Living the Kingdom Life

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Matthew 6 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He reveals the heart of kingdom living. The previous chapters introduced the Beatitudes and Jesus' teaching on the law, setting the stage for practical instructions on holiness. This chapter focuses on authentic worship and trust in God, contrasting true devotion with hypocritical religious practices common in Jesus' day. Understanding the Jewish context of public piety and the covenant call to holiness helps us grasp why Jesus emphasizes secret devotion and heavenly rewards. This chapter invites readers to live by kingdom values that honor God inwardly and rely on His provision.

What You'll Learn

• Why God values secret acts of righteousness over public displays of piety and how this reflects His character.
• How Jesus teaches us to pray with sincerity and dependence, exemplified in the Lord's Prayer.
• The importance of forgiveness in maintaining a right relationship with God and others.
• How fasting should be a humble act before God, not a show for human approval.
• The contrast between earthly treasures and heavenly treasures and their impact on the heart.
• God’s promise to provide for His children and the call to seek His kingdom first.

True kingdom living is marked by sincere devotion to God, trusting His provision, and prioritizing eternal treasures over earthly concerns.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

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

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:13 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.

Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

Matthew 6:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Matthew 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Matthew 6:1

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Study: Jesus warns against performing acts of charity merely to be seen by others, emphasizing that such motives forfeit the true reward from the Father in heaven. In the Jewish culture, public giving was often a way to gain honor, but God desires humility and sincerity. This verse teaches that God values the heart’s intention over outward appearances, reminding believers to serve Him for His approval, not human praise.

Matthew 6:2

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Study: The imagery of sounding a trumpet before giving alms highlights the hypocrisy of those seeking public glory rather than genuine generosity. Jesus contrasts this with the true reward that comes from God, showing that earthly recognition is the only reward hypocrites receive. This verse reveals how religious pride can distort worship and calls believers to guard their motives carefully.

Matthew 6:3

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Study: The phrase 'let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth' poetically illustrates the need for discretion and secrecy in giving. This expression emphasizes that acts of charity should be so private that even one's own hands are unaware, symbolizing complete humility. It teaches that God honors those who give without fanfare or self-glory.

Matthew 6:4

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Study: God promises to reward openly those who give in secret, highlighting His omniscient and just nature. This verse assures believers that their hidden acts of kindness are seen and valued by God, encouraging trust in His invisible but certain reward. It also contrasts earthly recognition with eternal approval, deepening our understanding of divine justice.

Matthew 6:5

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Study: Jesus condemns the hypocritical practice of praying publicly to be admired, a common behavior among some Jewish religious leaders. Their desire for human praise undermines the true purpose of prayer as communion with God. This verse teaches that genuine prayer is an intimate act between the believer and God, not a performance.

Matthew 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Study: Jesus instructs believers to pray privately, 'enter into thy closet,' symbolizing a personal, undistracted communion with God. This intimate setting contrasts with public displays and assures that God, who sees in secret, will reward sincere prayer. This verse encourages cultivating a personal relationship with God beyond external rituals.

Matthew 6:7

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Study: Jesus warns against 'vain repetitions' in prayer, a critique of pagan practices that relied on many words to manipulate gods. This teaches that prayer is not about quantity or formulaic phrases but about heartfelt communication. It challenges believers to avoid empty rituals and focus on genuine connection with God.

Matthew 6:8

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Study: God’s omniscience is emphasized here, reminding believers that He knows their needs before they ask. This truth frees us from anxiety about how to pray or what to say, encouraging trust in God’s care. It also contrasts the ignorance of pagan gods with the intimate knowledge of the heavenly Father.

Matthew 6:9

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

Study: The Lord’s Prayer begins by addressing God as 'Our Father which art in heaven,' highlighting both intimacy and reverence. 'Hallowed be thy name' calls for God’s name to be honored as holy, reflecting the covenant relationship and God’s supreme holiness. This opening sets the tone for prayer focused on God’s glory and kingdom.

