DBG - October 6 - Matthew 5-6

In this chapter the Sermon on the Mount begins

vs. 1-16 – This passage parallels Luke 6:20-23.  Christ begins the Sermon on the Mount, which will end at Matthew 8:1. This is the King of Kings delivering His Royal Law to those that would be His subjects.  This the longest and most important of Christ’s public sermons.  The overall theme of the sermon is that there is a new and higher standard, one that looks on the inside rather than the outside.  It focuses on the motive of the heart rather than the action of the hand.  The sermon focuses on the Law, and man’s inability to keep it.  Even if kept outwardly, the Law can still be broken in the heart.  This first section concerns the new standard towards self.  It opens with a collection of beatitudes, which show the necessary inward character of the believer.  The word blessed is the idea of happiness, contentment, and satisfaction.  Next is a discussion of the public character of the believer.  We are to be witnesses in our Christian walk. 

vs. 17-48 – The next section of the Sermon on the Mount concerns the new standard toward the Law.  The Law could not produce righteousness.  It could only reveal our unrighteousness.  What is needed is not outward holiness but inward holiness.  There are seven examples that follow to show these principles in action.  The first in vs. 21-26 is the equation of the act of murder with the sins of anger and hatred.  The second in vs. 27-30 is the equation of the act of adultery with the sin of lust.  The third in vs. 31-32 deals with unscriptural divorces, a subject Christ will address more fully in Matthew 19:1-12.  The fourth in vs. 33-37 concerns the swearing of oaths and the manipulation of them by unscrupulous men. The fifth in vs. 38-42 concerns retaliation and revenge.  The sixth in vs. 43-47 is the contrast of love and hate.  The seventh and final in vs. 48 is using the perfection of God as our standard and not other people.

In this chapter the Sermon on the Mount continues.

vs. 1-18 – This section of the Sermon on the Mount deals with the new standard toward God, particularly in religious acts.  The giving of alms for men’s applause is condemned.  The same with prayer.  Christ takes the time on this subject to give us the Model Prayer in vs. 9-13.  While it is customary to memorize and even recite this, it is given to us as a form or outline to guide our own prayers and not as a prayer itself.  Finally, fasting for men’s attention is also condemned.  None of these acts are wrong, but if they are not done in purity of heart toward God and man, they are corrupt and invalid. 

vs. 19-34 –  This parallels Luke 6:24-36.   This section gives examples of the new standard’s priorities in a believer’s actions.  There are four subjects examined.  First, a contrast of investing in earthly things that perish or in eternal treasures in Heaven.  Second, the contrast of an eye fixed on good to an eye fixed on evil things.  Third, the contrast of serving God with pureness of heart to working for worldly gain.  The fourth and final is the contrast of worry to trust.  This section is wonderfully elaborated with appeals to God’s care for nature.

Every parent will tell you that there is a vast difference in a child obeying through love rather than forced submission.  God does not just want us to do what is right.  He wants us to be right ourselves.  Right things can be done for the wrong reasons.  God sees our hearts.  We may fool the people around us but He knows our hearts.

Our hymn today is “His Eye is on the Sparrow”, written by Civilla D. Martin in 1905. 

1. Why should I feel discouraged,
why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely,
and long for Heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me.

Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

2. Let not your heart be troubled,
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth,
but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me. [Refrain]

3. Whenever I am tempted,
whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him,
from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me. [Refrain]