fromthepreacherspc

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #25

The Virtue Of Perseverance

Matthew 7:7-11

INTRODUCTION

A. Why do some people…

1. Succeed in having their prayers answered?

2. Have a greater understanding of the Bible?

3. Reach more souls for Christ?

4. Is it skill, genius, or luck?

B. The answer is suggested by Calvin Coolidge:

“Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated
derelicts.”

C. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus talked about the virtue of
perseverance…

1. Especially in its relevance to prayer

2. Giving us motivation to persevere in our service to God

D. Our text is Matthew 7:7-11, in which we find Jesus
teaching about…

INTRODUCTION

A. THE PRINCIPLE OF “PERSEVERANCE”

1. Matthew 7:7-8

2. Perseverance is implied in these verses …

a. By the tense of the Greek

1) It is the present tense, which most often stresses
“continuous action”

2) Literally, then, Jesus is saying:

a) “keep on asking,” and it will be given to you

b) “keep on seeking,” and you will find

c) “keep on knocking,” and it will be opened to you

b. By the progression of the terms themselves

1) “asking” is one level of inquiry

2) “seeking” suggests a step up, as one goes about to find
what they ask (asking plus action)

3) “knocking” is another step up, as one persists in
finding that which they seek (asking plus action plus
persevering)

3. Perseverance is particularly relevant:

a. To the matter of “prayer”

1) As later implied in Matthew 7:11

2) Jesus often stressed persistence in teaching on prayer

a) In the parable of “The Persistent Friend” –
Luke 11:5-8

b) In the parable of “The Persistent Widow” –
Luke 18:1-8

b. To the matter of “Bible study”

1) Many people give up too soon in their Bible studies

2) But those who persevere in their studies are the ones
who benefit from the blessings God’s Word
provides

a) Psalm 1:1-3

b) Psalm 119:97-104

c. To the matter of “evangelism”

1) Many do not bear fruit because they give up too soon

2) But we reap what we sow; the more persistent we are
in sowing, the more we will eventually reap

d. If we desire success in any venture, but especially in
prayer, Bible study, and evangelism, then we must adopt
– “The Virtue Of Perseverance.”

4. To encourage us to do so, Jesus goes on to provide…

B. A MOTIVE FOR PERSEVERANCE

1. Matthew 7:9-11

2. God delights to give good things to His children…

a. To illustrate, Jesus gives a simple argument (from the
lesser to the greater)

1) That is, men give good gifts to their children who ask

2) How much more so, will our Father in heaven!

b. Jesus stressed this Fatherly attribute of God in His
sermon

1) In regards to our physical necessities – Matthew
6:31-32

2) And now in regards to things that are good for us –
Matthew 7:11

2. This is especially true in regards to prayer!

a. As Jesus promised to His disciples – John 15:7

1) Conditioned upon our abiding in Him

2) Conditioned upon His words abiding in us

b. As the apostle John wrote – 1 John 5:14-15

1) Conditioned upon our asking according to His will

2) Which assumes we know His will for us (i.e., His
word is abiding in us)

c. And as James wrote – James 4:3

1) Presuming we are not asking for personal and selfish
gain

2) But many do not enjoy God’s favor, simply because
they do not ask!

CONCLUSION

A. To persevere, then, is a noble virtue, especially in
regards to prayer…

1. We have a Father in heaven who is not untouched by
the persistent pleas of His children

2. Providing we do not ask amiss, persistent prayers will
not go unanswered!

B. If we desire to receive, find, and have doors opened to
us, then let us…

1. Keep on asking

2. Keep on seeking

3. Keep on knocking …not only in regards to prayer, but in
all ventures worthy of Christians (e.g., Bible study,
evangelism)!

C. Have you asked, sought, or knocked today…?

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #24

To Judge Or Not To Judge

Matthew 7:1-6

INTRODUCTION

A. A favorite saying of many people is “Judge not, that you
be not judged”

1. Frequently quoted whenever someone is pointing out the
sins or faults of another

2. The impression is that we should never make moral
judgments in what we see in others

B. Is that true? Is that what Jesus meant when He said this?

1. Are we never to make moral judgments about the right or
wrong in other?

2. If we see wrong in others, can we never point it out?

C. I am persuaded that Jesus’ statement is often misused,
for Jesus taught…

1. There are times when we must judge

2. There are times when it is appropriate to point out the
faults in others

D. “To Judge Or Not To Judge,” that is the question
before us.

1. The proper answer comes from a closer look at Jesus’
words in Matthew 7:1-6.

2. First note how His words are frequently misused…

DISCUSSION

A. HIS WORDS OFTEN USED TO FORBID
“ALL” MANNER OF JUDGMENT

1. Such as adverse or unfavorable criticism

a. Like pointing out a fault in someone else

b. Even if it be truly “constructive” criticism

2. Such as the exercise of church discipline

a. Exercising discipline of any sort does require “judging”
others as to their moral or spiritual condition

b. Since such “judgment” is involved, some feel verses 1-2
rule out any sort of church discipline

