Chapter 6      

FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM—
ITS UNOSTENTATIOUSNES

In the preceding chapter Jesus particularly described the nature of inward holiness.  Now He describes that purity of intention without which none of our outward actions are holy. This chapter is really in four parts,
1.        The right intention and manner of giving alms (verses 1-4).
2.        The right intention, manner, form, and prerequisites of prayer (verses 5-15).
3.       The right intention, and manner of fasting [verses 16-18].
4.       The necessity of a pure intention in all things, unmixed either with the desire of riches, or worldly care, and fear of want (verses 19-34).

 SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 6:

I.      The Right and Wrong Way of Righteousness.
II.     Charity Not for Show.
        A.       Our Alms-Giving Not to Be Sounded with a Trumpet.
        B.       Prayer Not to Be Offered for Public Praise.
        C.      The Model Prayer.
       D.      Fasting to Be in Secret.
III.   Impossible to Serve God and Mammon.
IV.    Trust in the Heavenly Father.
         The First Aim of Life.

OUR OBLIGATIONS AS BELIEVERS

            As to the pretenses of the Jews, that God was bound by express promise to continue them as His only people forever, and that this was directly inconsistent with the election and calling of the Gentiles, on the condition of faith alone. He demonstrates that the rejection of the Jews is consistent with the truth of God's Word, and with His righteousness.  He shows the true cause and reason of their rejection, and concludes with an admirable discourse upon the extent and duration of it; which he closes with adoration of the Divine wisdom in its various dispensations, (chapters 9-11). 
           Thus, having cleared this important subject with surprising judgment, Paul now proceeds, after his usual manner in his epistles and the apostolic method of preaching, to bring in various Christian duties, and to exhort to that temper of mind and conduct of life which are suitable to the profession of the Gospel, and the enjoyment of its privileges.

FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM—
ITS UNOSTENTATIOUSNES
(VERSES 1-18)

In the preceding chapter Jesus particularly described the nature of inward holiness.  Now He describes that purity of intention without which none of our outward actions are holy. This chapter is really in four parts, (1) The right intention and manner of giving alms [verses 1-4]. (2) The right intention, manner, form, and prerequisites of prayer [verses 5-15]. (3) The right intention, and manner of fasting [verses 16-18]. (4) The necessity of a pure intention in all things, unmixed either with the desire of riches, or worldly care, and fear of want [verses 19-34].

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 6:

The Right and Wrong Way of Righteousness. Charity Not for Show. Alms-Giving Not to Be Sounded with a Trumpet. Prayer is not to be Offered for Public Praise. The Model Prayer.  Fasting to be in Secret. Impossible to Serve God and Mammon. Trust in the Heavenly Father. The First Aim of Life.