Matthew Chapter 6 Discussion Page 2



 
  • Chris - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Thank you brother for your kind words & encouragement. You certainly have the Barnabas spirit, 'the son of consolation/encouragement'. I perceive that you too would love to share a lot more here, except that work & other commitments unfortunately intrude. Rest assured we always look forward to your thoughts & Scriptures given, to consider & meditate on. Every blessing.
  • S Spencer - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Thanks Brother Chris for all you do.

    God bless you.
  • Chris - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Hello Brian. To your questions:

    John 16:23, "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." The disciples of Jesus were continually with Him, talking with Him & asking questions - whether for knowledge or making personal requests. And Jesus dealt with those questions. But He was to leave them soon & they would no longer be able to speak with Him as they were doing now. So, He tells them to make their requests direct to the Father, asking in the Name of His Son. Does this mean that we can't speak to Jesus directly in our prayers? I believe we can, as we can also talk to and ask of God, even as Jesus directed His disciples. But what Jesus spoke to His disciples was giving them a Word of comfort & direction concerning their requests, that they could hereafter speak to God in His absence.

    I think you're referring to the song with the first line, "I come to the garden alone." And possibly the lines, "And he walks with me - And he talks with me", that is causing you concern. You're right, Jesus is now seated at the right Hand of the Father in Heaven, but I know that by His Spirit (as is God's Spirit), He is with us and in us. Physically, Jesus is in Heaven (according to the Word), but His Spirit still lives in us to minister to us in every way. Does He then walk & talk with us? I believe so - as my relationship is to the Triune God & I have access to God through His Spirit. Then I should be able to converse with Him & enjoy His company as if He was right there beside me.

    And why you have not heard sermons on the above, or even isolated references to them, I cannot say. But you can always make mention of these matters to your pastor/elder for clarification. Sometimes we hold these things in our hearts & stew over them, when often sharing them with our leaders & seeking their help, will bring us clarity & peace.
  • Brian Lewis on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    The word clearly says we are to ask jesus for nothing any more but to ask the father. that's the next to last thing recorded in gids word that jesus spoke to us. why no sermons on this? i have been in church in various denominations for 64 years n not 9ne sermon have i heard on this clear direction by jesus. not one. same with songs. in the garden is a favorite if mine but i refuse to sing it like written because it violates what jesus told us. he is not on thus earth walking n talking with us. the last thing recorded that he said to us was that he had to get off this earth so that the holy ghost could come n he would lead us into all truth. no sermons on that either!. jesus said he had to leave earth so that the holy ghost could come n he would lead us into all truth. we dont need any special language to talk with him cause just like the father n the sin he knows them all. i have never heard any sermon saying we need to ask the holy ghost what the truth is on things. not one. if these are the last two directions we have from jesus n he was certainly adamant about them why are the not only just avoided but literaly thrown out by so called christianity??? he said he was coming back n getting a few but the corruotion would be wirld wide n 8verwhelming like isreal did more than once n was nearly destroyed. put into captivity n the kast days here would be the same. hes coming for a few n not the great masses that claim to serve. even that has dwindeled down. why no teachings on the last two directions, mandates, he gave us????? is it because the keaders in akl denominatiins have refused n are not doing as he told ys??? it appears the only answer us yes thats the reason n the masses follow them no matter what is i. the word.
  • Glenys Hart-Francis - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Your treasures in Heaven are your faith in the Lord Christ, Your hope in the future of Mankind, Your charity towards your fellow man and your LOVE to all Life be it mankind or animal. Cherish what God has given you and share your wealth and love with your fellow man.
  • Spunky - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Mark,

    I'm a less is more person and keep it simple --anything opposite of this evil world/satan. I would start with; truth, obedience, Jesus's first/second commandment, faith, prayers, your relationship with God, Christ, and Holy Spirit....humility and trust, our pure heart. This is where our treasures are. Plus, we don't need to brag about them or tell others --God knows.

    God meant for us to keep it simple and follow. We all need encouragement, but if we ask all these things in here --the Holy Spirit will show us and reveal. Nothing will ever replace God's word; He wants that relationship with us and us to seek.
  • Nats - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    When you do what God wants you to He remembers . He remembers and His memories of you obedient and good deeds and kind heart , His memories of you doing right are your treasures . Goodness is priceless most precious everlasting treasures . Only thing you can give God is heart and obedience all He wants and is most precious treasures .
  • T. Levis - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Proverbs 19:17,

    Exodus 22:21-27, Exodus 23:1-12, Deuteronomy 24:12-15, Psalms 14:6, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalms 41:1, Psalms 82:3,4, Psalms 112:9, Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 14:13,14, Luke 18:22, 2Corinthians 9:9,

    Proverbs 13:7,

    Hopefully helpful
  • Jesse - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Mark,

    Jesus said, lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. How much emphasis do we put on working hard and laying up for ourselves, for our retirement, and for everything here on the earth, and we bypass the spiritual things of God? We can go through serious financial struggles and cry out to God, but do we realize that God will do that at times when our dependency is on the world's means? It does not say it is wrong to have things. But if our dependency is on them, then we have a problem!

    Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." The Jews used to have a phrase, "Wherever you are at all times is where you treasure is, and that is where your heart is going to be."
  • Mark on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Matthew 6:19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

    Matthew 6: 20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

    Please help me... What means can I lay up for myself treasures in heaven?

    Thank you.
  • Jesse - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Richard,

    Here is what I have learned about Matthew 6:22. Matthew 6:19-23 have to be taken together to get the context of what it is saying in Verse 22. This section of scripture has to do with the correct understanding of wealth. Please keep in mind that Jesus is speaking to the Jews, the Hebrew people. He tells them in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." The Jews used to have a phrase, "Wherever you are at all times is where you treasure is, and that is where your heart is going to be."

    In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus talks about the eye. He said the light of the body is the eye: and therefore if your eye is single, the whole body is full of light. But if the eye is evil, the whole body shall be full of darkness. Therefore if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness.

    What in the world is He talking about? Well, a Jewish person would have understood this. Here's what that means from a Hebrew standpoint: First of all the word "single" has to do with focus, for the good eye is a generous person. The bad eye is a stingy person (in the eyes of the Jews).

    So if you have a good eye, and you are generous, then your focus is right. If you have a bad or corrupt eye, you are stingy and your focus is in the wrong place. That's how the Jews would have understood this.
  • T. Levis - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    I hope you will get other answers too.

    I've understood it as watching dark things, allowing unholy images inside, instead turn away. Matthew 6:22-23,

    Mark 9:47, Matthew 18:9, Luke 11:34-36, also seems to emphasise purity in what we see, choices. Mark 7:20-23, Matthew 20:15, it's used as harsh judgement, possibly seeing through judgemental eyes. Also Luke 6:42,

    Hope this is helpful
  • Richard - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    what does verse 6:22 mean
  • Streetpreacher - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    2 Timothy 1:7

    For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

    Memorize this scripture. Spirits are illegal and you can make them go into outer darkness in Jesus name.
  • S Spencer - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Hi Maud.

    Can you share with us what's troubling you? I'm sure there's someone that can help.

    God bless you.
  • Maud Porima on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    I am troubled and feeling afraid, please send me guidance?
  • Albert joiner - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    thank you richard a good explanation.
  • 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
  • Suze - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Very well explained , thank you .
  • 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.
  • Albert joiner on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    in matthew 6-5 what does they have their reward means?
  • GiGi - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Hello again, Roy,

    No, I am not a pastor, clergyman, nor religious leader. I just happen be very familiar with the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings and practices. I have been a believer all of my life as far back as I can remember. It has been a blessing to have walked with our Lord all of these years. I am a very inquisitive person, so I like to study up on topics and see how they align with the Word.
  • Roy - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    GiGi

    Thank you again. I select from your answer to me three key phrases as your ideas consolidate my own thinking:

    1."The Roman Catholic church has "mystified" what the bible calls our union with Christ"

    2. "This mysticism is a mixture of Eastern religion and the concept of believers being unified with God through Christ"

    3. "We will be perfected humanity likened to the perfect humanity of Jesus

    I have never heard of any possible association of RC thinking with the "Eastern Religions" and probably because I have not considered the possibility before and not asked an related questions. Here I find the CE teachings at fault in that they did not refer in anyway to such a link in my religious education, indeed thinking back there was never ant discussion about any alternative religion let allow RC'sm. I should add that I was educated in the a very traditional C of E environment of the English.

    Public School system and its normal "High Church" as opposed to Methodist, Baptist and Lutheran thinking. C of E still tending to support an abhorrence of Roman Catholicism with some respect for King Henry VIII and his rejection of Rome. To this day our Queen when she was crowned (1954) the Archbishop of Canterbury declared her to be the "Protector of the Faith.

    I hope that I will not be considered rude by asking the question, are you a consecrated person as in clergyman, pastor or religious leader?

    Very many thanks for your help with my understanding of our faith.

    Roy
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    The LOVE of money is the root of all evil. ( 1 Tim. 6:10). Paul himself; in fact was a tentmaker; who encouraged others to make things with their hands ( Acts 18:3). He also apparently paid for food during his travels ( 2 Thess. 3:8). Those who used to steal were given similar admonitions to work and be productive. ( Eph. 4:28).

    There is; of course nothing wrong for those actively pursuing work in the ministry to be supported and fed ( Luke 10:7). We should be discerning as to the financial accountability of those we support; however and aware of those attracted to "filthy lucre" ( Titus 1:11). Such behavior obviously is characteristic of those "prosperity preachers" whose mouth betrays their true intentions (out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh-( Luke 6:45). Such resources as "Charity Navigator" are helpful to demonstrate what percentages of funds are used directly for ministry purposes. The church itself; as a Body should be supporting one another as the early church; at least in some ways meeting each others needs; as well as contributing financially or using their talents for proclaiming the Good News and fulfilling the Great Commission.

