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| 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.
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Your alms – Charity. R5021:2
Your righteousness (Revised Version). R5021:2, 4559:3
To be seen of men – If we are actuated by a selfish motive, if we are seeking show and applause or earthly gain, it cannot bring divine approval or blessing. R5021:2
Lest, while we continue to sacrifice or do any good work, we get to looking for human instead of divine approval. R955:2*
If you do good deeds for the approval of men, you will very soon get to doing only such deeds as are likely to bring their approval. R955:2*
There may be times and places where the giving of charity in the presence of others would be perfectly proper; the point is the motive actuating us. R5021:2
Have no reward – None from God; they may or may not get the reward they seek, human praise. R4559:6
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| 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.
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Glory of men – There are many enrolled in church membership who seek an earthly reward of Mammon, the praise and approval of men. CR16:5, 4
Have their reward – The publicity, the praise of men, which they sought. R5021:2, 5786:6
The subtilty of this temptation lies in the fact that those drawn into it imagine that, while they seek and obtain the praise of men, they also merit and obtain the favor of God. R955:2*
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| 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
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Doest alms – Done from principle, love for God and his righteousness, love or sympathy for fellow man. R4560:1
Let not – So quietly should this be done that those close to us in life might only by accident discover our generosity. R4560:1
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| 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
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| 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.
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When thou prayest – He did not teach the world how to pray, but merely his disciples. R5021:3
Not only in sorrows, but also in joys; to give thanks, praise, worship and adoration. R5021:3
We need have no fear that he is too busy with other matters of greater importance, or that he is weary of our coming to him repeatedly with things of small importance. R1865:4
As the hypocrites – Not meaning that all who dress peculiarly, who go to church, who pray in public, etc., are hypocritical. R4560:1
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| 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.
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When thou prayest – Before whom should we pray? In secret; before believers (John 17); before believers and unbelievers (Luke 3:21); and in the public assembly of the saints (Acts 12:12). R3698:5, 2251:6
Neglect of prayer is sure to lead to leanness of soul and lukewarmness in respect to spiritual things--unfaithfulness, coldness, death. R2692:1
We have no sympathy with the custom of opening political conventions and legislative assemblies, schools or lodges with prayers. R2023:6
Into thy closet – Going to the Lord in a formal manner, upon the knees, and in solitude at certain times. R5480:6
The secret place of prayer of the individual family or Church. F687
Our Lord's usual method was to go to the Father privately. R3351:3
This Scripture should not be taken too literally, for Christ prayed audibly in the presence of his followers on numerous occasions, and audible prayer in the Church was counseled by the Apostle Paul. R2252:1
Private apartment. R2649:3, 2501:5, 2023:2
Where no earthly eye will see and no earthly ear will hear. R2251:3
True prayer should be to the Lord, never to the public. Individual prayer, family prayer, prayer in the Church, is proper and is not considered public prayer in this sense of that term. R4560:2
Although fellowship in public prayer in gatherings of the Lord's people is distinctly approved. R5022:1, 2251:6
"The Lord's Prayer" was uttered in the presence of his disciples. It addresses "Our Father," requests forgiveness for "our sins" as "we forgive others." It is a sample of collective prayer. R2023:3
"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain again to pray; and when the even was come he was there alone." (Matt. 14:23) R5379:6*
Though Jesus sometimes prayed with his disciples in their hearing, he was not content with merely these opportunities, but frequently sought the Father alone. R2649:3
To thy Father – Only believers who have accepted Christ may approach God in prayer and call him "Father." R2252:3
"Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name he will give it you" (John 15:16); "No man cometh unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6). R2252:3
While Father Adam was created a son of God, he then had access to his Father. R2024:1
Jehovah is the only Father or giver of the Divine nature. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is our Father and hath begotten us. R297:1
Seeth in secret – The discovery of X-rays makes this sound more plausible. R1935:1
"All things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." (Heb. 4:13) R1935:2
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| 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.
