Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Albert joiner on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    in matthew 6-5 what does they have their reward means?
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    The concept here appears to be doing things to be seen of men. The word "reward" can be taken as the consequences of our actions; heaped up ( Psalm 91:8). This is; according to that passage so bad that we will only see it from afar. We reap what we sow; whether to the flesh or the Spirit ( Galatians 6:7-9). What is considered honorable among me is an abomination to God ( Luke 16:15-16). Our prayers are to be in secret; so that we can be seen in Matthew 6:6 that our reward is from God Himself.

    This brings up the issue of just when prayer should be corporate and when it should be private. This fits in; of course with the "good deeds" that we do to help others (let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth) Matthew 6:3-4. The whole concept here is not to draw attention to how "righteous" we are through an outer display. That gets into another verse where it states in Matthew 5:34 as well as in the book of James that we are to swear by no name; but simply say yes or no. Clearly; this needs to be taken in context; as covenants such as marriage still are in effect and other such vows. Again; the focus is to be on not being hypocrites who wish to be praised but to glorify God. Verses that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens; confess sins to one another and that in Acts where Peter was being prayed for and the prison cell opened ( Acts 12:5) surely shows how appropriate prayers are given in corporate settings. Many testimonies; however indicate how some old lady was praying for a person when in open rebellion for many years and how they changed. "The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much" ( James 5:16-18).

    Clearly; it isn't worth seeking praise of men during this short life; which is as a vapor; when eternity awaits. Christ Himself saw the "reward" for His sufferings in bringing "many sons to glory" ( Heb. 2:10; Eph. 1:18). In the end; sin doesn't pay; and all glory goes to God. Agape-RIch P
  • Albert joiner - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    thank you richard a good explanation.
  • Marvin Fox - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    They have chosen to be honored in the sight of men rather than seeking honor from God.
  • Jesse - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Albert,

    Jesus says don't be as the hypocrites, that they may be seen of men. They have their reward because they like to stand out in the corners and make long prayers so that people will see them.

    That doesn't mean you can't pray in public or that you can't pray long prayers. It is the motive behind it. Their motive was to be seen of men. It's the whole "look at me" approach, look how spiritual I am. And that's what Jesus said they were doing. They were looking for the praise of men for what they were doing. Jesus says we are not to do that. That should never be our motive. The things we do, we do for the Lord, and He will reward us later. If we do things to be seen of men, we receive our reward from men.

    When Jesus says "They have their reward," what He is saying is that they are receiving their reward right then and there. Their reward was getting praise from men.

    Anything we do, even if we are "doing it for the Lord," and our motive for doing so is to be seen of men so that they will give us praise, our reward will be here on the earth, and the Lord will not reward us for that later.
  • Suze - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Very well explained , thank you .



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