Sermons on the Meaning and Application of the Bible - docx files
Sermons on the Meaning and Application of the Bible
This is a sermon on the meaning and application of the entire Bible, both the New and Old Testaments.
sample
Sermon on Matthew 1
Chapter 1 of the Gospel of Matthew records the genealogy of Jesus Christ and the story of his birth. This genealogy demonstrates that the Old Testament promise of the coming Messiah, a descendant of Abraham and David, was fulfilled through Jesus. The story of Jesus' birth then emphasizes God's plan for Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, to come to earth as the Savior. This chapter reveals that Jesus is the Savior who bridges the gap between God and humanity.
1. Verses 1-17: The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Matthew begins Jesus' genealogy with Abraham and David, revealing that Jesus is their descendant. This demonstrates that the Messianic lineage prophesied in the Old Testament was fulfilled in Jesus.
Verse 1: Jesus' genealogy begins with the descendants of Abraham and David.
Meaning: Jesus came as the Savior promised by God.
Application: We must believe the promises God has given us and trust in His plan.
Verses 2-6: The genealogy includes the lineage from Abraham to David, giving a brief overview of Israel's history.
Meaning: God's plan is faithfully carried on through the generations.
Application: We must realize that we too have a mission to continue the lineage of faith in God's history and have the faith to follow the Lord.
Verses 7-11: The genealogy continues from Solomon to the Babylonian captivity.
Meaning: God's plan remains constant even in difficult times.
Application: Even in difficult times, we must trust in God's plan and not lose hope.
Verses 12-16: The genealogy continues from the Babylonian captivity to Jesus.
Meaning: God plans to fulfill his promises.
Application: We must wait for God's promises to be fulfilled in His time and trust in His faithfulness.
Verse 17: The entire genealogy is divided into three sections: from Abraham to David, the Babylonian captivity, and Jesus.
Meaning: God's plan consistently progresses toward the salvation of mankind.
Application: We must believe in God's plan of redemption and entrust ourselves to it.
2. Verses 18-25: The Birth of Jesus Christ
Mary conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit, and her husband Joseph accepted this fact and obeyed God's guidance. Jesus came to this earth to save people from sin.
Verse 18: The birth of Jesus begins with Mary becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
Meaning: Jesus is the Savior who came in God's supernatural way, not in human ways.
Application: We must have faith in God's power and a heart that obeys His plan.
Verse 19: Joseph, being a righteous man, wanted to send Mary away quietly.
Meaning: It is important to have a heart that wants to act in the Lord's way even when we do not understand God's will.
Application: Even when we do not fully know the Lord's will, we must make decisions with sincerity and a good heart.
Verse 20: Joseph learned through an angel that the child to be born to Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Meaning: When we understand God's plan, we can obey His will without fear.
Application: We must trust in God's plan and follow His guidance without fear.
Verse 21: The angel named the child Jesus, and announced that he would save people from their sins.
Meaning: Jesus is the Savior and the One who frees us from sin.
Application: We must live a life of gratitude for Jesus' work of salvation and relying on Him.
Verses 22-23: This is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy that He will be called “Immanuel.”
Meaning: Jesus came as 'Immanuel', God with us.
Application: We must believe that the Lord is always with us and live courageously in any situation.
Verses 24-25: Joseph obeyed the angel's instructions and took Mary as his wife, but he did not have sexual relations with her until after she had given birth to Jesus.
Meaning: Obedience to God's will prepares for the birth of Jesus.
Application: We must live a life of obedience to God's will and cooperation with His plan.