Matthew 6:10

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

Study: Praying 'Thy kingdom come' expresses longing for God’s reign to be fully realized on earth, linking prayer to the covenant hope of restoration. 'Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven' acknowledges God’s sovereign authority and invites submission to His perfect plan. This verse connects prayer with active participation in God’s redemptive work.

Matthew 6:11

Give us this day our daily bread.

Study: Asking for 'daily bread' reflects dependence on God’s provision for physical needs, echoing Israel’s reliance on manna in the wilderness. This petition teaches believers to trust God for each day’s necessities rather than hoard or worry. It also symbolizes spiritual nourishment from God’s kingdom.

Matthew 6:12

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

Study: Forgiveness is central in this petition, linking God’s forgiveness of our debts to our willingness to forgive others. This reflects covenant principles where mercy and justice are intertwined. It challenges believers to embody God’s grace in relationships, highlighting forgiveness as a kingdom ethic.

Matthew 6:13

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.

Study: The plea to be led away from temptation and delivered from evil acknowledges human vulnerability and God’s protective power. The doxology affirms God’s eternal kingdom, power, and glory, reinforcing His sovereignty. This verse teaches reliance on God’s strength to overcome spiritual challenges.

Matthew 6:14

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Study: Jesus links forgiving others directly to receiving forgiveness from God, underscoring the seriousness of mercy in the covenant community. This verse reveals that forgiveness is not optional but essential for maintaining fellowship with God. It calls believers to reflect God’s grace in their hearts and actions.

Matthew 6:15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Study: The warning that unforgiveness blocks God’s forgiveness highlights the reciprocal nature of mercy in God’s kingdom. This verse stresses the spiritual danger of harboring grudges and the need for repentance. It teaches that forgiveness is foundational to experiencing God’s grace.

Matthew 6:16

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Study: Jesus criticizes hypocrites who make fasting a public spectacle by disfiguring their faces to gain sympathy. In Jewish culture, fasting was a solemn act of repentance, but this misuse turned it into a prideful display. This verse teaches that fasting should be an inward act of humility before God, not a performance.

Matthew 6:17

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

Study: The command to anoint the head and wash the face during fasting encourages maintaining a normal appearance, emphasizing sincerity over showiness. This cultural detail contrasts with hypocritical behavior and promotes fasting as a private devotion. It teaches that God values the heart’s posture more than outward signs.

Matthew 6:18

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Study: Fasting in secret assures that God, who sees what is hidden, will reward openly, reinforcing the theme of divine recognition over human approval. This verse encourages believers to seek God’s approval alone, trusting His just reward. It highlights God’s intimate knowledge of our spiritual disciplines.

Matthew 6:19

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Study: Jesus warns against storing earthly treasures vulnerable to decay and theft, pointing to the temporary nature of material wealth. This reflects covenant teaching that true security comes from God, not possessions. It challenges believers to evaluate where they invest their lives and resources.

Matthew 6:20

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Study: In contrast, heavenly treasures are imperishable and secure, symbolizing eternal rewards from God. This verse encourages believers to prioritize spiritual riches that reflect God’s kingdom values. It teaches that eternal investments shape the heart and life purpose.

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Study: The connection between treasure and heart reveals that what we value most shapes our desires and actions. This verse teaches that our spiritual focus is reflected in our priorities, calling believers to examine where their true devotion lies. It highlights the heart as the center of kingdom allegiance.

Matthew 6:22

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Study: The eye as the 'light of the body' symbolizes perception and focus, indicating that a clear, single-minded vision fills the whole person with light. This metaphor teaches that spiritual clarity leads to wholesome living. It encourages believers to guard their focus on God’s kingdom.

Matthew 6:23

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Study: An 'evil' or unhealthy eye brings darkness to the whole body, illustrating how distorted vision corrupts spiritual life. The paradox of light being darkness warns of self-deception and spiritual blindness. This verse calls for self-examination and repentance to maintain true spiritual insight.

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Study: Jesus states the impossibility of serving two masters, highlighting the exclusive loyalty God demands. 'Mammon' represents wealth and materialism, contrasting with God’s kingdom. This verse teaches that divided allegiance leads to conflict and calls believers to wholehearted devotion to God.