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When ye pray – Should be to the Lord, never to the public; should be simple, earnest, and need not be long. R4560:1, 2
Vain repetitions – "Vain" because not based on the conditions necessary to acceptable prayer. R5311:1
Improper prayer. R3351:6
Formal requests for what we do not expect. R2005:4
Not only vain, unprofitable, but indicating a low degree of spiritual development, imperfect ideas respecting God, and an imperfect relationship with him. R2252:4
We are to recognize a distinct difference between vain repetitions of the heathen and "continuing instant in prayer," in "praying and not fainting." (Rom. 12:12; Luke 18:1) Q539:2
But we do right to pray, "Thy Kingdom come" week after week, year after year, century after century. To grow faint or weary in prayer would not be right. R5020:2; Q539:4
As the heathen – With great supplications, as though their God was asleep or indifferent. R5219:3
With their praying wheels, Roman Catholics with their beads, and some Protestants with their long details of instructions to the Almighty. R2252:4, 5020:4, 5022:4; Q540:2,3
All the heathen or Gentiles who have not left the world and come into covenant-relationship with God through Christ. R5021:6
Their much speaking – Prayer in private may be as long as we please; but prayer in public should be short and to the point. R5020:5
Evidencing ambition to be thought pious, effort to make an impression upon men rather than to hold communion with the Heavenly Father. R2252:3
His example of a prayer is brief. Nevertheless, in proportion as we feel the importance of the great work in which we are privileged to be co-laborers, our hearts should and will be drawn to seasons of spiritual communion. R2650:1
We have no sympathy with the custom of some of pretending to pray to God while really addressing the congregation. R2023:6
Therefore let us endeavor to present God's truth in all its native simplicity and beauty, and trust its inherent power to win its way in due time into every heart. R651:4*
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| 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
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Your Father – "God dealeth with you as with sons." (Heb. 12:7) The fact that we are called sons of God implies the beginning of a new life. R5624:2, 5623:5
The multitudes were not to call God "Father," only those who were followers of the Lord Jesus. R5623:3
Neither a Jew, nor one of the world today, has a right to call God his Father, nor to think of Him as his Father. R5219:1
Jesus spoke in an anticipatory or prophetic sense as to their relationship with God. R5623:2
Knoweth – We are not to tell God what we wish, but to give up our will, that His will be done. R5624:3
Our prayers are not to induce God to give us things He desires to withhold from us, but to secure the things He desires us to have and has promised to us. R2252:6
He has fullest knowledge of our needs. R5745:4
We do not need to take up in prayer all the affairs of the world and the affairs of the Church, to tell God about them and how they ought to be regulated. R2252:5
What things – Some might declare that we should ask God for something definite, but God has said that we need not go into particulars. R5624:5
Whether you will be most profited by abundance of wealth or absence of wealth, in the possession of health or otherwise. R5624:3
Ye have need of – The Lord does not say that his followers shall have as much of these temporary good things as others have. SM370:2
Present supplies and rations may be small; but oh, what riches of grace are in reservation for them that love God. NS466:5
If proud, experiences that would humble; if rude, experiences that would make more polite. R5219:6
If we need to be transplanted to another place, he can arrange it. R5991:2
Before ye ask him – But he desires us to ask in order that we may realize our need of his aid and our dependence upon him and be brought into closer fellowship with him. R2252:5, 5219:3
To bring us into that attitude of mind and heart of readiness to receive his blessings. R5745:4, 5022:1, 5834:1
Therefore not asking for resuscitation or special strength as our Lord did not, but accepting such favors as the Father might grant to us unsolicited. R3718:2
As the Christian's experience grows, he comes more to the condition of heart where his prayers will be chiefly thanks for mercies and favors already received. R2252:5
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| 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
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After this manner – Not a form to repeat, but merely an example of how to arrange our prayers. R4560:2, 5311:4, 5022:1, 4984:4, 3806:4, 3351:6
In a worshipful, reverent spirit. R3806:3
But not necessarily in those words. R4560:2
Note its brevity, its simplicity, its directness, its orderliness. R5022:1
The order of the prayer is beautiful--the chief thing is the glory of God and the outworking of the divine plan, then physical needs. R4560:2,4, 3807:3, 3352:1
There are seven petitions in what is commonly called the "Lord's prayer." R136:2*
Therefore pray ye – Ye who are his sons, not "children of wrath" (Eph. 2:3) or "of your father, the devil" (John 8:44). R2252:6
There is a great blessing that comes from prayer; we are so constituted that reverence for God and desire for prayer are among the highest qualities of our nature. R5311:6,5
Not only should we have special seasons of prayer, but have the spirit of prayer in all of life's affairs. R5312:1