Pray:
Holy Father God, we thank you for showing us the coming of our Savior through the genealogy and birth of Jesus. Your plan remains unchanging, and even in difficult times, help us remember Your grace in preparing the way for salvation. Guide us to believe that Jesus came to forgive our sins and to maintain our faith in Him as our Savior. Help us to live obedient lives, relying on the Lord who is always with us through the grace of Immanuel. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Sermon on Matthew 2
Matthew 2 tells the story of the Magi coming to worship the baby Jesus, King Herod's evil plan, and Jesus' family's flight to Egypt. The Magi followed a star to Jerusalem, where they found and worshiped Jesus, the newborn King of the Jews. Upon hearing this news, Herod, fearing a threat to his power, issued a horrific decree to kill all the male babies in Bethlehem. However, God warned Joseph in a dream, ensuring Jesus' safety. This chapter demonstrates how God's protection and guidance were realized through Jesus and his family.
1. Verses 1-12: The Adoration of the Magi and the Annunciation of Jesus' Birth
Magi from the East, following a star announcing the birth of Jesus, arrive to worship him. They bring news of the king's birth to Herod, and then seek out Jesus, worshipping him and offering him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Verses 1-2: Magi from the East saw a star and came to Jerusalem to find the one who was born king of the Jews.
Meaning: Jesus came as the Savior for all nations and peoples.
Application: We must accept and worship Jesus as the Savior of all nations and the world.
Verse 3: When King Herod heard this news, he and all of Jerusalem were troubled.
Meaning: The powers of the world fear the kingship of Jesus.
Application: We must acknowledge that Jesus is our true King and let go of the cares of the world.
Verses 4-6: Herod asks the Jewish religious leaders where the Messiah will be born, and they answer, "In Bethlehem."
Meaning: God's promises come true as prophesied.
Application: We must trust God's Word and live a life following His plan.
Verses 7-8: Herod asks the wise men to secretly go to Bethlehem and report back to him when they find the baby.
Meaning: Evil pretends to worship on the outside while hiding its evil intentions on the inside.
Application: We must have the wisdom to discern a person's heart rather than his appearance or words.
Verses 9-10: The wise men followed the star and arrived where the child was, and they were filled with joy.
Meaning: God guides those who seek him.
Application: We must rejoice as we follow the path God leads us on our journey of faith.
Verse 11: The wise men fell down before Jesus and worshiped him, offering him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Meaning: Jesus is the one who deserves our highest worship and offerings.
Application: We must give our lives to Jesus and consecrate everything to Him.
Verse 12: And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another route.
Meaning: God protects those who faithfully follow Him.
Application: We must trust in God's guidance and obey His will.
2. Verses 13-18: Herod's evil plan and God's protection
Herod, realizing he had been tricked, planned to kill all the male children in Bethlehem two years old and younger. However, God warned Joseph in a dream, allowing the family to flee to Egypt, thus protecting Jesus.
Verse 13: An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and warned him to flee to Egypt.
Meaning: God prepares protection in advance for the Lord's work.
Application: We must be sensitive to and obedient to God's warnings and guidance.
Verse 14: Joseph got up during the night and took Mary and the baby Jesus and left for Egypt.
Meaning: Immediate obedience is the way to receive God's protection.
Application: We must obey the guidance God gives us quickly and promptly.
Verse 15: Joseph and his family remain in Egypt until Herod's death, fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Meaning: God's plan is fulfilled according to the prophecies of the Bible.
Application: We must be patient and trust in God until His plan is accomplished.
Verse 16: When Herod realized he had been tricked, he ordered the murder of all the children in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.
Meaning: Evil does not hesitate to use cruel means to achieve its ends.
Application: We must not be swayed by the evils of the world, but trust in the goodness of God.
Verses 17-18: This fulfills Jeremiah's prophecy that "Rachel wept for her children and refused to be comforted."
Meaning: Even in the midst of suffering, God's plan is accomplished.
Application: Even in times of suffering, we must remember that God is at work and have hope.
3. Verses 19-23: Jesus' family returns from Egypt
After Herod's death, God appeared to Joseph again in a dream, commanding him to return to Israel. Joseph returned to Nazareth in Galilee and settled with his family.
Verses 19-20: The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph again in a dream and told him to return to Israel.
