Anton Beetge - 30 March, 2025
Praying Like a Child of God (Matthew 6:5–8)
As we continue to study the Sermon on the Mount, we see Christ elaborate further on how genuine citizens of the kingdom do not practise their righteousness to be seen by others. In Matthew 6:5–8, Jesus addresses the critical distinction between hypocritical and righteous prayer. He shows how prayers motivated by a desire for public admiration or a transactional approach are empty and offensive. Conversely, he emphasises the nature of genuine prayer as intimate communion with the Father, a natural expression of a believer’s relationship with God. Jesus underscores the reality that true prayer is not about the perfection of words or the performance of piety, but is rather an exercise of faith rooted in a transformed heart. We consider this text under two broad headings: 1. Hypocritical prayer (vv. 5, 7) a. Practice of piety b. Perfection of words 2. Righteous prayer (vv. 6, 8)
Scripture References: Matthew 6:5-8
From Series: "Human Flourishing: A Study of the Sermon on the Mount"
A short, devotional study of the Sermon on the Mount, which highlight human flourishing.