3. Such as exposing those who teach error

a. Admittedly, it requires making a judgment in order to
consider whether someone is teaching error

b. Therefore, some people, in light of verses 1-2, believe
we cannot speak out against those who teach error

4. Is that what Jesus means?

a. Must we remain silent when we see people overtaken in
a fault, bringing reproach upon the name of Christ, or
blatantly teaching error?

b. Let me suggest that…

B. JESUS DID NOT RULE OUT “ALL” FORMS
OF JUDGMENT

1. Note the “immediate” context…

a. Which reveals that in some cases “proper” judgment
must be made

b. Matthew 7:6 – This implies judgment is to be made as
to who are “dogs” and who are “hogs”

1) Otherwise, how can we know when not to give that
which is holy to “dogs”?

2) Or how can we know when not to cast our pearls
before “swine”?

c. Matthew 7:15-20 – This implies that we must make
judgments in determining who is a false teacher (“by
their fruits ye will know them”)

2. Consider the “remote” context…

a. Which speak of times when judgment must be made!

b. Elsewhere, Jesus taught people to “judge with righteous
judgment” – John 7:24

c. Christians have a responsibility to “judge those who are
inside” the local church – 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

d. We are taught by the apostle of love (John) to “test the
spirits” (which requires making judgments) –
1 John 4:1

3. There is no contradiction here, for as we continue with our
text, we notice that…

C. JESUS DEFINED WHAT “KIND” OF
JUDGING HE IS CONDEMNING

1. Judging when on is blind to his or her faults…

a. Matthew 7:3-5

b. Jesus is saying “that is it wrong for anyone to
concentrate his attention on the speck in his brother’s eye,
and while thus occupied, to ignore the beam in his own
eye” (Hendriksen)

c. Just Paul taught the necessity of proper “introspection”
when helping others – Galatians 6:1

2. Judging without mercy and love…

a. “The Lord is here condemning the spirit of
censoriousness, judging harshly, self-righteously,
without mercy, without love, as also the parallel passage
(Lk 6:36-37) clearly indicates.” (Hendriksen)

b. James warned against making judgments without mercy
– James 2:13

1) If we make judgments without showing mercy, then
no mercy will be shown when we are judged!

2) Just as Jesus said – Matthew 7:2

3. The implication is not that we should never judge, but
when we do judge, remember that we shall be judged
by the same standards we use!

a. Let mercy and love temper our judgments.

b. Finally…

D. JESUS IMPLIES THERE ARE TIMES WHEN
WE “MUST” MAKE JUDGMENTS!

1. It is “after” we have corrected our own faults…

a. Matthew 7:5

b. When we have done so, we are able to see, discern
(judge), and be of help to others who are overtaken in
their faults

c. This does not mean that we must be sinless, otherwise
we would never be able to fulfill our duties to correct and
admonish one another

d. Indeed, “the law of Christ” requires us to! –
Galatians 6:1-2

2. Again, we must judge between those “worthy” and
those who are “hog and dogs”…

a. Matthew 7:6

1) Some are not worthy of that which is “holy”

2) Some are like “dogs” and “swine” – Determining who
is which requires “judgment” upon our part!

b. With those who are receptive, we are to be
long-suffering in trying to help them come out of their
error – 2 Timothy 2:24-26

c. But for those who are not, we are not to waste what is
good and holy on them!

1) Note the instructions of Jesus to His disciples –
Matthew 10:12-15

2) Note the example of Paul and Barnabas at Antioch of
Pisidia – Acts 13:42-46

CONCLUSION

A. The kind of judging forbidden by Jesus is that which is
self-righteous, hypocritical judging which is false and
calls down God’s judgment on itself.

