. No, they are very busy.

They gather insects and worms, prepare their nests, care for their young and teach them how to fly, etc. A certain degree of care for impending contingencies can be ascribed to them, especially to the migrants among them; for, as the season may dictate, these travel to warmer or cooler regions. Nevertheless, two things must be borne in mind. First, birds are not guilty of overdoing a good thing. They are not like the rich fool of the parable 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.16-42.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:16 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Secondly, when these birds prepare their nests, train their young, migrate, etc., they are acting instinctively. When we say this, are we not really affirming that it is their Creator who, by endowing them with these instincts, is caring for them, while they themselves are merely responding to certain stimuli?) 1 2 2 8 0 0 With men the story is entirely different. It is they, not the birds, who not only sow and reap and gather into barns, but who, while engaged in all this, are often filled with dreadful forebodings, in large measure ignoring God s promises! While the birds are carefree, men are careworn. ) Christ s argument from the less to the greater, contrast verse 25 amounts to this: If the birds, who cannot in any real sense plan ahead, have no reason to worry, then certainly you, my followers, endowed with intelligence, so that you can take thought for the future, should not be filled with apprehension. Again, if God provides even for these lower creatures, how much more will he care for you, who were created as his very image. And especially, if the One who feeds them is your heavenly Father but their Creator, then how thoroughly unreasonable your anxiety becomes. You are of more value than they, are you not? asks the Lord, in a question so worded in the original that it expects an affirmative answer.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.3|AUTODETECT|” The senselessness of anxiety is also evident from the following: 27. And who among you is able, by being anxious, to add (even) one cubit to his life-span? The word translated life-span (Greek: hlikia) may refer either to age or to height or stature. Thus Zachaeus was small in stature 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.3|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.11|AUTODETECT|” ), but Sarah was long past the age of conceiving 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.11|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.21|AUTODETECT|” ). The man born blind, healed by Christ, had reached the age of legal maturity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.21|AUTODETECT|” John 9:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.27|AUTODETECT|” ). Here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.25|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.25|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.26|AUTODETECT|” ). A.V. has stature. But in the present context this cannot be correct, for two reasons: a. adding this amount is represented as being a small thing 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but actually becoming taller by about eighteen inches or forty-six centimeters can hardly be considered an altogether insignificant accomplishment; and b. who, except perhaps an abnormally small person, would impatiently desire to add that amount to his stature?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.39.4-19.39.6|AUTODETECT|” The true meaning, then, is this: Who among you is able, by means of worrying, to lengthen the pathway of his life by ever so little? On a birthday a person will sometimes say, I have reached another mile-post. On his seventieth birthday this individual will have reached his seventieth mile-post. Adding a cubit to seventy miles, or even to ten miles, would certainly be hardly worth mentioning. It would be a small thing, but even such a small thing, says Jesus, no one is able to accomplish by means of worrying. A man may worry himself to death ; he cannot worry himself into a longer span of life. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.39.4-19.39.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 39:4 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 9 2 8 0 0 The Lord now turns to another example from nature. Paralleling what he has said about the birds (verse 26) he now refers to the lilies (verses 28 30). In line with his teaching regarding the divine provision of food so that a person may keep alive, he now shows that God will also provide clothes so that this person s body may be covered. It will be noticed that in verses 26 30, taken in their entirety, we therefore have an orderly elucidation and elaboration of verse 25. Jesus, then, continues to speak about the senselessness of worry (see d. on p. 343), in order that men may place their full trust in the heavenly Father.) He says: 28, 29. Moreover, why be anxious about clothes?

Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his splendor was not attired like one of these.) Consider that is, notice carefully, study closely the field-lilies, says Jesus, as he asks his audience, Why be anxious about clothes? . Exactly what kind of flower the Lord had in mind when he said field-lilies cannot be determined. Some guesses are: irises, narcissi, Turk s cap lilies,��337�� and gladioli. Goodspeed translates wild flowers . In the light of the context it is very well possible that Jesus, instead of referring to any particular kind of flower, was thinking of all the beautiful flowers that were adding their splendor to the landscape at this time of the year.) How they grow must mean, as the context indicates: without any toil whatever on their part, nor any care being bestowed on them by any human individual, how easily and freely, and yet how gorgeously. Though the lilies do not spin a single thread, yet even Solomon in all his splendor to which extensive reference has already been made; see p. 118 and p. 173 was not arrayed like one of these.