Meaning: God will show you the way again when the time comes.
Application: We must follow God's guidance in His timing.
Verse 21: Joseph returns to Israel with his family.
Meaning: When you are under God's protection, you can go without fear.
Application: When God leads, we must walk that path boldly.
Verse 22: When Joseph learned that Archelaus was ruling in Judea, he went to Galilee.
Meaning: God guides us to a safe path according to our circumstances.
Application: We must discern God's wisdom and guidance given through our circumstances.
Verse 23: Joseph settles in Nazareth with his family, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be “called a Nazarene.”
Meaning: Jesus' life and ministry are fulfilled as prophesied.
Application: We must believe in and follow Jesus and be confident that God's promises will come true.
Pray:
Loving Father God, thank you for showing us the history of salvation through the birth and protection of Jesus. Trusting that Your plan is good for us, help us to live according to Your guidance. May we always gaze upon the star of grace You have given us and worship You. May we trust that Your plan is fulfilled and that You protect us, and may we obey Your will, even in the midst of hardship and difficulty. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Sermon on Matthew 3
Matthew 3 begins with John the Baptist preaching a baptism of repentance in the Judean wilderness. As the one preparing the way for Jesus, John preaches repentance and proclaims that the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus approaches John and is baptized. As he is baptized, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus like a dove, and God's voice is heard. This is a pivotal scene marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, the moment when God acknowledges Jesus as Savior.
1. Verses 1-6: John the Baptist's Ministry and the Baptism of Repentance
John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance in the wilderness, and many people came to him, confessed their sins, and were baptized.
Verses 1-2: John the Baptist preaches in the Judean wilderness, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Meaning: Repentance is the first step to entering the kingdom of God.
Application: We must abandon sin in our lives and return to God.
Verse 3: This scene fulfills Isaiah's prophecy of "a voice of one crying in the wilderness."
Meaning: God fulfills his plan as prophesied.
Application: We must trust in God's prophecies and promises and live a life following His will.
Verse 4: John lived wearing clothes made of camel hair and eating locusts and wild honey.
Meaning: John the Baptist's simple life emphasizes spiritual values over worldly ones.
Application: We must also pursue spiritual values first in our lives.
Verses 5-6: People from Jerusalem and all the Judean countryside came out to John, confessing their sins and being baptized in the Jordan River.
Meaning: Repentance and baptism are humble obedience before God.
Application: We must have an attitude of obedience, confessing our sins and approaching God.
2. Verses 7-12: A warning to bear fruit worthy of repentance
John the Baptist sees the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be baptized, rebukes them for their hypocrisy and formal faith, and teaches them about true repentance.
Verse 7: John strongly rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them “a brood of vipers.”
Meaning: God hates superficial and hypocritical faith.
Application: We must serve God with a true heart rather than with outward faith.
Verse 8: John urges them to “produce fruits worthy of repentance.”
Meaning: True repentance is revealed through a change in life.
Application: Our repentance must result in fruitful changes in our lives.
Verse 9: John warns them not to rest on their laurels when they say, “We have Abraham as our father.”
Meaning: Obedience of faith, not physical bloodline, is what matters before God.
Application: We must demonstrate our faith through personal relationships and obedience.
Verse 10: John warns that “the axe is already at the root of the trees,” and that those who do not repent will face judgment.
Meaning: God does not postpone evil, but judges it without fail.
Application: To avoid judgment, we must repent and turn to God.
Verse 11: John says, “I baptize with a baptism of repentance, but the one coming after me will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Meaning: Jesus is the one who renews us through the Holy Spirit.
Application: We must be born again through the baptism of the Holy Spirit and live a transformed life in the power of the Lord.
Verse 12: John warns that Jesus will separate the wheat from the chaff.
Meaning: In the Last Judgment, true faith and hypocritical faith are separated.
Application: We must have true faith before God and prepare for the Lord's judgment.