Prayer is a privilege. Jesus did not command his disciples to pray, nor did he even give them a form of prayer until they requested it. R5021:3
Notice that our Lord never taught the multitudes to pray, nor intimated that they should pray--even though the multitudes with whom he was in contact were nominally the people of God. R3805:2
Our Lord did not tell about how the world should pray. R5021:3
School children should not be taught to repeat the "Lord's prayer." R2023:6
Our Father – The affection of a true father for his child, one of the most precious in the world, is used to illustrate the relationship of the Lord's consecrated to the Creator. R3352:1
"To as many as received him, to them gave he the privilege to become the sons of God." (John 1:12) R3352:1
Only the consecrated spirit-begotten can call God "Our Father." CR421:1, 499:5; R5022:1, 5833:5, 5834:4,5
We suppose that the children of believers, and tentatively justified believers not yet consecrated, would have the right of addressing the Redeemer in prayer. R3806:3; F681:3
The word "Our" implies a recognition that there are other sons who also have been adopted into God's family. R3805:5
While Jesus was here in the flesh, the disciples were sons in the prospective sense. R5834:4
No Jew then ever made use of such expressions; they were a house of servants. R5683:6, 3352:1
This prayer would assure the apostles that, though they were Jews, God recognized them now, not as servants, but as sons. R3352:1
The great Jehovah is the fountain of life. All life emanates from him alone. CR498:1
We may consider ourselves, in God's estimation, reinstated (through faith in Christ) to the original position as sons of God. R1864:6
Implies: (1) faith in the divine being; (2) realization of dependence on him; (3) faith in reconciliation through a Redeemer; and (4) realization that the Creator now accepts one as a son. R3805:3
Implies that the suppliant is on terms of intimate acquaintance with the great Creator of the Universe, so that he is welcomed into the divine presence and heart. R3805:3
Does not imply the fatherhood of God to all mankind. R2252:6
The prayer of the publican, approved by our Lord, did not address Jehovah as "Father," but as "God"--"God be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18:13) R2251:3
They were to manifest their faith by calling themselves sons of God, though they did not really speak of themselves as sons of God. R5219:2
Some people use the words "Our Father" or "Our God" or "Heavenly Father" more frequently than would seem to be good form. It would sound better if they did not use these repetitions. R5020:4; Q539:6
Which art in heaven – As the heavens are higher than the earth so are the Lord's ways and provisions higher than our conceptions; and in every way to be preferred. R3805:6
Hallowed be thy name – Considering first the will and honor of God as superior to their own and every other interest. R3352:3
Reverence for God should be first in all our thoughts, but is losing ground everywhere in our day, even among the Lord's true people. R3352:2, 4560:4, 5624:5
This expresses adoration, appreciation of divine goodness and greatness, and a corresponding reverence. R3352:2
The desire that the great name of God be hallowed by all, and therefore by the petitioner also. R4560:4
Adored, honored. God's name represents His character, His Kingdom, His personality. R5022:2
Profound reverence for the glorious character and attributes of God. R1864:6
His name stands for everything that is just, wise and loving. R3806:4
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| 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
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Thy kingdom come – Our Lord taught "the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." The Kingdom in its embryo condition was then at hand, but the Kingdom is yet to come in glory and power. R1908:3, 2231:1, 4410:4; B14
The Kingdom of God's dear Son--the Millennial Kingdom--the Mediatorial Kingdom. NS729:5, 744:1
With the establishment of that Kingdom will come the blessing of the world through the Mediator and the New Covenant. NS557:6
"My Kingdom is not of this world (age)." (John 18:36) NS623:6
Messiah's Kingdom has various stages of inauguration. First, in his parousia, the resurrection of the sleeping saints; next, his dealing with the living members of his body and their glorification; then the dominion of the world, revealed in a great time of trouble. Thus, the Kingdom of Messiah will be born in a terrible travail, after which "The desire of all nations shall come." (Hag. 2:7) ,
Christ has not yet come into this Kingdom for which he taught us to pray. NS575:6
Very soon to be answered; very soon they, the Christ, shall be associated in his Kingdom and sit upon his throne. NS191:6
Implies: (1) that it is not already here; (2) that it is a part of the divine provision; and (3) that it is one of the chief desires for God's people and for humanity. HG438:2
The establishment of the long-promised Kingdom of Messiah is just before us, and is now in progress. B363
An acknowledgment that God's will is not done on earth, that his Kingdom has not come to earth as yet. R2253:1, 5761:6, 5710:4, 4786:2; NS691:2
An acknowledgment that he has faith in the divine promise that a heavenly Kingdom shall, in God's due time, be established in the earth. R2253:1
It cannot be established until the gathering of the elect has been accomplished. CR21:5; Q523:5; NS664:3, 831:4; 115:2
The complete overthrow of all human government will open the way for the full establishment of the Kingdom.
