Matthew 7 This chapter continues the message that Jesus preached to the multitudes.

He began by telling them what God requires to enter His kingdom:  recognizing our spiritual poverty, mourning for our sins, humbling ourselves before Him... being transformed so that our hunger and thirst is for Him.. His righteousness, becoming merciful and pure,  becoming a peacemaker and enduring persecution.

He expounded upon what it means to truly keep the commandments of God - going beyond the letter of the law, but having a righteousness that is greater than that..

Then Jesus addressed the difference between false religious practices, done for the praise of man, and true prayer, worship, giving, and obedience to God.

In chapter 7, Jesus gives us some more directions/ commands on how to live as a citizen of God's Kingdom:

1.  Don't be a hypocrite.  Don't judge others with a stricter measure than you judge yourself.  Look to your own heart, then you can help others.

2. Be discerning.

3. Pray with faith.

4. Keep walking the narrow road.

5. Be aware of the fruit... good or bad.

6. Don't rely on your own accomplishments... rely only on knowing Jesus.

7. Act on His words so that you can keep standing.

More on this later...

Matthew 6:8-13  The Lord is teaching me, once again, about true prevailing prayer.  Effective praying that accomplishes much is our calling and God's will for us.  Taking all that He has brought to my heart through this passage, this is my "translation":  

Our Father, who sits on the lofty and exalted throne of heaven, 

surrounded by radiance and beauty,

worshiped by the angels and elders, 

with lightning and thunder and majestic glory:

Uphold the holiness of Your name. 

May we (humankind) understand Who You are.

May we acknowledge and honor You in truth and with 

godly fear. 

Let Your kingdom come in power, 

with Your glory and majesty manifested in us, 

so that Your will is done fully on earth

as it is in heaven.

We pray that the wonders and glory and majesty that 

are constant and perfect in heaven-

would be done right here, right now,

in us and in our family and in our church

and in our world!

May the Kingdom of Your Beloved Son

overcome the dominion of darkness....

Father, we ask that You, who knows what we need today, 

will provide by Your gracious Hand. 

We completely depend on You.

Thank You!

Father, forgive us for any sins, wrongs, debts...

anything that blocks the way between us and You. 

Your Word says that if we confess our sins that

You are faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us 

from all unrighteousness. 

Thank You. 

Father, is there is anything blocking my way to my 

friend or brother or anyone?

I forgive them now and ask that You forgive me for 

holding anything against that person. 

Help me to make it right. 

Father, keep me from being carried away by the lusts/desires

of the flesh.  Help me not to be deceived by the worldly

pressures and passions that are empty cisterns and lead to death, 

for You alone offer the Living Water that leads to life. 

Rescue me, Lord, from the evil one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

Make me victorious through Christ Jesus

who is greater and who lives in me. 

Amen. 

Matthew 6: 8-13  The Message translates this prayer like this:

"Father,

Reveal who you are.

Set the world right.

Keep us alive with three square meals.

Keep us forgiven with you

and forgiving others.

Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil." 

The Passion translation writes it this way:  

" Our heavenly Father, may the glory of your name 

be the center on which our life turns.  

May the Holy Spirit come upon us and cleanse us.  

Manifest you kingdom on earth. 

And give us our needed bread for the coming day. 

 Forgive our sins as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us .

 And rescue us every time we face tribulations." 

Jesus told us that our Father knows what we need.  He knows we need food to eat.  He knows we need clothing to cover us and shelter for our families.  He tells us not to worry about these things, for our Father KNOWS!  Jesus tells us to simply seek Him.  Seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. 

He will supply our needs.  But, we are instructed here, to ask.  We are to ask for "daily" bread, for what we need today... every day.  We need to recognize and acknowledge our absolute dependance on the One who provides everything.  This is the desire of our Father. 

Jesus also wants us to keep a daily accounting of righteousness -  do we need forgiveness?  Do we need to forgive another?  Our Father does not want us to go a day, or an hour.. with sin blocking the way between us and Him.  He doesn't want us to have wrongs or debts or any kinds of sinful actions to block the way between us and our friends or family members.  He has given us the way to restore our relationship with Him, " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ( I John 1:9)   Jesus warns us that our lack of forgiveness toward others will result in  no forgiveness from the Father. We need to confess that sin, so that we can make things right and be cleansed.

Finally,  Jesus tells us to pray to be rescued from temptation and delivered from evil.  James wrote, "...each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death." ( James 1:14-15) 

He tells us, "Do not be deceived, my brethren."  We are deceived when we think that giving into our desires will bring us life.. it only leads to death.   God  alone provides all that is good.  We can rely on Him and walk in His ways. He will rescue us from lustful temptations which lead to death- if we keep abiding in His Truth.  Satan, the evil one, is out to steal, kill, and destroy. ( John 10:10) Jesus came to give life.   Our daily prayer is that our Father will keep us "safe from ourselves and the Devil." 