3. Verses 13-17: Jesus' Baptism and God's Approval
When Jesus came to be baptized by John, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended, and God's voice was heard. This was a significant event marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.
Verse 13: Jesus comes to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.
Meaning: Jesus humbled himself to be with us.
Application: We must follow the example of Jesus' humility and obey God's will.
Verse 14: John says that he should not be baptized by Jesus, but that he should be baptized by Jesus.
Meaning: God's will is important, not human righteousness.
Application: We must have an attitude of humble submission to God's plan.
Verse 15: Jesus said, “It is fitting for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness,” and was baptized.
Meaning: Jesus obeyed everything to fulfill God's plan of salvation.
Application: We too must obey God's will in all circumstances.
Verse 16: When Jesus was baptized and came up out of the water, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove.
Meaning: The presence of the Holy Spirit signifies God's approval of Jesus' ministry.
Application: We must seek the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit and do the Lord's will.
Verse 17: And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Meaning: As the Son of God, Jesus undertakes the work of saving mankind.
Application: We must believe in the salvation of Jesus and live a life that pleases God.
Pray:
Holy God, our Father, we thank you for giving us the message of repentance through John the Baptist and opening the way to salvation through Jesus. We desire to live according to your will, emulating the humility and obedience of Jesus, who was baptized and began his public ministry. May you guide us to seek the guidance and presence of the Holy Spirit and to follow you as those who please you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Sermon on Matthew 4
Matthew 4 begins with the story of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness, fasting for forty days and being tempted by Satan. Jesus overcomes Satan's temptations with words and begins his ministry, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." He calls disciples in Galilee and heals many people, proclaiming and demonstrating the kingdom of God. This chapter demonstrates Jesus' obedience, his absolute trust in God's Word, and the beginning of his ministry.
1. Verses 1-11: Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. He overcomes Satan's temptations and demonstrates absolute obedience and trust in God's word.
Verse 1: Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.
Meaning: Jesus is the one who experienced all the trials just like us.
Application: When we are tested, we must follow Jesus' example of patience and depend on God.
Verse 2: After fasting for forty days, Jesus was hungry.
Meaning: A scene showing Jesus' humanity and obedience.
Application: In our religious life, we must draw closer to God through fasting and prayer.
Verse 3: Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread.
Meaning: Satan uses our needs to tempt us to go against God's will.
Application: We must put God's will first, not our own needs.
Verse 4: Jesus answers, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Meaning: Our spiritual life comes from the Word of God.
Application: We must choose to live according to God's Word.
Verses 5-6: Satan places Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple and tempts him to jump off, testing God's protection.
Meaning: Satan distorts God's love and tests it.
Application: Do not test God, but trust His Word and promises.
Verse 7: Jesus responds, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Meaning: True faith lies in obeying God's Word.
Application: We must have faith that does not yield to trials and obeys God's word.
Verses 8-9: Satan shows Jesus the glory of all the kingdoms of the world and demands worship.
Meaning: Satan tries to lead us away from God through the temptations of the world.
Application: We must abandon worldly desires and worship only God.
Verse 10: Jesus commands, “Get behind me, Satan! Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”
Meaning: Only God is our Lord and the object of our worship.
Application: Be loyal to God and do not worship anything else as an idol.
Verse 11: Then Satan left, and angels came and ministered to Jesus.
Meaning: God fills our fatigue and comforts us after trials.
Application: After times of trial, we must trust that God will provide comfort and strength.
2. Verses 12-17: Jesus' ministry in Galilee begins
After John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee to preach a message of repentance and proclaim the coming of the kingdom of heaven.
Verse 12: After Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been arrested, he went to Galilee.
Meaning: Jesus begins God's work of salvation.
Application: We too must live a life of obedience according to God's calling.
Verses 13-15: Jesus goes to Capernaum in Galilee, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
Meaning: God's plan is accomplished through prophecy.