B. This is the kind of judging that was also condemned by
James when he wrote – James 4:11-12

C. May God help us to refrain from such judging…

1. And be more apt to remove the “beams” from our own
eyes

2. And then to then be more useful in helping others with
their problems

3. But to say we should never judge, is to abuse what Jesus
teaches, not only in this passage but elsewhere as well!

D. Speaking of judging – ARE YOU READY FOR THE
JUDGMENT?

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #23

Winning The War Over Worry

Matthew 6:24-34

INTRODUCTION

A. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus exhorted His
disciples to…

1. Lay up treasure in heaven (by helping others)

2. Keep your eye good (guard what you allow to influence
your inner man)

3. Make God your Master (and you will not be able to serve
another Master)

4. We examined this in our last lesson – “Gaining Mastery
Over Mammon” (Mt 6:19-24)

B. But if we do what Jesus says, what about the future here
on earth?

1. If we lay up treasure in heaven instead of on earth, how
will we provide for our future?

2. Where will our physical necessities like food and clothing
come from?

3. How can we keep from worrying about such things?

C. Jesus’ discussion concerning material riches (i.e.,
“mammon”) did not end with verse 24…

1. It really continues on to the end of the chapter

2. In which Jesus addresses concerns regarding the future

D. Beginning with verse 25, Jesus gives several reasons why
we should not worry about such things.

1. In so doing, He establishes two important principles that
are crucial to “Winning The War Over Worry”.

2. The first principle might be stated as…

DISCUSSION

A. HAVE FAITH IN GOD’S PROVIDENCE

1. Jesus tells us not to “WORRY”

a. The word in the original means “distracted”

b. That is, don’t let anxiety about food and clothing distract
you from more important things in life

2. Jesus makes four arguments why we shouldn’t worry…

a. Is not life and body more important than food and
clothing? – Matthew 6:25… notice “therefore” (6:24)

1) This is an argument from the GREATER to the
LESSER

2) Life and body are certainly more important than food
and clothing

3) Who provides our lives and our bodies?    God!

4) If He is powerful enough to create life – Isn’t He also
able to provide food and clothing to sustain that
life?

5) “He who has displayed so great goodness as to
form the body, and breathe into it the breath of life,
will surely follow up the blessing, and confer the
smaller favor of providing that the body be clothed,
and that life preserved.” (Barnes)

b. Look at the birds of the air, are you not more
valuable than they? – Matthew 6:26

1) The birds are an example of God’s ability to provide

a) Through His providential workings in nature, God
provides for their needs

b) This does not mean they do not work for their needs

c) But they are not guilty of overdoing a good thing (as
the rich fool was in the parable of Lk 12:16-21)

2) We are certainly more valuable to God than birds!

a) This is an argument from the LESSER to the
GREATER –  If God through His providence
provides for the needs of birds, will He not for
you?

b) How are you more valuable than birds?

You were created in the image of God!

You were redeemed by the blood of His Son!

3) Why, then, let concern over physical needs distract
you from what is really important in life?

c. Can you grow simply by worrying? – Matthew
6:27

1) This argument illustrates the helplessness of man

a) There are many things in this life which we cannot
affect by “worrying”

b) For example, worrying will not make our bodies
grow any taller

2) The implication of this argument seems to be:

a) “Worrying” about food and clothing cannot
guarantee that you will have them tomorrow

b) As various tragedies clearly illustrate

d. Consider the lilies, won’t God provide for you also?
– Matthew 6: 28-30

1) Another example of God’s ability and willingness to
provide – It is another argument from the LESSER to
the GREATER

2) Look at how they grow…

a) Without any “toil” whatever on their part, nor any
“care” bestowed on them by any human agency

b) Yet their glory surpasses Solomon in all his glory!
How?

(1) Through God’s providential care!

(2) By so ordering the affairs of this life to assure that
they accomplish what they were designed to
accomplish!

3) Will God not much more clothe you?

a) If God is able to so clothe the grass of the field…

b) Is He not ABLE and WILLING to do so for you?

3. If we worry, we are of little faith…

a. Matthew 6:30

b. If  worry we have “little faith” in God’s…

1) God promises to care for us!

2) God has the power to deliver that promise!

4. Notice Jesus’ summary concerning God’s providence…

a. Don’t worry about food and clothing – Matthew
6:31

b. People without God (e.g., the Gentiles) naturally worry
about these things – Matthew 6:32

c. But we have God as our Heavenly Father, and He knows
that we need such things!

5. So we need to develop faith in God’s providence, both
in His ability and willingness to provide for His
children. But the promise of His providence is
conditioned upon our willingness to…

B. MAKE GOD’S WILL YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY

1. Seek first the kingdom of God  – Matthew 6:33

a. This is the second key to “Winning The War Over
Worry”

b. We must make the will of God the number one priority
in your life

c. We make God our priority by:

1) Serving God instead of “mammon”

2) Letting the “lamp” of our body be a “good eye”
(i.e., focused clearly on that which is good, true, and
righteous)

3) Laying up treasure in heaven (by using earthly
treasure to help others)

d. Do this, and God will provide for your physical needs

1) For He is certainly “able”

2) And He is certainly “willing”

2. Don’t worry about Tomorrow – Matthew 6:34

a. Today has enough trouble with which to be concerned

1) We are not capable of handling tomorrow’s worries

a) We have no control over the future

b) And worrying about the future only distracts us from
the duties of the present

2) Today’s problems are all we are capable of handling
without becoming distracted

b. Let tomorrow take care of itself

1) By trusting in God!

2) By doing God’s will today!

c. Let your undivided attention be given to seeking
God’s rule in your life…

1) Make His kingdom the number one priority

2) Concern yourself with His righteousness, not your
riches

CONCLUSION

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #22

Gaining Mastery Over Mammon

Matthew 6:19-24

INTRODUCTION

A. In writing to Timothy, Paul described the danger of seeking
to be rich…

1. The desire to be rich is filled with temptations which have
destroyed many – 1 Timothy 6:9

2. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil which have
led many astray – 1 Timothy 6:10

B. Jesus also described the difficulty of the rich entering
the kingdom of heaven…

1. When the rich young ruler asked concerning eternal life
(Mt. 19: 16-22)

2. Jesus said it was difficult, but not impossible (Mt. 19:23-
26)

C. In Mat. 6:19-24, Jesus taught how it was possible…

1. For the rich person to have “treasure in heaven”

2. For us to overcome “mammon”, which can easily enslave
us

D. Mammon has reference to treasure or wealth (Lk. 16:
9-11)  –  By personification, the god of riches
(Mt. 6:24)

E. Thus, if not careful, wealth and riches can become
our “god”…

1. Paul called a covetous person an idolater – Ephesians
5:5

2. He told the Colossians to put to death “covetousness,
which is idolatry” – Colossians 3:5

F. To prevent Mammon from become our “god”, let’s examine
the teachings of our Lord as found in His sermon on the
mount. Beginning with Matthew 6:19, we find the first of
three keys to “Gaining Mastery Over Mammon”…

DISCUSSION

A. LAY UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN  –
Matthew 6:19-21

1. Why in heaven, and not on earth…

a. On earth: Moth and rust destroy (material things are
perishable), and thieves break in and steal (material
things are subject to theft)

b. In heaven: Neither moth nor rust destroys (our treasures
are imperishable – 1 Pt. 1:3-4) , and thieves do not break
in and steal (our treasures are securely guarded – 1 Pt.
1:4-5)

2. Where your treasure is, there your “heart” (affections,
hope, dreams) will be also…

a. If your treasure is on earth, your heart will
experience much disappointment

1) As things for which you have affection decay or are
one day destroyed by fire

2) As things in which you find your primary joy are
suddenly gone through things like theft

b. But if your treasure is in heaven, your heart will not
suffer great disappointments

1) For your treasure is “incorruptible, undefiled, and does
not fade away”

2) Nothing can take your treasure away from you – it is

a) “reserved in heaven for you”

b) “kept by the power of God through faith”

c. With treasures laid up in heaven, whatever happens
on earth will not devastate you!  Compare the Hebrew
Christians – Hebrews 10:32-34

d. When these words of Jesus are taken to heart and
applied, how true His words in Matthew 7:24-27 will be

1) The “storms” of life will not overwhelm us

2) Because we’ve built our foundation upon the words of
Jesus found in our text!

3. How can we lay up treasure in heaven?

a. First, by becoming children of God…

1) Thereby becoming “joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom.
8:16-17)

2) And the recipients of “every spiritual blessing” in
heavenly places (Eph. 1:13)

b. Then, by using material wealth we may have to bless
those around us…

1) As Jesus instructed the rich young ruler –
Matthew 19:21

2) As He instructed His disciples, in order to have
“a treasure in the heavens that does not fail” – Luke
12:33-34

3) 1 Timothy 6:17-19

c. Through such generosity and liberality, then, we are well
on the way to “Gaining Mastery Over Mammon.” At the
same time, we need to make sure that we observe the
second key…

B. KEEP YOUR EYE GOOD – Matthew 6:22-23

1. In the metaphor used by Jesus …

a. The “body” likely represents the “soul” or “inner man”

b. The “eye” likely represents the “gaze of the soul” or the
“heart of man”

c. The word “good” in Greek means “simple, single,
uncomplicated”

d. The word “bad” in Greek means “wicked, evil”

e. And in the Scriptures, the expression “evil eye” is used
to mean “envious, covetous”

1) Proverbs 23:6

2) Matthew 20:15

3) Mark 7:22

2. An explanation based upon these definitions …

a. If the heart or gaze of the soul be “good” (“single” in
its love of God and the things of God)…

1) Then one is filled with “light”

2) In other words, goodness, righteousness, and truth

3) Ephesians 5:8-10

b. But if the heart or gaze of the soul be “evil” (full of
envy, covetousness)…

1) Then one’s soul is filled with “darkness”

2) The opposite of light: selfishness, wickedness, and
falsehood!

3. Thus the need for the warning…

a. To guard what goes in your eye

1) That is, what you allow your eyes to dwell upon

2) Remember, there is such a thing as “the lusts of the
eyes” (i.e., materialism)

b. To be rich toward God, free from covetousness

1) Note Jesus’ warning – Luke 12:15

2) Also His conclusion – Luke 12:21

4. The third and last key to “Gaining Mastery Over
Mammon” is most crucial, and will make it impossible for
one to serve Mammon…

C. MAKE GOD YOUR MASTER – Matthew 6:24

1. No one can serve two masters…

a. A “master” by definition demands “total loyalty”, and we
are unable to please two masters at the same time

b. Such is certainly true with God – Exodus 34:14

c. Mammon is evidently no different

2. We have to choose between God and mammon…

a. When wealth is coveted, and becomes the priority in our
lives, it becomes a “god”

b. Covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5)

c. So the choice becomes one as to whether we shall
worship the One True God, or be “idolaters” following
after a false god!

3. Choose to serve God…

a. As Jesus would later say, “Seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness” (Mt. 6:33)

b. Do this, and God becomes our Master

c. Since we can’t serve two masters, this effectively
eliminates Mammon from being our “god”!

CONCLUSION

A. These are the three keys to “Gaining Mastery Over
Mammon”…

B. Why should we seek to gain mastery over mammon and
serve God instead?

1. Because Mammon…

2. Whereas with God…

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #21

Fasting That Pleases God

Matthew 6:16-18

INTRODUCTION

A. You don’t hear much about fasting these days

1. In a culture where the landscape is dotted with shrines to
the “Golden Arches” and an assortment of “Pizza Temples”

2. Fasting seems out of place, out of step with the times

B. But the Scriptures have much to say about fasting…

1. There is more teaching in the New Testament on
fasting than repentance and confession!

2. Jesus taught more on fasting than on baptism and the
Lord’s Supper!

3. Yet some question whether fasting is something for
Christians today

C. In His sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught concerning
“Fasting That Pleases God”…

1. In connection with other acts of righteousness like
charity and prayer

2. In calling His disciples to exceed the righteousness of
the scribes and Pharisees

D. In this study, we will examine Matthew 6:16-18, and
consider what Jesus had to say about “Fasting That Pleases
God.” But in so doing, let’s begin by answering a few
questions…

DISCUSSION

A. SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST TODAY?

1. The example and teaching of Jesus

a. He fasted during his forty day period of temptation in
the wilderness  – Luke 4:1-2

b. In His teaching on the subject of fasting:

1) He assumed His disciples would fast – He said “when”
not “if” – Matthew 6:16-17

2) He said they would fast when He was gone –
Matthew 9:14-15

3) He taught:

a) How to fast so as to incur God’s good pleasure –
Matthew 6: 16-18

b) When done properly, fasting would incur God’s
good pleasure – Matthew 6:18b

c) There were occasions when prayer needed to be
joined with fasting –  Matthew 17:20-21

2. The examples of fasting in the early church

a. The brethren at Antioch – Acts 13:1-3

1) Fasting in their service to the Lord

2) Fasting and praying as they send out Paul and
Barnabas

b. The churches in Galatia – Acts 14:21-23

1) Done in EVERY church

2) When appointing elders

3. The examples of Paul fasting as a minister

a. He listed fasting among things which proved him as a
minister of Christ (2 Cor. 11:23-28) – “in fastings
often”

b. We are commanded to imitate him, even as he imitated
Christ? – 1 Corinthians 11:1 (and both fasted in
their service to God!)

