Discuss Matthew 6 Page 7

Hello again Giannis,

A gift is not a gift unless it is received. In order to receive the gift of salvation, a person must repent. I agree that if a person does not repent (make the decision to change the direction of their life), and they do not surrender their life to Christ, they can never obtain salvation. I believe that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for all my sin (Past/Present/Future). I believe His blood covered it all.

Now, I know right away what some who are reading this are going to think, and you allude to this when you said "So a Christian shouldn't think that no matter what he does, no matter how he walks everything is OK. It's not OK."

It seems as that those who believe in eternal security are being accused of believing that they have a license to sin all they want because they are always going to be saved no matter what they do. I can tell you straight up, I do not believe that at all. You see, I belong to Christ. If I take on the attitude of what you describe, "that no matter what I do, no matter how I walk, everything is OK," and I have Christ in me, guess what's going to happen? He's going to deal with me and sometimes the chastisement can be very harsh.

In fact, that would be a good test (not recommended), but if a person wants to know if they truly belong to Christ, go out and start sinning all you want. If God does not deal with you, then it's time to start taking inventory and asking, "Am I really saved?" Did I have to do something? Yes! I had to repent. I had to surrender my life to Jesus Christ in order to receive the gift.



As for Matthew 6:15, am I to forgive others? Yes! But how do I have the ability to forgive unless God's Spirit gives me that ability? Without Christ in me, my flesh would be out for revenge. I forgive others because God's Spirit working in me gives me the ability to forgive. His Spirit never stops working.

And please know that you have not offended me at all.

Dear Jesse

OK lets go back to the verse" the wage of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life .."

What does that mean? That eternal life is unconditional? I don't think so. There is a condition for Jesus's blood to be available to you. That is to repent. As long as you are in an unrepentant condition Jesus's. Blood is not abailable to you. So a Christian shouldn't think that no matter what he does, no matter how he walks everything is OK. It's not OK. I don't mean that when you do a sin God is immediately ready to send you to hell, but the way you walk is risky. I think you understand what I am saying

OK lets go to Matthew 6:15 "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." What do you make of that. If God doesn't forgive your sins , no problem at all? I think that thinking like you do one is in danger to consider that eternal life is ensured/secured no matter what he does, and that is risky.

Finally lets go to 1 Corinthians 9:25-27. Apostle Paul talks about himself as well. Pay attention to verse 27 " But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway". That word castaway doesn't ring any bell?

O.K it is well understood that there is a difference in opinions here, I do respect yours but not accept it. Sorry brother, no offense meant.

GBU

Please God enrich Sam with biblical scriptures that will give hope in You and help Sam to have a true relationship with Jesus Christ recognizing their purpose You have for them I ask in Jesus Christ name!!

If you have access to a Bible, please reflect on this scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalms 23, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13, John 8:44, and Matthew 6:33-34.

Beautifully put. I believe some misunderstand, the "Coming of The LORD, Return of The LORD, THE Day of The LORD " as I did also, as dearly loved fellowship of Believers would pray for it. Maybe by Philippians 3:20, eagerly awaiting, & Colossians 4:2, That misinterpreted.

Then one day I read: Amos 5:18-24,

People long for Mercy, Justice, correct judgement that may be the root of the plea, prayer.

However Jesus instruction was pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven " Matthew 6:9-13,

Daniel 7:27, Psalms 145:13, John 17, note John 17:15-16, Luke 17:20-21,

Proverbs 21:3, Isaiah 56:1, Psalms 82:3, Isaiah 59:4, (context Isaiah 59), Jeremiah 22:15, * Isaiah 58,

2Samuel 8:15, 1Kings 10:9, Ezekiel 45:9, Micah 6:8,

We even as 1 person can bring justice, mercy, truth, hope, deliverance, through faith, endurance, prayer, action & being a living example

Romans 1:17, James 2, Hebrews 11, 2Corinthians 5:7, Mark 11:22-26,

We are called to bring Justice, Judgement, Mercy.

Ecclesiastes 5:8, Jeremiah 23:5, Matthew 24:3-51, Mark 13:5-37, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 6,

Psalms 102:17, * James 5,

Hopefully these are helpful, please share these scriptures with those whom you feel led as a tool

Psalm 38: 21-22 kjv, Luke 7:13 kjv.

1Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 6:5-35, Mark 11:24, Luke 6:28, Luke 10:2, Luke 11:1-13, Luke 18:1, Luke 18:1-14, 1Corinthians 11, 1Corinthians 14:14-15, James 5:13-20, Psalms 122:6, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6, Mark 13, 2Chronicles 7:14, 1Timothy 2:1-6,

Romans 8:26,

Hopefully these are helpful

had a fall and cry out to God for help, and wonder how to bare the pain, what happen to my faith.

James 5:9-20, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 6:5-34, Matthew 14:23, John 17, Romans 8:26, Romans 8, whole chapter, 1Thessalonians 5:17, 1Corinthians 7:13-17,

James 1:5,

Hopefully these are helpful

Very interesting question. Only God can forgive sin; but we are told to "confess our sins to one another". ( James 5:16). We are told to reconcile with a brother before "offering a gift before the altar" ( Matthew 5:24). If we bear unforgiveness in our hearts; then the effectiveness of His grace is stunted; for the woman who put the perfume on Christ was forgiven much so she loved much ( Luke 7:47).

All of us individually are accountable before God. We can forgive "seventy times seven" ( Matthew 18:22); and Ephesians 4:32 indicates that we are to forgive others even as God has forgiven us. If we don't forgive others then God won't forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15. This wouldn't necessarily indicate that we are nonbelievers; but if we don't bear fruit "worthy of repentence" ( Matthew 3:8-10) then we have to seriously test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).

So the short answer is that God can only forgive others if they are wanting forgiveness. Each of us is judged individually; and since we are not God we don't have the authority as Christ did to forgive sins as the Pharisees stated only God can forgive sins ( John 20:23). Confessing our sins to one another can allow transparency so that the Lord can possibly speak a word of wisdom which in turn gives someone a better understanding of themselves; as well as clearing up what can be a stone wall in relationships ( Prov. 18:19). The best we can do is a formulaic process to give a partial assessment of sins in others as only God knows the intentions and motives of the heart even if the Spirit gives us a glimpse into such things. It is the same as asking can we save anyone by "confessional regeneration". The words are only effective if God grants one repentance first ( Acts 11:18; etc). Indirectly then; forgiving one another allows God to repair the sin or estrangement with Him.

Claudio, I, and others, are praying over your request today. I want to give you a couple scriptures. They will be highlighted, just touch them and they'll open up.

Matthew 6:33

1timothy 2:5

John 14:13-14

Rest assured that the Father sees your heart and hears your prayer. When we believe on Jesus our the risen Savior (happy Easter) the only begotten Son of God and ask in His (Jesus) name , God will hear us. Jesus is always making intercession for us.

Hebrews 7:25

Heavenly Father,

Please move upon the cries of Claudio's heart. I pray that he would put You first in every thing he does so that all of his hearts desires and prayers for others will be answered by You according to Your will in Heaven, let it be done on the Earth as well Please keep him safe, break every curse that's been spoken or arranged over his life and generations and the same for his wife and her family. Please keep them safe today. Help Claudio with the (real estate) court case. Be merciful. To all involved. And work it out for the good and salvation of everyone involved. Help him get info about his grandma Dora and other relatives given up for adoption. Thank You God, in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Hi Lance. Lotteries or any form of gambling is not written about in the Bible, so it becomes a matter between you & God. How does the Spirit guide you or speak when you are planning to wager some money?

Just speaking for myself & being an ex-gambler, that was one of the first areas of my life (amongst others), where I was severely dealt with by God when He drew me to Himself. I learnt about the Laws of Probability at school, yet still enjoyed the 'excitement' of anticipating a win (which of course rarely came). The lure of gambling is as potent & devastating as to the one given to excessive compulsive drinking. It has the potential to take a small monetary 'flutter' & make it into an addiction, causing a departure of any sensibility we might have had. And that is why we're encouraged "to abstain from all appearance of evil" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:22). It may not seem an 'evil' at the time, but evil has a very large mouth & appetite.