Matthew 6:25

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Study: Jesus instructs not to worry about basic needs, affirming that life is more than food and clothing. This counters common anxieties and reflects trust in God’s providence. It teaches believers to focus on spiritual priorities rather than material concerns.

Matthew 6:26

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Study: The example of birds, which do not sow or reap yet are fed by God, illustrates God’s care for His creation. This natural observation reassures believers of their greater value and God’s faithful provision. It encourages trust in God’s daily care.

Matthew 6:27

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

Study: Jesus points out the futility of worry by noting that no one can add to their life span by anxious thought. This practical truth challenges believers to release control and trust God’s timing. It teaches that worry is unproductive and contrary to faith.

Matthew 6:28

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Study: The lilies of the field, which grow without labor or spinning, demonstrate God’s provision and care for beauty and life. This observation encourages believers to consider God’s generosity and not be anxious. It teaches reliance on God’s sustaining power.

Matthew 6:29

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Study: Even Solomon’s glory could not match the natural beauty God gives to the lilies, emphasizing God’s abundant grace. This comparison highlights God’s ability to provide beyond human splendor. It reassures believers of God’s lavish care.

Matthew 6:30

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Study: God’s care for the transient grass, which quickly fades, assures believers of His greater care for them despite their doubts. The phrase 'O ye of little faith' gently rebukes unbelief and calls for trust. This verse encourages faith in God’s faithful provision.

Matthew 6:31

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Study: Jesus repeats the command not to worry about food, drink, or clothing, addressing common human anxieties. This repetition underscores the importance of trusting God’s provision. It teaches believers to redirect their focus from anxiety to faith.

Matthew 6:32

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Study: Jesus contrasts believers with Gentiles who seek after these things, highlighting the distinctiveness of kingdom trust. Knowing that the heavenly Father understands their needs reassures believers of God’s intimate care. This verse encourages confidence in God’s provision.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Study: This verse summarizes the chapter’s teaching by commanding believers to prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness, promising that all other needs will be met. It encapsulates the covenant call to live by faith and obedience. This verse is a cornerstone for kingdom living and trust.

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Study: Jesus advises against worrying about the future, teaching that each day has enough trouble of its own. This practical wisdom encourages living in the present with faith rather than anxiety. It teaches reliance on God’s grace daily and discourages needless worry.

Matthew 6 reveals the heart of kingdom living through Jesus’ teaching on giving, prayer, fasting, and trust in God’s provision. He contrasts hypocritical religious practices with sincere devotion, emphasizing that God values the heart’s intentions over outward appearances. The chapter culminates in the call to seek God’s kingdom first, promising that God will provide for all needs. This teaching invites believers to live with integrity, humility, and faith, focusing on eternal treasures rather than earthly worries.

Father, help me to serve You with a sincere heart, seeking Your approval rather than human praise. Teach me to pray with faith, forgive as You forgive, and trust Your provision daily. May my treasures be in heaven, and my life reflect Your kingdom. Amen.

• Give anonymously to someone in need this week, focusing on God’s reward rather than human recognition.
• Spend daily time in private prayer, avoiding distractions and repetitive phrases to deepen your connection with God.
• Write down any grudges you hold and pray for the strength to forgive those who have wronged you.
• Practice fasting one day this week with a humble heart and normal appearance, dedicating the time to God.
• Reflect on your priorities and make a plan to invest more in spiritual growth and kingdom work.
• Memorize Matthew 6:33 and meditate on it when worries about provision arise.
• Journal about how trusting God’s provision changes your perspective on daily challenges.

Matthew 6 challenges believers to live authentically before God, practicing secret generosity, sincere prayer, humble fasting, and wholehearted trust in God’s provision. Jesus calls His followers to prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else, promising that God will supply every need. This chapter shapes a kingdom mindset that values eternal treasures and relies on God’s faithful care, inviting believers into a deeper, more intimate relationship with their heavenly Father.

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