"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

Chapter Six

The "Sermon On The Mount" continues as Jesus teaches the righteousness of the kingdom expected in those who would be citizens of the kingdom. He discusses righteousness with respect to man's relation to God, regarding charitable deeds (1-4), prayer (5-15), fasting (16-18), materialism (19-24), and anxiety (25-33).

POINTS TO PONDER

• Performing acts of righteousness in ways that please God
• The danger of materialism and overcoming anxiety about such things
• Making the kingdom of God and His righteousness our number one priority

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Righteousness with respect to man's relation to God - Mt 6:1-18
   - Overcoming materialism and anxiety - Mt 6:16-33
2. As we perform acts of righteousness, what should we avoid? (1-2,5,16)
   - Doing it for the purpose of being seen by men
   - Acting like the hypocrites in the synagogues and in the streets
3. How can we ensure that God will reward us for our righteous acts? (4,6,18)
   - By doing them in secret where only the Father sees
4. How else does Jesus teach us to give, pray, and fast? (3,7,17)
   - Do not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing as we give
   - Do not use vain repetition as we pray
   - Do not disfigure our faces as we fast
5. What is the likely purpose of "The Lord's Prayer"? (9-13)
   - To serve as a model of prayer ("In this manner...")
6. Of things in "The Lord's Prayer," on what does Jesus elaborate? (14-15)
   - The need for us to forgive others their trespasses against us
7. Where are we to lay up treasure? Why? How? (20,24; cf. Mt 19:21; 1Ti 6:17-19)
   - In heaven; to serve God rather than mammon; by giving to the poor
8. What is the key to overcoming anxiety? (25-32)
   - Trusting in the providential care of God
9. How can we ensure that God will provide what we need? (33)
   - By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness