Matthew 6:1-18

Jesus and Real Religion – Monday 8^th to Sunday 14^th November, 2010

Introduction

What do you think are the major difference between Christianity and other so-called religions? How does this affect what we do at church and during the week?

Studying the passage - Read Matthew 6:1-18

1) What “acts of righteousness” are addressed in this passage? What common principle is to be applied to all them?

2) Why do you think ‘acts of righteousness’ done to impress men are unimpressive to God?

3) Is there a contradiction between the calling of Christians to be ‘light’ and ‘salt’ of the earth so that ‘they (non-Christians) may see your good deeds’ (see Matthew 5:16) and what we have learnt in this passage about secrecy and ‘acts of righteousness’? Explain.

4) What contrast is given between how the followers of Christ are to pray in comparison to how the pagans or the hypocrites pray? Why is there a significant difference?

5) What is our purpose in praying if God “knows what you need before you ask him” (verse 8)?

6) How does the Lord’s Prayer compare to how we normally pray? Which parts of the prayer do we normally leave out? Which ones do we focus on? What does this reveal about our relationship with God?

7) Verses 14-15 are quite blunt. Forgiving others involves acknowledging that judgment and punishment belong to God rather than us, not necessarily being “happy” or “at peace” with that person if they are unrepentant. However, if someone is repentant and we fail to forgive, what does this show about our relationship with God (compare Matthew 5:3-4)?

Response

Write out a prayer to God using the format of the Lord’s Prayer. Then pray the prayer aloud.