Father, revolutionize our prayer lives.   Your word tell  us that " The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." Jesus has given us the perfect example of effective praying.  Help us to pray this way, in His name.  Amen. 

Matthew 6:8-13  The Common English Bible translates this prayer like this:

  "Our Father who is in heaven, 

uphold the holiness of your name. 

Bring in your kingdom

so that your will is done on earth as it's done in heaven.

Give us the bread we need for today.

Forgive us for the ways we have wronged You,

just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.

And don't lead us into temptation, 

but rescue us from the evil one." 

As I wrote last week, we are addressing the Holy One Who sits on the throne, high above the heavens, in absolute glory and exaltation.  We are coming to the One Who created us and Who holds our every breath in His hands.  Jesus tells us that the "Father knows what [we] need."  We don't need to pray repetitious incantations... we do need to come to Him in humble worship and in faith and truth. 

Jesus tells us to ask God to "uphold the holiness of [His] name. "  What an important request!  Our world is becoming more and more irreverent. The sinful and rebellious human race seems to no longer have any respect for God's Name, for they do not know Him.  Darkness is trying to cover the earth.  The behaviors that at one time were hidden and done only in the darkness are now being flaunted in the streets of our cities and all over the airways.  You can no longer walk down a street or in a store without encountering pictures that were once considered lewd and disgraceful.  There is no concept of "holiness".. for nothing is considered sacred anymore..  Romans 1:21 is being fulfilled before our eyes, "  For even though they knew God, they  did not honor Him as God, or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened."  We must pray earnestly that God will" uphold the holiness of His name, "  for without this true understanding of Who He is, we will only see the world become more and more depraved.. "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind to do those things which are not proper... worthy of death."  ( Romans 1:28-32)

Jesus tells us to pray that the kingdom will come and that the Father's will be done.  The kingdom- the powerful, sovereign realm and reign of God.  Psalm 145 is one of my favorites. The psalmist writes this about God's kingdom.. " They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power; to make known to the sons of men Thy mighty acts, and the glory of the majesty of Thy kingdom.  Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations." ( v11-13) 

"The kingdom of heaven is at hand.."  Jesus told the crowds.  Later on He told the Pharisees.... "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you." ( Matt. 12:28) 

In Mark 9:1 Jesus told His disciples, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power."  Many times Jesus used parables to describe what the kingdom of God is like.  He told His disciples that they were being allowed "to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God..", but others would not see or understand.  Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. 

 Can we say that when we pray for God's kingdom to come, we are praying for the power and glory of God to rule?  We are praying for the perfect will of God to happen.  We are praying for the wonders and glory and majesty that are constant and perfect in heaven.. would be done right here and right now - in our lives, in our families, in our churches.. in our world! We are praying for the Kingdom of the Beloved Son to overpower the dominion of darkness! 

This is a powerful prayer when we really begin to  pray what Jesus means us to pray!  But, we cannot merely recite it.. we must understand and embrace it fully.  

Father, Almighty and All wise God, we ask that You would help us to pray like this. Amen. 

Matthew 6 Jesus continues teaching the truths of God's kingdom.. and what God's people need to do, or not do.  This chapter focuses on religious practices.  Jesus teaches us the difference between what God's will is and what people do to show off!

People who show off their "righteousness" may:
blow a trumpet while they give to the poor... advertise their philanthropy..
pray in public so that they gain attention... advertise their supposed connection to God..
put on an act of gloominess while fasting, so everyone can see... seek attention for their great sacrifices.

Jesus tells us to give in secret, pray in secret, and fast in secret. Do these things so that only the Father can see.   If we do these things for Him, then He will be pleased.. and He will even reward us.
But, if we do it for people.. then the only reward is from them.. which is meaningless.

Jesus also adds in here instructions about praying. Prayer is not supposed to be "meaningless repetitions".  Words without a true relationship with God won't accomplish anything.  The model that Jesus gives us is all about Him... not about our needs and wants.

Jesus says that we are praying to "Our Father, who is in heaven".  We are coming into the throne room of heaven.  Isaiah described his vision like this, " I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple." When Ezekiel had a vision of heaven he also describe this high throne, saying, " As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance.  Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord." It caused him to fall on his face. John described Him like this, " And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance . " Lightning, thunder, angels, elders... and worship surround the Great Throne of our God.  And we are invited.. even instructed.. to address our God as our Father in heaven.

How can we come so casually in prayer, listing all our needs and wants, without even stopping to think about Who we are addressing when we pray?  I am guilty of this.  Murmuring a few words of thanks over a meal. Reciting a list of loved ones and asking for His blessings..  Wanting the Lord God Almighty to do what I want... instead of coming before Him to worship.  We are supposed to  start with worship - to hallow His name means to both love and to revere Him.  His Name is not like any other.  He is the holy God, the Creator of heaven and earth, our Maker, our King, and our Gracious Father.  We can at least think about this for a moment.. and acknowledge Him when we pray, can't we?  WE MUST!