It began to be established in 1878 AD. R1908:3
While continuing to pray, let us continue to labor in character-preparation that we may be found worthy of a place in that Kingdom. R5762:2, 3352:4
Meantime the great King is selecting the Bride class to be joint-heirs with his Son in that Kingdom. NS465:6, 803:2, 661:5
Longing for the Kingdom that will bless the world, they also long for the promised privilege of being joint-heirs with their Redeemer. R3806:5, 3352:4; NS451:2, 389:1, 235:1, 141:5
This thought will make all the afflictions and trials of the present time seem to us light afflictions. R3352:4; NS236:2
That it might come as quickly as would be in harmony with the divine program; not implying impatience, nor a desire to hasten matters before the divine time, but an interest in the gracious things of the Father's plan. NS683:3
Not a demand; rather an acknowledgment of faith in the divine promise that a heavenly Kingdom shall in due time be established in the earth. R2253:1, 2005:1
All blessings are of the Father. E45
Realizing that his Kingdom is the very thing the whole world needs, and that he has promised that it shall come. R5624:5
When the regeneration of the world will be the great matter in hand. NS102:3, 184:5
As God, his glory and honor, are to be first in the minds of his children, so their next thought should be for the glorious Kingdom which he has promised shall bless the world. R3352:3
Next in order we acknowledge the divine rule, authority. This means that our hearts are submissive to the will of God. R5022:2
Not merely saying, "Thy Kingdom come," but waiting for it and expecting it. R5624:6
Nearly all of the Lord's parables and teachings related to this Kingdom. NS606:3, 627:1
Present troubles are the harbingers of this Millennium. NS187:6, 672:5
Its worldwide dominion is signified by the stone which struck Nebuchadnezzar's image. NS27:6, 57:5
The panacea for every ill and trouble, not only for ourselves, but for all men. R3352:3, 5602:1; SM103:1;
Both Jews and saintly Christians still recognize that Messiah's Kingdom is the need and hope of the world. OV156:2
The coming of a great earthly king to a city is the signal for a general cleaning up everywhere. NS852:6
If Christendom had heard the message of the antitypical Elijah, they would be ready to welcome his Kingdom; they would have been praying from the heart what some of them have been praying from the lips. NS143:5
Divine love now permits human pride and selfishness to wreck present civilization because divine wisdom and love, in "due time," will take advantage of the wreck and the lessons it will teach by establishing upon the ruins of present institutions the Kingdom of God's dear Son. NS13:5
The object of which will be that the world may have a trial to determine whether, with the knowledge and experience then granted, they will choose righteousness and the reward of eternal life, or sin and its penalty, Second Death. NS860:2
Not such a reign which papacy recognized as the millennial past, nor the moderate Protestant view that Christ established his Kingdom at Pentecost. HG271:1-3
While appreciating our glorious land and its wonderful blessings, let us rejoice that a still better government and still more favorable conditions are parts of the heavenly promise to the world of mankind. NS665:6
Thy will – In respect to all of life's affairs. SM371:T
Not now being exerted or manifested in earth's affairs. R1781:2,5
Implies that we have given up our own will. R5833:5, 3352:4
It is not for us to seek to have our wills done in heaven and earth, but rather to learn the imperfection of our judgment and pray, "Thy will be done." NS648:2
Messiah's reign will be a Monarchy, a very exclusive and aristocratic Monarchy. It will be the most autocratic--theocratic; the will of its subjects will not be consulted in the slightest particular. OV191:2
Men sometimes mean, "Approve my will on earth as I approve your will in heaven"--deceiving themselves. NS673:5
Be done – In respect to all of life's affairs. SM371:T; CR51:1
Right and truth must and shall prevail when our Kingdom has been established, however feeble now may be the voices lifted in their defense. R3068:4
