Matthew 6:1-18

Kingdom Lifestyle

I have been talking about kingdom but what is a kingdom? A kingdom is a realm where the will and power of a king is expressed. We live in such a kingdom if we are disciples of Jesus. Why? because Jesus is present and active in our lives and our circumstances. Often people look at the kingdom as something to come in the future.

The Sermon on the Mount continues jesus’ extended teaching on living a life that is kingdom minded and acted upon. Chapter 5 gave us the moral basis for life in his kingdom - we are transformed from within, and godly values are expressed in a holy life that fulfills the law but also the spirit of it’s intent.

Our reading today focuses on seeking to please God who sees us in private as well as when we are out in public. He works and moves often in quiet hidden moments so why should we work and move in very public expressions? To see the true kingdom we must look beyond outward appearances to the inward condition of the heart.

Jesus described 3 games people of the day played with charitable giving, prayer and fasting. The people were playing the game of being visibly pious. These games weren’t played for god but for man. Sure it’s a natural thing to want to be appreciated, and to be looked at with respect. But, Jesus cautions us not to seek praise from observers to gain a good reputation.

#1 What is an authentic road to kingdom living?

Jesus’ answer is that we are to look to an in secret relationship with God. We should have an awareness that He is present even though we do not see him and we are to act to please Him who sees us in secret and what we harbor secretly in our hearts.

#2 Why is it so important to live without playing games?

It is important because the world does not see God, but sees us and our actions that represent God’s active presence in this world.

#3 What games do you see being played today?

(games played in Jesus’ time were; a trumpet sounded when someone gave to charity, another was a person would go to a crowded street corner to pray aloud, and another was when men fasted they would make themselves appear gaunt and acted like they were suffering).

One game i see often is when people comment on tragedies “thoughts and prayers go out to those affected”.... many do not even stop to pray but type away. We do not need to announce to the world we are praying for those involved, we are praying to God not man.

Another game I see played out today is people who “meat fast” during lent because it is a tradition and not really an act of reverence or an act that causes them to consider their repentant or not repentant heart condition.