Father in heaven,  You are holy and exalted. Forgive our ignorance and lack of reverence in our praying.  We don't want to be praying words that have no meaning, in vain repetition.  We want to come into Your Presence and worship You with hearts of love and devotion and deep reverence and respect.  May we learn from our gracious Savior's example and pray like Him. Amen.

Matthew 5 - Jesus is teaching to the multitude,  Jewish men and women who gathered around Him to hear from Him, but also to receive from Him - healing, deliverance, and help.

Starting in verse 13, Matthew records for us some very strong statements - commandments, if you will - that Jesus teaches.  He is not calling people to an easy life or to prosperity and riches.  He calls those who want to follow Him to a higher standard - a life that must be completely surrendered and empowered by God.

v13  The nation of Israel was supposed to be salt - but had become "tasteless".  They were supposed to be light - but they were hidden.  Jesus says that this is worthless!  He called them.. and us.. to let our "light shine before men in such a way that they might see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." 

How do we let our light shine? What good works?   Jesus says that it is a "righteousness" that "surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees." -  a life that doesn't abolish the Law, but that keeps it and teaches it - in His power, as He commands.

Jesus teaches us that fulfilling the Law, having a greater righteousness ...  is going beyond " You shall not commit murder".  He says.. He commands.. us to not be angry with our brother, to not curse him or call him a fool. He commands us to reconcile with our brothers and to make friends with our opponents.

Likewise, Jesus commands that we take our thoughts under control - not just avoiding the act of adultery but the thoughts that lead up to it. Even if we have to sacrifice an eye or a hand.. In other words, we are to seriously, diligently, even violently protect our thought-life and remain pure.

Jesus teaches the sacredness of marriage and the sinfulness of divorce.  He commands us to keep our vows.  In fact, He teaches us that we should not  make vows by swearing on things that we don't control anyway.  In other words, stop lying!  Stop making promises that you won't keep!

Jesus commands us to "not resist him who is evil" -  don't fight back.  The evil person who wants to fight, the one who wants to take your shirt, the one who wants to use you as a slave, or the one who wants to borrow from you....  yield, surrender, give... willingly. 

Jesus commands us to love our enemies.  To pray for them.  To copy our Father's gracious example.
To be like Him.. perfect.

This is what the righteousness  of Jesus looks like.  Jesus lived a perfect, sinless, righteous life.. to be our perfect example.  He knows we are unable to live this kind of life on our own. But, by His death and resurrection, we have been given His righteousness.  A free gift... that covers us completely, when we receive it though faith..

Oh how great is our God!  Write Your commands on our hearts and engrave them in our minds that we might walk in the righteousness of Jesus our Lord!  May the righteousness of Jesus fill us completely.. even as the Word tells us: " For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you ( we) have been made complete ( full) and He is the head over all rule and authority.."
 Colossians 2:9-10) You have canceled our debt!  You have paid the price we owe.  We are hidden in You, Jesus!  We are covered by Your righteousness!  Thank You !  Amen and Amen!

Matthew 5  begins what we call the Sermon on the Mount.  Broken into 3 chapters, Matthew writes down for us the message that Jesus taught as He traveled through Galilee and beyond.  This message is key to understanding the "gospel of the kingdom".

To be "blessed" - fully satisfied; being certain of salvation and thus a member of the Kingdom of God ( Holman's Bible Dictionary) - we MUST:

First, be "poor in spirit" - recognizing our absolute spiritual poverty, helpless to save ourselves.
We must "mourn"  - genuinely sorrow over our sinful condition;  not just regret, but mourning;
We must become "gentle" - humble - putting down any self-righteousness and pride.
We can then become hungry and thirsty for true righteousness, that which Christ alone can provide.
We will begin to reflect His mercy, His purity, and His peace.
We will also face His persecution, insults, and false accusations.

Recently read this quote attributed to D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones about true repentance: " Repentance means that you realize that you are a guilty , vile sinner in the presence of God, that you deserve the wrath and punishment of God, that you are hell-bound.  It means that you begin to realize the this thing called sin is in you, that you long to get rid of it, and that you turn your back on it in every shape and form.  You renounce the world whatever the cost, the world in its mind and outlook as well as its practice, and you deny yourself, and take up the cross and go after Christ. "

Our Christ calls us to true repentance so that we might enter His Kingdom.  He calls for us to do more than walk an aisle or sign a paper.  We must recognize the fact that we are deserving the full wrath of our Holy God, that we have no way to change our situation, and that unless He saves us, we will suffer eternal damnation.  Oh, the grace and mercy of our God!! He has sent His Beloved Son, to bring us to true repentance, so that we can find in Him forgiveness of all our sin.  He has given us His righteousness. He alone saves those who place their faith completely in Him.

Father in heaven, we hallow Your Name. We desire Your Kingdom and Your will.  Thank You for calling us to Yourself so that we can be saved.  Teach us all of Your ways and strengthen us by Your Spirit so that we may walk in step with Jesus Christ, our Lord.  amen.