Is not this true in at least this respect, namely, that Solomon s finest apparel was at best but a mimicry and derivative of that which in nature comes fresh from the hand of God? Pristine beauty cannot be matched!) Yet the simultaneous outburst of flowers in the spring of the year just as suddenly vanishes: today these flowers are fully alive and adorn the fields; tomorrow this grass of the field, that is, this sum-total of uncultivated (in contrast with cultivated) plants, serves as fuel for the domestic oven, in a land where fuel was not plentiful.) The lesson is as follows: 30. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will he not much more surely clothe you, O men of little faith? There is a double argument here, as follows:) a. from the less to the greater: If God provides for the short-lived grass, he will surely provide for his children, destined for eternal glory.) b. from the greater to the less: If God decks the wild flowers with such very beautiful garments, then he will certainly clothe his children with the ordinary garments which they need.) Jesus calls his worrying followers men of little faith. The various passages in which he makes use of this description, in their context, are as follows:) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.28|AUTODETECT|” and its parallel ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.28|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (worry about clothes)) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.26|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (the disciples fear of drowning during a storm at sea)) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.31|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (Peter s similar fear)) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (the disciples failure to remember the lesson they had received in connection with Christ s miracle-working power).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Based upon these passages, it would seem that the description refers to the fact that those so characterized were not sufficiently taking to heart the comfort they should have derived from the presence, promises, power, and love of Christ.) In verse 31. Jesus summarizes the lesson with reference to the sinfulness and senselessness of anxiety regarding food and clothing: So, do not become anxious, saying, What are we going to eat? or What are we going to drink? or What are we going to wear? As noted earlier (see on verse 25) there is a slight change. Not only must habitual anxiety be avoided, but even the first step leading to this habit should be shunned; hence, Do not become [or: Do not grow] anxious. ��338��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” In verse 32 to the exhortation, Do not become anxious two reasons are appended.��339�� They are as follows: 32. For all these things the Gentiles crave; besides, your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Naturally the Gentiles, who do not acknowledge any heavenly Father and are in complete ignorance concerning the promise of far superior spiritual realities 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.11|AUTODETECT|” 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ), set their hearts on and worry about food and clothing. Material things are the objects of their consuming desire.��340�� Since Christ s followers are entirely different 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.17-49.4.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.17-49.4.24|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:17 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) they must also pursue a different course: they must be distinctive and not sink down to the level of the Gentiles. They must trust and not be afraid.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Closely linked with the first is the second reason for the admonition Do not become anxious, namely, Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all, yes, he knows this even before you ask him (verse 8). That is all that is necessary, for so loving is this Father toward his children that his very knowledge of their needs makes it certain that he will also provide 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” A climactic positive command reinforces the lesson that one should place his trust entirely in the heavenly Father: 33. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be granted to you as an extra gift. Over against the Gentiles, who crave food, drink, garments, etc., Christ s followers are urged to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. The verb seek implies a being absorbed in the search for, a persevering and strenuous effort to obtain (cf. 13:45). The form of the verb that is used also allows the rendering, Be constantly seeking 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ). Note: seek first; that is, give God the priority that is his due 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 4:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.17|AUTODETECT|” The object of this seeking is his kingdom and his righteousness. The listeners are exhorted, therefore, to acknowledge God as King in their own hearts and lives, and to do all in their power to have him recognized as King also in the hearts and lives of others, and in every sphere: education, government, commerce, industry, science, etc. For the concept kingdom of heaven see pp. 249, 250. It stands to reason that when God is recognized as King, righteousness will prevail. For this concept see pp. 274, 317. These two (kingdom and righteousness) go together. In fact, the kingdom of God is [means, implies] righteousness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 14:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), a righteousness both imputed to men and imparted to them, both of legal standing and of ethical conduct.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Now it is true that the kingdom and its righteousness are gifts, graciously bestowed. They are his kingdom and his righteousness.��341�� They are, however, also objects of continuing, diligent search; of ceaseless, strenuous effort to obtain. These two are not contradictory. An example from nature will clarify this. Of itself a tree has no power to maintain itself. Its roots are, as it were, empty hands stretched out to the environment.