4. At the very least, we can say that it is not
inappropriate for Christians to fast today.

a. Unless we have medical reasons not to fast, we have
very good examples to motivate us TO fast!

b. But to be sure that we fast for the right reason, we
should answer another question…

B. WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?

1. People often fast today for various reasons:

a. Some do it solely for health reasons

b. Others do it only in times of grief and sorrow

c. Still others do it as a way to gain self-control

d. But these are not reasons Christians should fast in their
service to God – Colossians 2:20-23

2. Christians should fast when seeking divine help

a. In the Old Testament; people of God fasted…

1) In times of war, or at the threat of it (Israel)

2) When loved ones were sick (David)

3) When seeking God’s forgiveness (Ahab, Daniel)

4) When seeking God’s protection (Ezra)

b. In the New Testament; fasting occurred…

1) When dealing with temptations (Jesus)

2) When serving the Lord (the church at Antioch)

3) When beginning a work for the Lord (again at
Antioch)

4) When selecting and appointing elders (in Galatia)

c. Such fasting should be done in conjunction with
prayer

1) For fasting, when done properly…

a) Humbles the soul – Psalm 35:13

b) Chastens the soul – Psalm 69:10

2) The prayers of the humble are more likely to be heard!
–  Ezra 8:21-23

3. This being true, this should help us to answer the next
question specifically…

C. WHEN SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?

1. Whenever we desire God’s help

a. These may be occasions on an individual level

1) When faced with difficult temptations

2) When faced with the serious illness of a loved one

b. These occasions might be on a congregational level

1) As when appointing elders

2) As when sending out missionaries

2. Whenever situations call for persistent prayer

a. Such would be an occasion for fasting joined with
prayer

b. Are we taught that God is more likely to answer
our prayers…

1) If we are persistent? (Lk 18:1-8)

2) If we fast in the proper way? (Mt 6:17-18)

3. So whenever there is a matter requiring much prayer,
fasting in conjunction with such prayer would be
appropriate. Finally, let’s take a look at…

D. FASTING THAT PLEASES GOD

1. Not to be seen of men

a. Not as practiced by the hypocrites of Jesus’ day

1) Doing so with a “sad countenance”

2) Doing so with “disfigured faces” (perhaps by applying
ashes?)

3) The only good such fasting might do them is win the
praise of men, but certainly not of God! (Mt. 6:16)

b. Rather, our fasting is to be seen of God

1) To be done without any outward appearance of fasting
(Mt 6:17)

a) Therefore, it should include “anointing your head”

b) Also, “washing your face” – i.e., what people would
normally do to as part of their daily ablutions

2) By doing this, only God will see your fasting and He
will reward you openly (perhaps by answering prayers
offered while fasting) (Mt 6:18)

2. Not as some regular ritual

a. This point Jesus made in Matthew 9:14-15

b. It should be done only when the occasion calls for it
(such as situations where you would already be spending
much time in prayer)

3. Not without true repentance

a. Isaiah 58:3-9

b. All the praying, all the fasting, is of no avail if it is not
accompanied with penitent obedience on our part

CONCLUSION

A. There is much more that could be said on the subject of
fasting, but I hope this suffices to stimulate our thinking on a
subject which has often been neglected in both study and
practice

B. Implied in Jesus’ teachings is that His disciples would
fast, and so it is important that we know what is involved
in “Fasting That Pleases God”

C. Now as useful as fasting might be, praying and fasting
alone cannot save a person who is lost.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #20

Prayer That Pleases God

(Matthew 6:5-15)

INTRODUCTION

A. A wonderful privilege enjoyed by the children of God is
prayer…

1. Through prayer we can receive mercy and grace to help in
time of need – Hebrews 4:14-16

2. Through prayer we can find peace that guards our hearts
and mind – Philippians 4:6-7

B. But the privilege of prayer assumes God will heed our
prayers…

1. Not all prayers are acceptable to God – Proverbs 28:9

2. Indeed, God does not hear the prayers of all men

a. Isaiah 59: 1-2

b. 1 Peter 3:12

3. Jesus described the prayer of one man which did not
please God – Luke 18:9-14

C. Do we know what qualifies as “Prayer That Pleases
God”?

1. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus had much to say about
prayer