We are to fully trust God for our monetary needs, indeed, all our needs ( Matthew 6:24-34; Hebrews 13:5) and what He does give to us to use, we must use wisely & for His Glory & benefit of others. I believe that He is pleased when the resources He gives us to use are used well, but when they are wasted in ways that almost guarantee a complete loss & ensuing breach in our spirit, He would be disappointed. Bring the matter before the Lord, think on these things & consider the consequences, dear friend.

thank you richard a good explanation.

The concept here appears to be doing things to be seen of men. The word "reward" can be taken as the consequences of our actions; heaped up ( Psalm 91:8). This is; according to that passage so bad that we will only see it from afar. We reap what we sow; whether to the flesh or the Spirit ( Galatians 6:7-9). What is considered honorable among me is an abomination to God ( Luke 16:15-16). Our prayers are to be in secret; so that we can be seen in Matthew 6:6 that our reward is from God Himself.

This brings up the issue of just when prayer should be corporate and when it should be private. This fits in; of course with the "good deeds" that we do to help others (let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth) Matthew 6:3-4. The whole concept here is not to draw attention to how "righteous" we are through an outer display. That gets into another verse where it states in Matthew 5:34 as well as in the book of James that we are to swear by no name; but simply say yes or no. Clearly; this needs to be taken in context; as covenants such as marriage still are in effect and other such vows. Again; the focus is to be on not being hypocrites who wish to be praised but to glorify God. Verses that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens; confess sins to one another and that in Acts where Peter was being prayed for and the prison cell opened ( Acts 12:5) surely shows how appropriate prayers are given in corporate settings. Many testimonies; however indicate how some old lady was praying for a person when in open rebellion for many years and how they changed. "The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much" ( James 5:16-18).

Clearly; it isn't worth seeking praise of men during this short life; which is as a vapor; when eternity awaits. Christ Himself saw the "reward" for His sufferings in bringing "many sons to glory" ( Heb. 2:10; Eph. 1:18). In the end; sin doesn't pay; and all glory goes to God. Agape-RIch P

Very well explained , thank you .

They have chosen to be honored in the sight of men rather than seeking honor from God.

Albert,

Jesus says don't be as the hypocrites, that they may be seen of men. They have their reward because they like to stand out in the corners and make long prayers so that people will see them.

That doesn't mean you can't pray in public or that you can't pray long prayers. It is the motive behind it. Their motive was to be seen of men. It's the whole "look at me" approach, look how spiritual I am. And that's what Jesus said they were doing. They were looking for the praise of men for what they were doing. Jesus says we are not to do that. That should never be our motive. The things we do, we do for the Lord, and He will reward us later. If we do things to be seen of men, we receive our reward from men.

When Jesus says "They have their reward," what He is saying is that they are receiving their reward right then and there. Their reward was getting praise from men.

Anything we do, even if we are "doing it for the Lord," and our motive for doing so is to be seen of men so that they will give us praise, our reward will be here on the earth, and the Lord will not reward us for that later.

in matthew 6-5 what does they have their reward means?

Dear look to my grace siblings Lord. Strengthen the sick with salvation, and strengthen the nourishment of the body with Your Word. We know that You Lord care for the whole body. Thank You for drawing people to You as You Will. We put all things on You O Great righteous God in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Mark 10 Stay blessed in His Holy Name, love u in Christ

Here are scriptures about fasting:

When in fear of war: 2Chronicles 20:2-23, brought deliverance

Ezra 8:21, direction & protection, Esther 4,

Isaiah 58, * GOD pointing out hypocrisy & cruelty, & a better way,

To avoid Judgement through repentance & fasting: Jeremiah 36:7-9, Jonah 3:4-10, Nehemiah 9,

Fasting for Understanding: Daniel 9:2-23 (amazing description here to encourage GOD hears!)

Please note in these, there is confessing wrong doing, declaration of GOD's goodness,

Direction from Jesus: Matthew 6:16-18, privately

Deliverance from spiritual difficulties some only accomplished through fasting & prayer. Mark 9:15-29,

Additional direction in fasting for married couple : 1Corinthians 7:2-5,

Sometimes it's good after you've done all of that, to just be still before GOD

Hopefully these are helpful

Dear Marie

Let me completely disagree to the other comments made.