Confessing appreciation of the fact that present evil is not of his will, nor of his government. R1781:6, 1273:4
Wishing that this will rule in his heart to the best of his ability in his earthly condition, even as he hopes to have it perfected in the Kingdom. R3352:5
If we pray this, we should live accordingly. C22
We should have in mind God's promise that eventually, through Messiah's Kingdom, sin and death would be overthrown and "every knee would bow and every tongue confess to the glory of God." R5049:3
The declaration is that Messiah shall reign until he shall have put down all insubordination. (1 Cor. 15:25,26) OV192:2
It will take the whole thousand years of Christ's reign to have the will of God done on earth as it is in heaven. CR291:5; R5768:5; SM502:1; Q6:T; OV192:3
In earth – The new earth will be the new social order which will come into being at that time under the direction and guidance of the new heavens. PD94/108
We are not to feel careless respecting the interests of the world in general. NS644:2
Many Christians seem to have forgotten the import of these words. B13
As it is in heaven – The new spiritual heavens of the future will be Christ and the Church in heavenly glory and power. PD94/108
Is God's will in Christendom done "on earth as it is in heaven"? Surely not. HG272:2
None will claim that conversion of the whole world to the present standard of Christendom would answer this petition. C178
Messiah's Kingdom will insure that, to all eternity, God's will shall be done as perfectly in this earth as it is now done in heaven. OV341:8, 247:1;
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| 11 Give us this day our daily bread.
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Give us – There are occasional scriptural dyspeptics who eat and work not; but the difficulty with most professing Christians is that they eat not at all, or else eat so sparingly that they are dying of starvation. R23:5*
God knows what we have need of; it is not for us to specify, spiritual or temporal food. R5624:5, 4560:4, 5022:4
Showing our reliance upon him for that which he has promised us. R4984:4
Should divine providence fail to make provision, the believing soul is to recognize that it is not from oversight or lack of power, but because divine wisdom sees best thus to deal with us. R5022:4
This day – Not for a superabundance laid up for many days ahead. R2253:2
We cannot understand how any Christian dare neglect to render thanks for daily food. Those who do neglect this propriety are great losers thereby. R2643:6
Our daily bread – "Our needful bread." (American Revision) R3806:5
The necessities of life, temporal and spiritual. R3806:5; CR468:3
It is the new creature that is offering this petition; implying that it is the nourishment of the new creature that is chiefly under consideration. R3806:5
The thought seems to be that of continual dependence upon the Lord, day by day, for the things needed--food, raiment, all things necessary. R3352:5
We are to ask especially for the spiritual bread, praying only incidentally for the earthly things, because we have consecrated our bodies to God. R5745:5, 3806:5, 2253:3
It is certain that we need spiritual bread, the truth, constantly, in order that our spiritual life be sustained, as that we need natural bread daily to sustain our physical life. R136:3*
We are not to ask for delicacies. R5311:4, 5833:5, 3806:5, 3352:6, 2253:2, 2005:2
Not specifying what would be most pleasing to our palate. We are to leave that part to him, merely acknowledging that we are dependent on him for the necessities of life. R5991:5, 5745:5
The most that we should do is to make mention to him of those promises for temporal provision and of our trust in them. R5205:5
We are to eat with thankfulness, even if only bread and water. R5311:3, 4913:5, 5202:4
And not murmuring, as the Israelites of the Exodus, stipulating that they wanted something as good as the flesh-pots of Egypt. R4012:2
It is improper for saints to ask alms. R4101:5*
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| 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
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Forgive us our debts – Our trespasses. F403
