vs 1-4 Do not be boastful about giving to the needy. This should be a humble act.
vs 5-15 Do not pray for recognition, but do it in private just between you and God. Some people pray with big Christianese words to impress other people but this is not the goal of prayer. Prayer is for us to show our love for God. Jesus then takes the time to show us how to pray. By now you know this as the Lord's prayer. It is something we pray as a congregation every week, because it covers every area.
1. it lifts up God.
2. shows intentions of bringing his kingdom to earth.
3. praying His will and not our own.
4. giving us what we need to survive.
5. asking for forgiveness.
6. keeping us out of the places of temptation.
vs 16-18 Fasting is a discipline that keeps us focused on God. We separate from normality in life, of food, tv, video games and other things, to use the time for worship. Do not go around telling everyone you fast, this is not the purpose of fasting. Just like giving to the needy, and prayer it is something you should keep between you and God.
vs 19-24 We all own things that we treasure. But how much should we stake out lives on this. The things we own today in a few years will be obsolete and fading. We will not be able to take anything with us. The things we treasure show us our true heart. No one can serve two masters. They could contradict each other and then who would you follow then?
vs 25-34 Do not worry. It does not do any good. But seek first God's kingdom and all the things most people worry about will be given to you.
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