Devotion to God enables visibility and employment in his kingdom (Matthew 6-7)

 Matthew 6-7

Aim: Praying with God leads to righteous living

Divisions:

A) Doing good from consistent devotion to God, we see the kingdom of God (Matthew 6)

B) People enable us to join in God's purpose for love (Matthew 7)

Content: 

A) Doing good from consistent devotion to God, we see the kingdom of God (Matthew 6)

6:1-4) Carefully do what's right, helping people quietly and unobtrusively, God rewards

 - Same for prayer (6:6) and fasting (6:18)

 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Col 3:23)

 5-8) Pray to God, not people - God knows what we need before we ask him, God rewards

9-13) Model prayer to Father in heaven, honored/holy name, His kingdom, will, supply, forgiveness, deliverance

14-15) To be forgiven we must forgive others

16-18) Fast with God in secret, God rewards

19-24) Store treasure in heaven, eyes project light, healthy full of light, unless all they see is darkness.

 - Principle: Where you put treasure, your heart will follow

 - Application: What heavenly investment opportunities do you see?

25-34) Worried about daily needs like food, clothing: see God's blessing to birds, flowers - Seek first his kingdom AND his righteousness

 - The Eagle, the Parrot, the Ostrich and the Dove

B) People enable us to join in God's purpose for love (Matthew 7)

7:1-6) Judgmental of another? Look to correct yourself first. Sacred, holy mysteries aren't slogans. 

7:12) Ask, seek, knock - Father in heaven gives good gifts to those who ask

 - Principle: Matthew 7:12) In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you (sum law/prophets)

13-14) Enter through the narrow gate, this is Jesus, small/narrow road that leads to life (Luke 13:24, John 10:7, John 10:9, 14:6)

15-20) False prophets try to look like sheep, but look at the fruit of their lives (Luke 6:43)

21-23) Discipleship is not just about words, power, good deeds but the will of Father in heaven

 - rejoice in LOVE. (Luke 10:20, Acts 19:13, 1 Corinthians 13:1-1-3)

 - Foolish virgins had no oil for their lamps - "go buy some for yourselves", keep watch (Matthew 25:1-13), Other "servants" hid his ability and lost what he thought he had (Matthew 25:14-30), Sheep see serving desperate people in need as doing this for Jesus himself (Matthew 25:31-46).

 - What will time in the grave be like? How long will my oil last, my eyes that see? (Psalm 6, Psalm 30:9,Psalm 88:10-Psalm 88:12,Psalm 115:17,Ecclesiastes 9:10,Isaiah 38:18)

24-29) Wise people put Jesus' words into practice, like building your house on a rock.