Matthew 6

1-4: Giving to the Needy
- speaking to the Jews -> has 3 basic good deeds: giving, praying, and fasting
- the bible doesn't say "IF" you pray, etc. It says "WHEN" you pray etc. That means it is expected of believers
- compassion is not optional in Christian faith.
- practical idea: put compassion in your budgeting, find out what's going on in the world. what are the needs around you.

“ If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:17,18


5-15: Prayer

- prayer is a way to fellowship with God
- pray not to show off

http://www.essortment.com/all/whatisthelord_rkge.htm


16-18: Fasting
- fasting is considered a good deed in the ANE culture, often seen as an act of self-denial,


19-24: Treasures in Heaven
- there's no rule on how much richness a Christian can accumulate
- being rich is not wrong, but when money becomes a priority (read: idolatry) , it becomes a sin.
- money is probably the hardest temptation there is, and also the most discussed topic in the bible.
- it's a matter of what's the top priority of heart. greed can happen to both the rich and the poor.

"give me your checkbook and i will tell you where your heart is"

25-34 Do Not Worry
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