It is dependent on the sun, the air, the clouds, and the soil. It does not even have the strength to absorb the nourishment it requires. The sun is the source of its energy. But does this mean that the tree is therefore inactive? Not at all. Its roots and leaves, though completely receptive, are enormously active.

For example, it has been estimated that the amount of work performed by a certain large tree in a single day to raise water and minerals from the soil to the leaves was equal to the amount of energy expended by a person who carried three hundred buckets full of water, two at a time, up a ten-foot flight of stairs. The leaves, too, are virtual factories. They, too, are tremendously active.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” The same holds also with respect to the citizens of the kingdom. They receive the kingdom as a gift. Yet, after the new principle of life has been received, the recipients become very active. They work very hard, not by means of anything in themselves but by the power that is being constantly supplied to them by the Lord s Spirit. They work out their own salvation, and are able to do this because it is God who works in them both to will and to work for his good pleasure 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.13|AUTODETECT|” . See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.24|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.24|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.16|AUTODETECT|” 16:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 b). They trust in God s promises, pray, spread the message of salvation, and out of gratitude perform good works to benefit men and to glorify God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.3.10-11.3.14|AUTODETECT|” The reward of grace: all these things will be granted to you as an extra gift. While they are concentrating their attention on the kingdom and its righteousness, God s gift to them, their heavenly Father sees to it that they have food, drink, and clothing. For further elucidation see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.3.10-11.3.14|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 3:10 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.29|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.8|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.8|AUTODETECT|” The conclusion, based on all that precedes, is: 34. Do not therefore become anxious for��342�� tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble all by itself. See d. on p. 343. Providing for tomorrow is one thing. To a certain extent this cannot be condemned. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , but note also verse 13. Becoming anxious for tomorrow is always wrong. The only right way to provide for tomorrow without at the same time being anxious is to take care that today the admonition of verse 33 is obeyed.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.7|AUTODETECT|” Jesus has given all the reasons that prove why worrying about tomorrow is wrong and senseless. See the summary on p. 343. Today has been given to us. On this day, therefore, we should, out of gratitude, do what God demands of us. Today, O that you would hear his voice 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 95:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.22|AUTODETECT|” ). As to tomorrow, here personified, let that rest. Allow it to be anxious for itself, says Jesus, shall we say with a touch of humor ? When tomorrow arrives, there will be new troubles, but also renewed strength. God has not given us strength today for tomorrow s difficulties. When we reflect on the fact that each day has enough trouble all by itself (or: Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, the more literal A.V. rendering, retained by A.R.V.), let us also immediately be reminded of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Lam. 3:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness! ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.22|AUTODETECT|” The ten commandments were written on two tables 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 5:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” ). Jesus summarized this law in the familiar words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart & and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Similarly, the Lord s Prayer contains two sets of petitions, the first set of three has to do with God, the second with man. So it is also with the Sermon on the Mount viewed as a whole. Having summarized man s duty toward God (chap. 6), it then states his obligation toward the neighbor (7:1 12).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.27|AUTODETECT|” The two duties are related, for man is God s image 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 1:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 14 2 8 0 0 Accordingly, we have now reached the subdivision dealing with:) ) ) ) ) 307 Another reading has ���������� (A.V. alms, cf. 6:3, 4). But ����������� (righteousness) has the strongest textual support.) 308 Greek ��������, aor. inf. passive of �������, on which see N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. I, p. 85, including footnote 33.) 309 S.BK. Vol. I, p. 388.) 310 The modifer openly (A.V.) is based upon an inferior Greek text. So also in verse 6.) 311 E.

Sch�rer, History of the Jewish People in the Time of Jesus Christ, English translation Edinburg, 1892 1901, Vol. II, pp. 290 f.) 312 Greek �������, probably related to the verb �����: to cut, to distribute. Related nouns are: distributor, treasurer, treasury room, storeroom. Such rooms where precious objects were kept would naturally be found in the most secluded places. So, in course of time the noun ������� began to be used to indicate any very private room or place.) N.T.C. W.

Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) 313 Not seven. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one should be viewed as one petition. As I see it, the idea that the first three petitions symbolize the Holy Trinity, the last four the universe with its four dimensions, is rather fanciful.) 314 Originally only consonants were used in writing Hebrew words. When the knowledge of Hebrew decreased, the absence of vowels began to hamper the understanding of the text, since the mental insertion of the wrong vowel would result in misinterpretation. For this reason there were several early attempts at vowel-insertion or vocalization. The one that finally triumphed was that of the Jews who belonged to the Masoretic school in Tiberias.

The standard text of the Old Testament was prepared in the first half of the tenth century a.d., by Aaron ben Moses ben Asher. The well-known R. Kittel edition of Biblia Hebraica was checked against the Leningrad copy of this Asher text.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.34|AUTODETECT|” 315 It is favored by J. H. Thayer, L.N.T., entry ��������. His argument to the effect that this view is not contradicted by ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 impresses me as being rather ingenious, not entirely convincing. For different reasons A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures, Vol. I, p. 53, also defends this explanation.) 1 19 2 8 0 0 316 This would amount to a substantivizing of �v �t� �V��� (!�����). See the entry �������� in L.N.T. (A. and G.). That entry also furnishes an abundant bibliography on this subject.) 317 On the theory that �������� is derived from �� and �P���.) 318 So also H. N. Ridderbos, op. cit., pp. 124, 134, and 135, retains, Geef ons heden ons dagelijks brood. ) 319 The believer s duty as a Christian citizen is also very important in this connection. Hungry nations should be given assistance.

Yet, this must be done wisely. In this connection much can be learned from W. and P. Paddock, Hungry Nations, Boston and Toronto, 1964. These authors, experienced in this field, point out that so-called help is often wasted, because those charged with helping the hungry nations forget that the latter must be shown how to carry forward their own development based on their own resources.) 320 Het Heilige Evangelie naar de Beschrijving van Lucas (Kommentaar op het Nieuwe Testament, Vol. I), p. 523.) 321 Hence, on this point I do not agree with Lenski (op. cit., p. 263), but with Calvin. See his commentary on this verse.) 322 13a if the conclusion is regarded as authentic, as in A.V.) 323 A.R.V., The Amplified New Testament, Berkeley, Goodspeed, Grosheide, N.E.B., Ridderbos (H.N.), Weymouth, Williams, and the Dutch translations, both old (Statenvertaling) and new (Bijbel, Nieuwe Vertaling.).) A.V.

Authorized Version (King James)) 324 Dr. Hills bases this information on a volume by C. A. Swainson, The Greek Liturgies, London, 1884. Interesting and instructive is also the article, Liturgics in S.H.E.R.K., Vol. VI, pp. 498 505; and see the articles Liturgical Movement and Liturgical Worship, Recent Trends In in the Twentieth Century extension of S.H.E.R.K., pp. 669 671.) 325 So also H.

N. Ridderbos, op. cit., p. 136.) 326 See D. A. Schlatter, Erl�uterungen zum Neuen Testament, Stuttgart, 1908, Vol. I, p. 71.) 327 See footnote 277 on p. 287.) 328 On ��������� see R. C.

Trench, op. cit., par. lxvi.) 329 On Mondays and Thursdays, according to Didache VIII.1.) 330 See E. Trueblood, The Humor of Christ, New York, Evanston, and London, 1964, pp. 15, 58.) 331 See S. I. McMillen, None of These Diseases, Westwood, New Jersey, 1963, pp. 85 89.) 332 See the article Butterfly and Moth, in the 1969 edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. 4, pp. 487 501.) 333) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.6.5|AUTODETECT|”

The basic meaning of the adjective �����, is simple, single, uncomplicated. However, as is true of words in general, various shades of meaning develop from this primary sense. Thus, for example, the noun ������ in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.6.5|AUTODETECT|”

Eph. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.3.22|AUTODETECT|”

and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.3.22|AUTODETECT|”

Col. 3:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=13.29.17|AUTODETECT|”

refers to singleness of heart; hence, sincerity, integrity, uprightness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=13.29.17|AUTODETECT|”

I Chron. 29:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.11.3|AUTODETECT|”

). See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.11.3|AUTODETECT|”

