Matthew 6

 6:1.  This section, through v.18, warns against a religion that seeks the approval of men rather than God.  The man who practices his own righteousness will find a way to get the attention he craves, but the earthly reward he worked for is all he will get (vv. 2, 5, 16).  Mt. 10:32-33 speaks to the other error of the man pleaser, the one who would cover up or deny his faith because it brings disapproval.  It is God we should fear, and God’s favor we should seek.

     6:9-13,  This simple and brief prayer the Lord gave us models how we should pray. I have little comment.  V.11 speaks to our present need of his provision to live in this world; v.12 of our need for forgiveness of our sinful past; v.13 of our need for guidance and deliverance that we may be safe in the future.

    In vv. 14-15, Jesus makes how we deal with others (v.12) the focus of this prayer.  With the merciful, God shows himself merciful (Ps. 18:25).  The most effective prayer for forgiveness is the kindness we show those who seek our forgiveness.

     There are many pages of wonderful comment on this prayer in Thomas Boston’s Commentary on the Westminster Shorter Catechism (Com. on WSC).

     6:19-23.  Those who are blinded by the glitter of the fading world cannot see the glory that is laid up for those with eyes to see.  The KJV uses the word “single” for the good eye in v.22.  This singleness of vision makes a nice contrast to the man of double purpose in v.24.  Vv. 22-23 teach that worldview (how we see) determines everything.  Did God create life and the material world, or was it chance?  Is man a sinner, or is morality an adaptation for survival?  Is redemption possible, or is death a natural part of life?  How you look makes all the difference.  See Titus 1:15.

     Other interesting passages on the necessity of good vision are:  Mt. 13:13-17;  John 9:39-41;  Ro. 11:8-10;  15:21;  Rev. 3:17-18.

     6:24-34.  Some seem to think that being a slave to mammon (riches) is only a problem rich people have, but this discussion about being anxious about food and clothing is not a concern of the rich.  Php. 4:6-7;  1 Pet. 5:7.

     6:26.  The birds do not sow nor reap, but neither are they idle.

     6:27.  Worry is not only a lack of faith in God’s providence, but is also unproductive.

     6:33 is a wonderful promise, but v.34 shows that none of this is out of touch with the hard realities of life.  One day at a time is how we must live when trouble presses in.  See v.11.