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  EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON MATTHEW - MATTHEW 6:1-8
  by J.C. Ryle
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IN this part of the Sermon on the Mount the Lord Jesus gives us
instruction on two subjects: one is that of giving alms; the other is
that of prayer. Both were subjects to which Jews attached great
importance: both in themselves deserve the serious attention of all
professing Christians.

Let us observe that our Lord takes it for granted that all who call
themselves His disciples will give alms.

He assumes as a matter of course that they will think it a solemn duty
to give, according to their means, to relieve the wants of others; the
only point He handles is the manner in which the duty should be done.
This is a weighty lesson: it condemns the selfish stinginess of many in
the matter of giving money. How many are \"rich towards themselves,\"
but poor towards God! How many never give a farthing to do good to the
bodies and souls of men! And have such persons any right to be called
Christians in their present state of mind? It may well be doubted. A
giving Saviour should have giving disciples.

Let us observe again, that the Lord takes it for granted that all who
call themselves His disciples will pray.

He assumes this also as a matter of course: He only gives directions as
to the best way of praying. This is another lesson which deserves to be
continually remembered: it teaches plainly that prayerless people are
not genuine Christians. It is not enough to join in the prayers of the
congregation on Sundays, or attend the prayers of a family on week days:
there must be private prayer also. Without this we may be outward
members of Christ\\

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jc-ryle/expository-thoughts-on-matthew-matthew-61-8/
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