II Cor. 11:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.12.8|AUTODETECT|”

sincere devotion. It is not difficult to understand that the disposition of heart and mind that is single, in the sense that it is unmixed with ulterior or selfish motivations, would be generous. Hence in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.2|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.11|AUTODETECT|” 9:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.9.13|AUTODETECT|”

13. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.5|AUTODETECT|” the meaning is generosity, liberality; and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.5|AUTODETECT|” James 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the adverb ���� means generously.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.22|AUTODETECT|” So also the transition from simple or single to unmixed with any defect, speckless, hence clear, sound, healthy, is easy to understand. See L.N.T. (A. and G.), entry �����, p. 85. And the evident contrast here 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.23|AUTODETECT|”
14. 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) indicated between the adjectives ����� and ������� is probably best interpreted by sound versus in poor condition (or bad). Lenski, however, insists on single versus wicked, and denies that these adjectives describe the natural eye (op. cit., p. 269). The text clearly states, however, that it is the eye as the body s lamp that is being described. The word ����, body, occurs no less than three times in verses 22, 23. I agree, therefore, with the vast majority of translators and commentators who render the contrasted pair of adjectives as follows: clear & bad (N.A.S.), sound & unsound (Williams), healthy & bad (Beck), sound & not sound (R.S.V.), sound & defective (Berkeley), sound & bad (N.E.B. and Ridderbos). Calvin, commenting on 6:22, 23, states that the eye is here regarded as the torch or lamp of the whole body.

He continues, If the hands and feet are foolishly and improperly directed, the blame & ought to be ascribed to the eyes, which do not perform their duty. He also clearly discerns that this reference to the natural eye is here used as a figure: We must now apply this comparison to the mind.& As I, along with most others, see it, that is the only reasonable interpretation. Jesus, in describing the physical eye, and calling it either sound or bad, leaves the application of this illustration to be inferred by the audience. In the light of the context the point was easy to grasp.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 334) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” In verse 25a and 25b the word ���� has the meaning life, the animating principle of the body 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.38|AUTODETECT|” ). At other times, as used in the Gospels, it refers to the sum total of life that is above the physical, especially the seat of emotional activity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.38|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.30|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.29|AUTODETECT|” ); or it may indicate the self, the person 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” 20:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.36|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” 10:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 For a fuller statement showing the various uses of ���� and ������ in the New Testament and their relation to each other (in how far they can be distinguished, and to what extent they overlap) see N.T.C. on I and II Thess. pp. 148 and 149; also the author s book, The Bible on the Life Hereafter, pp. 36 39.) 335 These are the names according to R.S.V. However, authorities are by no means in agreement with respect to the correctness of some of them.) 336 p. 183.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.28|AUTODETECT|” 337 It is with this tall and very beautiful flower, with its radiant, nodding blossoms, rapid growth, and presence in great abundance, that Mrs. W. Starr Dana, in her fascinating book, How To Know the Wild Flowers, New York, 1922, pp. 260, 262, 263, connects ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . She is careful to point out, however, that the term lily was freely applied by many Oriental poets to any beautiful flower.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 338 The form ����������� is sec. per. pl. aorist subjunctive of ��������.) 339 Note the use of ��� introducing both clauses; hence ����� �p� �����, and �V��� �p�. By reproducing both of these by for the impression can easily be created that the second clause states the reason for the first, which makes little sense. Better, therefore, it would seem to me, is it to follow R.S.V., which in verse 32 translates for & and. I reach the same result with for & besides. The fact that not every ��� has to be rendered for is well-known. See H.

E. Dana and J. R. Mantey, A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament, New York, 1950, pp. 242 244. See also N.T.C. on Galatians, p. 43, footnote 25.) 340 Note the emphatic position of ����� �p� ����� at the very beginning of the sentence.) 341 There may also be an allusion here to the righteousness of scribes and Pharisees; as if to say, his righteousness, not theirs. See 5:20.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.30|AUTODETECT|” 342 I do not agree with Lenski (op. cit., p. 278), when he translates, Do not therefore worry into the morrow. The Greek preposition �0� does not always mean into, not even in this type of context. It can very well mean for, as L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 228, shows, Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.30|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 A.R.V. American Standard Revised Version)