Sunday, December 1, 2013

Matthew 6:1-34

What is the theme of this chapter?

The Practice of Kingdom Life.

What is the key verse(s) of this chapter? Verses 19-21

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

What can I apply to my life from this chapter (things to do/avoid)?

Same as last chapter, I will keep the timeless principles found here only as I walk in the Spirit. 

For example, as a member of the body of Christ living upon this earth, I am a pilgrim and stranger, waiting for the coming of my Lord.  I am in this world but not of it, hated by the world as the world hated Him, and exposed to all temptations, cares and sorrows connected with this earthly life.  Therefore, a timeless principle I can take to heart is — Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Unbelievers live for earthly things and strive for the things which are seen.  They take great pleasure in treasures found on this earth.  And with those treasures come care, worry, anxiety and at the end, the loss of all that which was cherished and loved.  As a believer with a new nature, however, I no longer belong to this earth, but to heaven where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.  This is where I should keep my focus!

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal (2 Cor 4:18). 

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory (Col 3:1-4)
  
Additional observations/questions:

Although timeless principles abound throughout Scripture, it should be remembered that Matthew 6 wasn't written directly to us or about us.  This chapter speaks of the standards of the kingdom to be established on earth.  Once we realize this, we can proceed to look for applications that are for all believers.  Going directly to personal applications, without first considering the subject and to whom the passage was written, will ultimately lead to confusion.

 

No comments:

Post a Comment