Application: We must trust in God's plan to be fulfilled according to His Word.
Verse 16: The prophecy is fulfilled that the people sitting in darkness have seen a great light.
Meaning: Jesus is the light for those in spiritual darkness.
Application: We too must live a life of seeing and following the light of life through Jesus.
Verse 17: Jesus preaches, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Meaning: The kingdom of God has come near to us through Jesus.
Application: We must repent and prepare to welcome the kingdom of God.
3. Verses 18-22: Jesus calls the first disciples
As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, he called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were fishermen. The disciples left everything and followed him.
Verses 18-19: Jesus called Simon Peter and his brother Andrew and said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Meaning: Jesus gives his disciples a new mission.
Application: We must live a life of obedience to Jesus' calling and following Him.
Verse 20: Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Meaning: Following the Lord requires the decision to lay down everything.
Application: We must lay down the things of the world and follow the Lord with complete trust.
Verses 21-22: Jesus called James and John, the sons of Zebedee, and they immediately left the boat and their father and followed him.
Meaning: The call of Jesus is a transformation that changes the center of life.
Application: We must give our lives for Jesus and embrace new life.
4. Verses 23-25: Jesus' healing and teaching
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and affliction. Great crowds came to him.
Verse 23: Jesus went about Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing the sick.
Meaning: Jesus is the one who restores both soul and body.
Application: We must trust in the Lord's teachings and healing power and come to Him.
Verse 24: The news spread throughout Syria, and many sick and demon-possessed people came to Jesus and were healed.
Meaning: Jesus is the Lord who has the power to solve all diseases and suffering.
Application: We must believe in the power of Jesus and entrust all our pain and difficulties to the Lord.
Verse 25: Large crowds followed Jesus from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and across the Jordan.
Meaning: Jesus' ministry is open to everyone.
Application: We must move forward with faith in the Lord and live the life of a disciple who follows Him.
Pray:
Loving Father God, thank you for teaching us true faith and obedience through Jesus' overcoming temptation, preaching the gospel, calling disciples, and healing many. May we, too, follow Jesus' example, trusting in your word, overcoming temptation, and willingly obeying your call. May we live lives proclaiming your gospel and relying on you for all the healing of our souls and bodies. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Sermon on Matthew 5
Matthew 5, the fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, depicts Jesus preaching on a mountain, marking the beginning of what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. In this chapter, Jesus explains the Beatitudes, the characteristics of those blessed in God's kingdom, and urges his disciples to be the light and salt of the world. He then sets new standards regarding the relationship with the law, murder, adultery, oaths, and loving one's enemies. This chapter is a crucial passage in which Jesus teaches his disciples the attitude and standards of life required to live as citizens of God's kingdom.
1. Verses 1-12: The Beatitudes (Blessed Ones)
Jesus describes the characteristics of those who are blessed in the kingdom of God: the poor in heart, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Verses 1-2: When Jesus went up on the mountain, a large crowd gathered around him, and he began to teach them.
Meaning: Jesus teaches the word of God and sets the standard for the people of heaven.
Application: We must listen to Jesus' teachings and live a life following his words.
Verse 3: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Meaning: The poor in spirit are those who desperately seek God.
Application: We must rely on God and approach Him with a humble heart.
Verse 4: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Meaning: A sorrowful heart signifies true repentance for sin.
Application: We must truly repent before sin and suffering and seek God's comfort.
Verse 5: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Meaning: Meekness is a humble attitude of following God's will.
Application: We must live with a gentle heart, obeying God's will.
Verse 6: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Meaning: The desire for righteousness is the desire for God's justice and righteousness.
Application: We must live a life that seeks God's righteousness and fulfills His will.
Verse 7: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Meaning: Compassion is the heart that practices God's love.
Application: We must live a life of compassion and love for our neighbors.
Verse 8: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Meaning: A pure heart means an intimate relationship with God.
