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These study notes align with The Gospels Discipleship Journal (Matthew Reading) — a structured, Scripture-first guide designed to help you build daily habits of reading, reflection, and prayer.
If you want to move from occasional reading to consistent spiritual formation, this journal walks you step-by-step through the Gospel accounts in chronological order, helping you see the life of Jesus unfold clearly and cohesively.
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Kingdom living is not about impressing people. It is about trusting and honoring your Father in heaven.
How to Use These MTSM Study Notes
These study notes are designed to provide foundational insight into the passage you have read in The Gospels Discipleship Journal .
Before reading these notes, spend time with the Scripture itself. Wrestle with the text. Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.
These notes are meant to supplement your reading — not replace it. They are a guide to help you understand the passage more clearly, not a substitute for personal engagement with God’s Word.
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Want to study Matthew in order? Visit our central hub for all Matthew SM Study Notes, links to deeper 3-Tier Commentary, and helpful study resources.
Hypocrisy vs. Genuine Spirituality (6:1–18)
Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount by addressing religious performance.
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others…” (6:1)
The Pharisees practiced outward righteousness to gain attention. But Jesus says true spirituality flows from relationship, not applause. God sees what people cannot.
Jesus gives three examples: giving, praying, and fasting. Each is good. Each can also be corrupted by pride.
Giving (6:2–4)
Jesus warns against announcing generosity “like actors on a stage.” Giving should not be a performance.
The key phrase is this:
“Your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (6:4)
Kingdom giving is quiet. The reward is not public praise but God’s approval.
Reflect:
Do I give to help others—or to be noticed?
Prayer (6:5–15)
Prayer can also become performance. Jesus warns against praying to impress others or using empty repetition.
Instead, He gives a model prayer. Notice the order:
- God’s name
- God’s kingdom
- God’s will
- Then daily needs
“Our Father in heaven…” (6:9)
Prayer begins with relationship. It centers on God before turning to our needs—daily bread, forgiveness, and protection.
True prayer is not manipulating God. It is trusting Him.
Fasting (6:16–18)
Fasting, like giving and prayer, can be twisted into display. Some made their suffering obvious to gain admiration.
Jesus says: look normal. Let only your Father know.
In all three examples, the issue is motive.
Are we seeking the Father’s reward—or human applause?
Treasures in Heaven (6:19–24)
Jesus then shifts from spiritual showmanship to material priorities.
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth…” (6:19)
Earthly wealth is temporary. It can decay, disappear, or be stolen. But heavenly treasure lasts.
The heart follows treasure:
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (6:21)
Jesus then uses the image of the eye. A healthy eye—one focused generously on God—fills life with light. A greedy perspective darkens everything.
Finally, He makes it plain:
“You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” (6:24)
There are only two masters. Divided loyalty is impossible.
Reflect:
If someone looked at my priorities, what would they say I treasure most?
Freedom from Worry (6:25–34)
After addressing greed, Jesus speaks to anxiety.
“That is why I tell you not to worry…” (6:25)
If God gives life, He will sustain it. Worry cannot add a single hour to your life (6:27).
Jesus gives two illustrations:
- Birds — They do not store food, yet the Father feeds them.
- Flowers — They are clothed in beauty, even though they are temporary.
If God cares for birds and grass, how much more will He care for His children?
Worry often reveals misplaced focus.
The solution?
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…” (6:33)
Kingdom people prioritize God’s reign and righteousness. Daily needs follow.
Tomorrow has its own concerns. Today’s grace is enough.
Reflect:
What worry do I need to surrender to the Father today?
Conclusion
Matthew 6 teaches us to live for an audience of One.
- Give quietly.
- Pray sincerely.
- Fast humbly.
- Treasure eternity.
- Trust the Father.
Kingdom living is not about image management.
It is about heart alignment and childlike trust.
Truths and Lessons for Today
1. God Sees the Heart
Spiritual practices lose value when done for applause.
🡲 Application: Ask God to purify your motives in giving, praying, and serving.
📖 “Your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (6:4)
2. Your Treasure Directs Your Heart
What you value most shapes your life.
🡲 Application: Evaluate your spending, priorities, and desires. Do they reflect eternal focus?
📖 “Wherever your treasure is…” (6:21)
3. Trust Replaces Worry
The Father who feeds birds and clothes flowers cares deeply for you.
🡲 Application: When anxiety rises, redirect your focus to God’s kingdom first.
📖 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…” (6:33)
Want to go deeper?
Our MTSM 3-Tiered Commentary offers richer context and greater insight for those who want more than surface-level notes. It’s a great next step in studying God’s Word.
Matthew 5 MTSM Commentary
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