In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 it clearly states that if someone divorces (only for reasons allowed by God) he/she should remain unmarried or get back with the husband/wife. God's purpose is to keep families together not split them apart. Also the verse 15 that some christians claim that can be used to divorce (if it is explained the way they explain it) it condradicts Matthew

5:31-32 that says divorce is only allowed for reasons of adultery. Also read the next to 15 verse (verse 16) which says that God advices you to try and get along with your husband..So as i read it you cannot date again. In verse 39 it clearly says that for God you are bound with your husband as long as he lives (no matter if he is a believer or not) , if he dies then you are allowed to remarry.

So my personal advice is pray to God and forgive your husband (don't forget that if we don't forgive other people's sins to us neither God will forgive us. Matthew 6:14-15) and make effords to get back together. Pray that God works his heart and put faith in it and free him from his addictions. It's the hard way but it's the right way too, and God will bless you.

Never forget that God's purpose is to unite families in Christ not split them apart.

Now if he has been unfaithful to you yes you can divorce him, but still you have to be unmarried. If he is violent to you because of his addictions you can keep apart untill he is changed, if he changes, and keep praying but still divorce is not permitted.

Death, God Self will not forgive you either. Mark 11:24-26 Matthew 6:9-15 Then you take it with you daily.

Please forgive everything "Donald Milledge", God bless us with all the spiritual blessing in the Heavenly world in Christ.

2 Timothy 1:7

Hello again, Roy,

No, I am not a pastor, clergyman, nor religious leader. I just happen be very familiar with the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings and practices. I have been a believer all of my life as far back as I can remember. It has been a blessing to have walked with our Lord all of these years. I am a very inquisitive person, so I like to study up on topics and see how they align with the Word.

Please God help Denise and her prayer request to move. You know what is best for her and her family. Please Lord Jesus Christ protect them in this environment and I ask Holy Spirit to guide in the Bible scriptures reminding her and her family Your timing God is always on time I pray in Jesus Christ name

May I suggest you reflect on Matthew 6:33-34 and Philippians 3:12-13.

GiGi

Thank you again. I select from your answer to me three key phrases as your ideas consolidate my own thinking:

1."The Roman Catholic church has "mystified" what the bible calls our union with Christ"

2. "This mysticism is a mixture of Eastern religion and the concept of believers being unified with God through Christ"

3. "We will be perfected humanity likened to the perfect humanity of Jesus

I have never heard of any possible association of RC thinking with the "Eastern Religions" and probably because I have not considered the possibility before and not asked an related questions. Here I find the CE teachings at fault in that they did not refer in anyway to such a link in my religious education, indeed thinking back there was never ant discussion about any alternative religion let allow RC'sm. I should add that I was educated in the a very traditional C of E environment of the English.

Public School system and its normal "High Church" as opposed to Methodist, Baptist and Lutheran thinking. C of E still tending to support an abhorrence of Roman Catholicism with some respect for King Henry VIII and his rejection of Rome. To this day our Queen when she was crowned (1954) the Archbishop of Canterbury declared her to be the "Protector of the Faith.

I hope that I will not be considered rude by asking the question, are you a consecrated person as in clergyman, pastor or religious leader?

Very many thanks for your help with my understanding of our faith.

Roy

The LOVE of money is the root of all evil. ( 1 Tim. 6:10). Paul himself; in fact was a tentmaker; who encouraged others to make things with their hands ( Acts 18:3). He also apparently paid for food during his travels ( 2 Thess. 3:8). Those who used to steal were given similar admonitions to work and be productive. ( Eph. 4:28).

There is; of course nothing wrong for those actively pursuing work in the ministry to be supported and fed ( Luke 10:7). We should be discerning as to the financial accountability of those we support; however and aware of those attracted to "filthy lucre" ( Titus 1:11). Such behavior obviously is characteristic of those "prosperity preachers" whose mouth betrays their true intentions (out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh-( Luke 6:45). Such resources as "Charity Navigator" are helpful to demonstrate what percentages of funds are used directly for ministry purposes. The church itself; as a Body should be supporting one another as the early church; at least in some ways meeting each others needs; as well as contributing financially or using their talents for proclaiming the Good News and fulfilling the Great Commission.