Application: We must keep our hearts clean from sin and draw close to God.
Verse 9: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Meaning: Those who make peace become like God.
Application: We must make peace and spread God's love even in the midst of conflict.
Verses 10-12: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for their reward will be great in heaven.
Meaning: Suffering for righteousness brings the blessings of the kingdom of God.
Application: Even if we suffer for our faith, we must endure and rejoice for the Lord.
2. Verses 13-16: Salt and Light of the World
Jesus calls his disciples to be the salt and light of the world and to exert a positive influence on the world.
Verse 13: You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, it is no longer good for anything.
Meaning: Salt signifies the role of preserving and purifying the world.
Application: As Christians, we must exert a positive influence on the world.
Verse 14: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Meaning: Light reveals God's truth to the world.
Application: We must reveal God's love and truth through our lives.
Verse 15: “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone.”
Meaning: We must share the grace and truth we have received from God with others.
Application: We must reveal God's truth and spread the light to our neighbors.
Verse 16: Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify God.
Meaning: We glorify God through our good lives.
Application: We must glorify God through good deeds in our lives.
3. Verses 17-48: The Fulfillment of the Law and the Standard of Life
Jesus says he came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, and he teaches that a change of heart and life is needed beyond mere formal observance of the law. He sets new standards for anger, adultery, oaths, revenge, and loving one's enemies.
Verses 17-18: Jesus says that he did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it.
Meaning: Jesus is the one who completely fulfills God's law.
Application: We must live in obedience to God according to the teachings of Jesus.
Verses 19-20: He says that those who keep and teach the law and commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Meaning: Observance of the law is an important principle in the kingdom of God.
Application: We must be faithful in keeping and teaching God's commandments.
Verses 21-22: The commandment not to kill includes feeling angry and hating toward your brother.
Meaning: Anger and hatred in the heart are also considered sins.
Application: We must let go of anger and hatred and have a heart of love and forgiveness.
Verses 23-24: He says that it is not acceptable to worship God without being reconciled to your brother.
Meaning: It is important to restore relationships before going before God.
Application: Before worship, we must forgive one another and reconcile with one another before approaching God.
Verses 27-28: The commandment not to commit adultery includes even lusting in your heart.
Meaning: Maintaining purity of heart is important to God.
Application: We must maintain purity in our hearts and live a clean life before God.
Verses 33-37: Jesus tells us not to swear falsely, but to only say what is necessary.
Meaning: Honest and truthful words are God's will.
Application: We must live truthfully and honestly in our speech.
Verses 38-42: Do not repay an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth, but rather love your enemies.
Meaning: Forgiveness and love, instead of retaliation, are the principles of the kingdom of God.
Application: We must treat those who hurt us with forgiveness and love.
Verses 43-48: Jesus tells us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and practice perfect love like God.
Meaning: God's love includes everyone unconditionally.
Application: We must love even our enemies and practice God's perfect love.
Pray:
Loving Father God, thank you for teaching us, through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, the heart and standards of life necessary to live as citizens of heaven. Help us to be the light and salt of the world, revealing your love and truth, keeping your word and practicing perfect love. May we emulate the heart of Jesus, who loved even our enemies, and live lives that positively influence the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Sermon on Matthew 6
Matthew 6, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, teaches us how to live a life of service to God. Jesus calls us to avoid superficial faith and serve God with a sincere heart. Specifically, he teaches us about almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, and to store up heavenly treasures rather than worldly possessions. He also tells us to trust in God and not worry, entrusting all our needs to Him. This chapter emphasizes how Christians should live faithfully and humbly before God.
1. Verses 1-18: Teachings on almsgiving, prayer, and fasting
Jesus teaches us that when we perform acts of piety, such as giving alms, praying, and fasting, we should not do them for show to others, but rather do them sincerely to be seen by God.
Verse 1: He tells us not to do righteous deeds to be seen by men.
