Matthew 6:1-4
Road Construction Ahead… Now that summer is here we see those bright orange signs spring up like dandelions after a rain. Those highway signs warn us in advance about what lies down the road. If we disregard the sign and continue on our merry way we will wind up in some ditch with damage to our vehicle and have great difficulty explaining why we ignored the warning sign. In much the same way Jesus provides a warning to His audience, in Matthew 6, about what lies ahead and the practice of righteousness. He begins by highlighting the incorrect practice of righteousness in giving (2). Some people were drawing attention to themselves and their gift when they gave a tithe in the temple. The instruction of righteousness (3) follows the warning as Jesus points out how to give without drawing attention to ourselves as the giver. Righteous giving is rewarded by God who is righteous (4). To put it simply, we can either be rewarded by man or God. The reward of man is limited to earthly praise and recognition, but on the other hand the reward from God has lasting eternal value. Jesus desires for us, like His audience, to practice our giving as anonymously as possible. When we give this way we set aside the possibility of personal recognition here and now, and believe by faith that God offers a much better reward for a life of faithful righteousness. The righteous will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4). Self centered giving seeks to gain something from giving. God’s desire is that we give with a pure motive from a pure heart that seeks to bring honor to Him alone through the gift. Jesus closes out Matthew 6 with a call to seek His kingdom and He will reward the practice of our faith (Matthew 6:33). A warning well heeded will lead to the road of righteousness.
For More See MATTHEW
Road Construction Ahead… Now that summer is here we see those bright orange signs spring up like dandelions after a rain. Those highway signs warn us in advance about what lies down the road. If we disregard the sign and continue on our merry way we will wind up in some ditch with damage to our vehicle and have great difficulty explaining why we ignored the warning sign. In much the same way Jesus provides a warning to His audience, in Matthew 6, about what lies ahead and the practice of righteousness. He begins by highlighting the incorrect practice of righteousness in giving (2). Some people were drawing attention to themselves and their gift when they gave a tithe in the temple. The instruction of righteousness (3) follows the warning as Jesus points out how to give without drawing attention to ourselves as the giver. Righteous giving is rewarded by God who is righteous (4). To put it simply, we can either be rewarded by man or God. The reward of man is limited to earthly praise and recognition, but on the other hand the reward from God has lasting eternal value. Jesus desires for us, like His audience, to practice our giving as anonymously as possible. When we give this way we set aside the possibility of personal recognition here and now, and believe by faith that God offers a much better reward for a life of faithful righteousness. The righteous will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4). Self centered giving seeks to gain something from giving. God’s desire is that we give with a pure motive from a pure heart that seeks to bring honor to Him alone through the gift. Jesus closes out Matthew 6 with a call to seek His kingdom and He will reward the practice of our faith (Matthew 6:33). A warning well heeded will lead to the road of righteousness.
For More See MATTHEW
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