We shouldn't neglect verses for laypeople to "work heartily unto the Lord."( Colossians 3:23-24). We are representing our King; much as Daniel served the king of Babylon daily during the exile ( Daniel 1:5). This was much the same pattern as with Joseph in Egypt. We are even to be faithful with "unrighteous mammon" ( Luke 16:10-11). If we can't be trusted with earthly things; how can we be trusted with heavenly treasure? There are plenty of warnings to avoid amassing large amounts of gold and silver ( Deut 17:17) which God instructed Solomon (along with many wives). Money itself; therefore is an inanimate object; but as they say if "money talks" or gets a life of it's own in our lives then it is clear that it has become an idol. Matthew 6:3 is a good read on the subject..

Hello Jernej. In 1 Timothy 6:10 we read, "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." Earning money or having money with us is not wrong, but when our lives are so focussed & engrossed in making more money, desiring to satisfy our lusts by it, & not using it for worthy means, then it shows that we have an imbalanced regard of money. When we spend our time & energies in acquiring more of it, it's very likely that both money & our plans will direct us into greater evil; as Paul said to Timothy, some have coveted (or, lusted) after it so much that they have even turned away from the faith - because money (or, anything that consumes our passions more than serving the Lord), will certainly present very real dangers to our love & faithfulness to Christ.

If some have that burden from the Lord to go out & continually preach the Gospel (as the apostles did), then yes, they will have to trust their well-being to the Lord Who called them, & the Lord will not disappoint. But for many, they don't receive that calling, but are to be lights, mouths, & hands for the Master where they're at, also having a family & home to maintain - and for that one has to work as Paul commanded ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10). "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." 1 Corinthians 7:20; though spoken in respect to relationships, the Truth can be applied to anything that God has appointed for us to do & have in life, even the love & care for our families & also to those in need that He brings in our life's path.

I saw some people using mattwhe 6:24 as mening to qout your job and stop working for money. (Money rout of all evil ect.) And that tru way is to live on faith and to preche on street like apostle in acts.

Dear Roy, thanks for the info on what you received from the pope's rep. The Roman Catholic church has "mystified" what the bible calls our union with Christ. Some in the Catholic church teach that this union means we are "absorbed" into the essence of God.

This mysticism is a mixture of Eastern religion and the concept of believers being unified with God through Christ. In Eastern religious thought (think Buddhism) through meditation a person "ascend" to be absorbed into the cosmic energy, thus losing personal identity, but one with all consciousness. This is what has been adopted and modified in among Catholic Church members who seek this "mystical union" with God.

I do not think this way at all. The Bible says we are one in Christ, but not absorbed into Him nor do we mix our humanity with His deity. We will be perfected humanity likened to the perfect humanity of Jesus (which He possessed since His conception in Mary).

However, Jesus is not a man that becomes divine, He is God who took on human likeness in every way but sin. So, in Him is full

divinity and full humanity (without sin).

Likewise, we are not humans who become divine. That is a gulf too wide for any to cross, as God alone is divine. We will always be human, even in heaven, but we will be perfected in our humanity to be like Jesus and never sin again. We will have a glorified human body, like Jesus has, that will be immortal and incorruptible. As in a marriage, we will be unified with Christ in mind, heart, soul, and spirit, yet remain separate individuals. We will enjoy the communion of saints which is the bride of Christ. We will forever be with Him and enjoy Him forever.

GiGi, it was all very airy fairy and I did not keep it, not like I do with the messages I get from you people which are real worth keeping for re-reading as and when I feel like it. It is easier to describe the contents by waht is did not say and it was that that left me sad and disconcerted. There was no mention at all of the kind of thought that you and I have shared. No mention of a possibility of in some way being able to again communicate with the people how have gone before us and who we loved and still love. It gave the impression that whatever the relationship between us and GOD after death was very much a one on one situation with no interface other than, as I interpreted it, my soul, spirit or whatever simply being absorbed into an all encompassing enormous shroud like entity that did not need to recognise individuality but did provide a serene form of eternal existence.

Not all relatable to my own view.

You ever heard of anything like that.

Roy

Well Roy, I am glad that you are sharing on here. I would be interested in hearing what the Pope's representative said to you.