2. Especially the kind of prayer which finds favor in God’s
sight

D. In this study, let’s take a look at Matthew 6:5-15, where
Jesus taught His disciples regarding prayer. First, we find
Jesus telling us…

DISCUSSION

A. WHAT “NOT” TO DO IN REGARDS TO PRAYER

1. Matthew 6:5

2. Do not pray like the hypocrites

a. Who love to pray standing in the synagogues or on the
corners of the streets

b. This they do “that they may be seen of men”

3. “They have their reward”

a. That is, they are indeed seen by men

b. But that is the extent of their reward (the praise of men)

c. They have no reward or blessing from God!

4. Jesus is not condemning all public prayer

a. Evident from the fact that He Himself prayed in
public

1) Matthew 11:25

2) John 11:41

b. As did Paul – Acts 27:35

5. The emphasis is the same as stated in Matthew 6:1, “do
not do your deeds of righteousness before men, to be seen
by them.”

6. How, then, are we to pray as to be heard by God?

B. PRAYER THAT PLEASES GOD

1. Offered to be seen of God – not men – Matthew 6:6

a. This is the main idea of “praying in secret”

b. “The sincere and humble worshiper, one who is not
interested in making a public display for the sake of
enhancing his prestige, will find the secluded nook or
den to be most appropriate for his devotions.”

c. The person who prays much in secret is praying to be
seen of God, not men!

2. Offered to be heard of God – not men  – Matthew 6:7

a. We must avoid the use of “vain repetitions”

1) As was often practiced by the heathen religions

2) “The heathen tried to tire out their gods with such
endless prayers. Mere formulas were repeated over
and over again; the Jews had such prayer formulas,
Catholics also have them in the form of their
rosary.” (Lenski)

b. This is not condemning all repetition, but
“vain” (insincere, useless) repetition

1) Jesus repeated Himself in prayer at Gethsemane
(Mt. 26: 36-44)

2) Paul repeated his requests concerning his “thorn in the
flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7-8)

c. Since “your Father knows the things you have need
of before you ask Him,” prayers to be heard by God
do not have to be filled with superfluous words

1) Have you ever noted the brevity of prayers recorded in
the Scriptures?

2) God is not swayed the by quantity of words, but by
the quality of the heart!

3. Offered according to the pattern – Matthew 6:9a

a. The phrase “after this manner” suggests that this
prayer…

1) Is a pattern for praying

2) Not a “bottled prayer” as sometimes practiced

b. The pattern of proper prayer:

1) First, simplicity

a) Notice the word “therefore” (v. 8) – It connects what
follows with what was said before

b) Jesus’ pattern for prayer is an “illustration” in
contrast to the “many words” used by the heathen

C) In the prayer itself, note the brevity of words

2) Then, in its content, proper prayer includes…

a) Reverence for God and His “Name” (i.e., His being
and character) – Matthew 6:9

b) Prayer for the progress of God’s Kingdom and His
Will on the earth – Matthew 6:10

c) Asking for physical necessities – Matthew 6:11

d) Also, our spiritual needs

– Forgiveness of sins – Matthew 6:12

– Protection and deliverance from evil – Matthew
6:13a

e) Praising God – Matthew 6:13b

Review…

4. Offered with a merciful spirit

a. This indicated in the pattern prayer itself – Matthew
6:12, 14-15

b. Otherwise, we cannot expect mercy for ourselves

1) Matthew 18:21-23

2) James 2:13

c. Prayer must be very important to Jesus – as is seen in the
detail He gives

CONCLUSION

A. This is not the only occasion in which Jesus taught on
prayer…

1. Later, His disciples would ask Him to teach them to pray
(Lk 11: 1-4)

2. He taught them about the importance of persistence, faith
and humility in prayer (Lk 11:5-13; 18:1-14)

B. But in this sermon Jesus sought to stress prayer that is
designed…

1. To be seen by God, not man

2. To be heard by God, not man

3. Who knows better what kind of prayer that is, than He
who now sits at the right hand of God!

C. If we believe that God hears prayer (Psa 65:2) and that
He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb.
11:6), then let’s be sure we offer the kind of “Prayer That
Pleases God”