Matthew 6 – Doing Acts of Righteousness

Chapter six continues the Sermon on the Mount. In this chapter, Jesus gave some directions/corrections concerning acts of righteousness, true wealth, and worry.

Jesus began by looking at three ‘acts of righteousness’. We might call these things spiritual disciplines today. They are things we do because we are believers or to help us grow as believers. They are good things.

These three acts of righteousness included giving to the poor, praying, and fasting. All of these were considered activities that a good Jew would engage in. And they are equally appropriate as spiritual disciplines for believers today, along with other practices like Bible reading, fellowship, and corporate worship.

The problem Jesus was addressing was not the acts themselves. Instead, He focused on the motive of the one doing them. If you did them to be seen by others, the acclaim you might receive from them is your reward. Instead, do these things in secret, and it is the Father above who will reward you.

In practical terms, you cannot always do these things in complete secrecy. The intent here is that you are doing them for God and not for people to see. There may, however, be occasions when it is appropriate for these acts to be public. They can sometimes be used to encourage others to practice them.

The Model Prayer

As a part of Jesus’ discussion on prayer, He provided His disciples with a model for their own prayer. This model had both vertical and horizontal components. The vertical aspect included praise to God and a submission to His will. The horizontal component included prayer for daily necessities, forgiveness, and direction. This prayer can be prayed as is, although we should guard against it becoming rote. But it can also serve as a model for all our prayers.

Wealth

What is true wealth? Our world often views wealth as related to the assets or resources I have available to me, the size of my bank account. But Jesus told us that true wealth is what I have deposited in my heavenly bank account. What I put there will never be lost.

How do I transfer my wealth there? The story of the rich young man in Matthew 18:16-24 illustrates this well. Using what I have to care for other people, rather than using it all for myself, transfers wealth from my earthly account to my heavenly one.

Jesus says nothing here about accessing that account, either now or later. What He does tell us is that it is a good thing to do.

Worry

The final topic in this chapter is about worry. We worry about many things. Some we have control over, but many we don’t. But rather than worry, deal with those things you have some control over, and trust God for the rest.

Instead of worrying, look to the birds of the air or the flowers in the fields. They don’t worry at all. They do what they are created to do, and God takes care of them. Surely we can trust Him to do as much, or more, for His children.

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