This morning my mother called me before church, and said she had been reading Matthew, and there were a couple of things that she was questioning. The chapter in particular that stumped her was Matthew 6. I turned to it and started reading, and remembered this chapter quite well, for I had once stumbled on it. I had to do some further research, because I had forgotten what it was about. I found an excellent answer in the book, An Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount by Arthur Walkington Pink, and I’m posting the simplified version here.

The verse begins with Jesus telling the multitudes not to do good works in public, in order to be seen by men, but to do them in private. Then our Father will see them and reward us in public. If we do good works in public for others viewing, then that is our reward (the effect that it has on the public). (Matthew 6:1-4)

It then goes on to talk about prayer, and this is where it gets confusing. Jesus says to not be like the hypocrites (Pharisees) because they love to pray on the corners of streets, so they may be seen by men (Matthew 6:5). At first glance, it might seem like He is saying that we shouldn’t pray in public. However, it is important to remember the first example that He spoke of. It’s not bad that they were praying in public. The problem is they prayed in public for the sake of putting on a show for those around them! In Acts 27:35, Paul gave thanks to God in front of 276 people. By this example, we know that there is nothing wrong with praying in public as long as our motive is done with good intention (in a way that God gets the Glory).

Matthew 6:7 continues on to say that we should not multiply our words as the Gentiles do. For example, “God please bless me financially. I need money really bad. Can I please have a miracle? I’m praying for finances, and I’m asking for money. Please send the money God. Please send the money.” God knows what we need, and when we ask Him, we are to believe that it will be done (if it is in His will). How many people are doing this on a daily basis?

Read 1 Kings 18:25-39 to better understand the difference of repeatedly nagging, and simply asking and believing it is done (according to the will of God).

Now, as stated in Arthur’s exposition, praying (entering into a spiritual communion with God), and pouring out your heart to God are two different things. God wants us to talk to Him about everything that is on our mind!

I believe that spiritual warfare is something completely different than praying, and it does require a little more persistence. Demonic spirits can be stubborn and unwilling to leave, but it is our job to take our authority in Christ and command them to go. If they won’t leave right away, then keep shouting at them until they flee (the charismatic way)! Or simply do what Jesus instructs in Mark 9:29.

A concluding note:

Matthew 6 does not shake the foundations of the church (hopefully), but it is a warning from Jesus to be conscious of our behavior, and how we are living as Christians.

“We do not present our requests to God in order to acquaint Him with our wants, but to render obedience unto His commandment which requireth this duty from us. We pray unto God for the purpose of honoring Him, acknowledging Him to be the Knower of our hearts and the Giver of all mercies.” - Arthur Walkington Pink