Meaning: True faith is recognized by God, not by people.
Application: We must abandon superficial faith and live truthfully before God.
Verses 2-4: When giving alms, do not show it to people, but do it in secret.
Meaning: God sees our hidden good deeds.
Application: We must practice charity humbly so that it is visible only to God.
Verses 5-6: When you pray, do not pray to be seen by people, but pray privately to God.
Meaning: True prayer is a personal communion with God.
Application: We must pray secretly for deep fellowship with God.
Verses 7-8: When we pray, we are told not to repeat ourselves, but to trust that God knows what we need.
Meaning: God knows our needs and provides them.
Application: When you pray, you must truly trust in God.
Verses 9-13: Jesus teaches his disciples the Lord's Prayer.
Meaning: The Lord's Prayer is a model prayer for asking for God's will and our needs.
Application: We must engrave the Lord's Prayer in our hearts and pray for God's will.
Verses 14-15: God says that if we forgive others, He will also forgive us.
Meaning: To ask God for forgiveness, we must forgive others.
Application: We must approach God with a forgiving heart.
Verses 16-18: When you fast, do not show it to others, but do it in secret.
Meaning: Acts of piety for God must be done in secret.
Application: We must fast humbly, focusing on God.
2. Verses 19-24: Store up treasures in heaven.
Jesus tells us to store up treasures in heaven, not in worldly possessions, and teaches us that we cannot serve both God and wealth.
Verses 19-20: He tells us not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven.
Meaning: Only treasures stored in heaven have eternal value.
Application: We should pursue eternal heavenly treasures rather than worldly possessions.
Verse 21: He says that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
Meaning: Our minds become focused on what is precious.
Application: We must set our hearts on God according to the values of heaven.
Verses 22-23: The eye is the lamp of the body, and when the eye is bright, the whole body is bright.
Meaning: Our spiritual vision affects our entire life.
Application: We must brighten our spiritual eyes by looking at God's truth.
Verse 24: It says that you cannot serve both God and money.
Meaning: God alone is our only Lord.
Application: We must give our hearts and devotion completely to God.
3. Verses 25-34: Do not worry, but trust in God's provision.
Jesus tells us not to worry about what we will eat or wear, but to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. He promises that God knows and will provide for all our needs.
Verse 25: He tells us not to worry about what we will eat or drink.
Meaning: God knows and provides for our daily needs.
Application: Trust in God and do not worry about what you need.
Verse 26: Look at the birds of the air, for God feeds them.
Meaning: God cares for all creation and He cares for us too.
Application: We must put aside our worries and trust in the care that God provides.
Verse 27: He says that worrying cannot add a single moment to our life.
Meaning: Worrying does not benefit our lives.
Application: Instead of worrying, we should live in peace, trusting in God's power.
Verses 28-30: Look at the lilies of the field, for God clothes them and will care for them.
Meaning: God clothes His creation beautifully and also provides for our needs.
Application: We must trust in God's provision and entrust our worries of life to Him.
Verses 31-32: He tells us not to worry about what we will eat or drink, for God knows what we need.
Meaning: God knows our needs and faithfully provides them.
Application: We must entrust our needs to God and trust in His provision.
Verse 33: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all your needs will be given to you.”
Meaning: When we put the Kingdom of God first, our lives are properly aligned.
Application: We must seek God's will first and trust His promises.
Verse 34: He tells us not to worry about tomorrow, for today has its own set of needs.
Meaning: It is important to live each day relying on God.
Application: Live faithfully today and leave tomorrow to God.
Pray:
Loving Father God, we thank you for your grace, which provides for our needs and cares for us today. Guide us to live a life of true piety, completely dedicated to you, not a superficial, outwardly religious faith. Help us to engrave the Lord's Prayer you taught us in our hearts and pray for your will. Above all, help us to store up treasures in heaven, to be free from worldly worries, and to maintain our faith in seeking your kingdom and righteousness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.