    We shouldn't neglect verses for laypeople to "work heartily unto the Lord."( Colossians 3:23-24). We are representing our King; much as Daniel served the king of Babylon daily during the exile ( Daniel 1:5). This was much the same pattern as with Joseph in Egypt. We are even to be faithful with "unrighteous mammon" ( Luke 16:10-11). If we can't be trusted with earthly things; how can we be trusted with heavenly treasure? There are plenty of warnings to avoid amassing large amounts of gold and silver ( Deut 17:17) which God instructed Solomon (along with many wives). Money itself; therefore is an inanimate object; but as they say if "money talks" or gets a life of it's own in our lives then it is clear that it has become an idol. Matthew 6:3 is a good read on the subject..
  • Chris - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Hello Jernej. In 1 Timothy 6:10 we read, "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." Earning money or having money with us is not wrong, but when our lives are so focussed & engrossed in making more money, desiring to satisfy our lusts by it, & not using it for worthy means, then it shows that we have an imbalanced regard of money. When we spend our time & energies in acquiring more of it, it's very likely that both money & our plans will direct us into greater evil; as Paul said to Timothy, some have coveted (or, lusted) after it so much that they have even turned away from the faith - because money (or, anything that consumes our passions more than serving the Lord), will certainly present very real dangers to our love & faithfulness to Christ.

    If some have that burden from the Lord to go out & continually preach the Gospel (as the apostles did), then yes, they will have to trust their well-being to the Lord Who called them, & the Lord will not disappoint. But for many, they don't receive that calling, but are to be lights, mouths, & hands for the Master where they're at, also having a family & home to maintain - and for that one has to work as Paul commanded ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10). "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." 1 Corinthians 7:20; though spoken in respect to relationships, the Truth can be applied to anything that God has appointed for us to do & have in life, even the love & care for our families & also to those in need that He brings in our life's path.
  • Jernej on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    I saw some people using mattwhe 6:24 as mening to qout your job and stop working for money. (Money rout of all evil ect.) And that tru way is to live on faith and to preche on street like apostle in acts.
  • GiGi - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Dear Roy, thanks for the info on what you received from the pope's rep. The Roman Catholic church has "mystified" what the bible calls our union with Christ. Some in the Catholic church teach that this union means we are "absorbed" into the essence of God.

    This mysticism is a mixture of Eastern religion and the concept of believers being unified with God through Christ. In Eastern religious thought (think Buddhism) through meditation a person "ascend" to be absorbed into the cosmic energy, thus losing personal identity, but one with all consciousness. This is what has been adopted and modified in among Catholic Church members who seek this "mystical union" with God.

    I do not think this way at all. The Bible says we are one in Christ, but not absorbed into Him nor do we mix our humanity with His deity. We will be perfected humanity likened to the perfect humanity of Jesus (which He possessed since His conception in Mary).

    However, Jesus is not a man that becomes divine, He is God who took on human likeness in every way but sin. So, in Him is full

    divinity and full humanity (without sin).

    Likewise, we are not humans who become divine. That is a gulf too wide for any to cross, as God alone is divine. We will always be human, even in heaven, but we will be perfected in our humanity to be like Jesus and never sin again. We will have a glorified human body, like Jesus has, that will be immortal and incorruptible. As in a marriage, we will be unified with Christ in mind, heart, soul, and spirit, yet remain separate individuals. We will enjoy the communion of saints which is the bride of Christ. We will forever be with Him and enjoy Him forever.
  • Roy - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    GiGi, it was all very airy fairy and I did not keep it, not like I do with the messages I get from you people which are real worth keeping for re-reading as and when I feel like it. It is easier to describe the contents by waht is did not say and it was that that left me sad and disconcerted. There was no mention at all of the kind of thought that you and I have shared. No mention of a possibility of in some way being able to again communicate with the people how have gone before us and who we loved and still love. It gave the impression that whatever the relationship between us and GOD after death was very much a one on one situation with no interface other than, as I interpreted it, my soul, spirit or whatever simply being absorbed into an all encompassing enormous shroud like entity that did not need to recognise individuality but did provide a serene form of eternal existence.

    Not all relatable to my own view.

    You ever heard of anything like that.

    Roy
  • GiGi - In Reply on Matthew 6 - 1 year ago
    Well Roy, I am glad that you are sharing on here. I would be interested in hearing what the Pope's representative said to you.


Viewing page: 2 of 23

< Previous Discussion Page    Next Discussion Page >

1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11  

 

Do you have a Bible comment or question?


Please Sign In or Register to post comments...