Not Adamic sins, but personal transgressions. R3806:5, 5006:1, 5089:3, 5022:4, 3353:1; Q649:2
God did not forgive original sin, but provided a Redeemer. R4428:4, 4560:5, 3806:6
Those which are ours after we have become new creatures in Christ. R3806:6
Shortcomings, imperfections, etc., through failure to do the Lord's will the best we know how, the culpability being proportionate to the amount of knowledge enjoyed. R5962:3, 4560:5, 5311:4; Q649:2
To petition the Lord for forgiveness of sins implies that we are, at heart, opposed to the sins. R3353:1
This petition signifies that we recognize that the robe of Christ's righteousness granted to us has become spotted or sullied, and that we desire it to be cleansed. R3353:2
In so doing we learn: (1) to keep track of our blemishes; (2) to be reminded of our dependence on the merit of our Savior; and (3) to be merciful, compassionate and generous toward our debtors. R3807:1
Seeking meanwhile to minimize these trespasses, to be so faithful that these will become daily less and less. R4684:1
Divine mercy is pleased to remit the guilt of all unintentional sins. R4560:5
As we forgive – The very essence of Christian principle is love, sympathy, and the forgiveness of the faults of others. We may not express forgiveness until forgiveness is asked, but should always be in a forgiving attitude. R2253:3,4
Let every Christian, in approaching the throne of grace, daily inquire of his own heart, whether or not he has forgiven those who are indebted to him. R2253:4
Only the merciful shall obtain mercy; only the forgiving shall be forgiven. R5022:4, 5004:1, 4585:3, 4560:5, 4428:4, 3803:1
Tending to make our hearts and minds more tender, more gentle, more forgiving toward all with whom we have to do. NS674:6
As we are imperfect and cannot keep the divine law, so likewise others are imperfect. R3353:3
If fully appreciated, it would influence God's sons to be kind and generous in thought as well as in word and deed. R2005:2
Does not imply that we should pay no attention to the transgressions of others against ourselves, that we should not recognize offenses. R2253:4
If, at heart, we treasure up resentment against others, we shall not be forgiven ourselves. R5123:3, 5624:5
The amount of one's likeness to the Lord, in love, will be shown by his mercy and generosity of thought, word and deed toward his fellows. F404
Our debtors – Those who trespass against us. R3353:3
Not the forgiveness of financial indebtedness and destruction of our bank account books, except for the debtor willing, but unable, to pay. R2253:4
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| 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.
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Lead us not into – Abandon us not in (Diaglott). R2005:3, 3716:1
To abandon us there, to leave us in our own strength. R5022:5, 3939:5
Not signifying that we fear God will tempt us, but that we entreat him to guide us so that no temptation come upon us too severe for us. R3353:4[R3353:8]
(Merely), but (also) deliver us from the evil one. It is a part of the divine arrangement to bring us, or permit us, to be put into positions of trial or testing. R2253:5
God is permitting the adversary to bring strong delusions upon the world and nominal church because it is time to completely separate wheat from tares. R3353:5
"God tempteth no man." (Jas. 1:13) R2253:5
Temptation – How foolish to pray thus, and not watch! R3939:5
While we must be brought into positions of trial and testing, we may well pray not to be abandoned there, not to be left to our own strength. R5022:4, 4907:5
Deliver us from evil – From the Evil One, who is ever ready to attack us to the extent that the Lord grants the opportunity. R3807:2, 5022:5, 5311:4; NS94:6
The Evil One and his helpers are more than a match for humanity. NS127:1
Temptations from those with whom we have contact, the powers of evil, of the air, of our own flesh. R5833:5
There was never a time when there was greater need of this petition than at present. R3353:5
As we thus pray, we surely will labor in the same direction. R3353:5
If the Lord shall not see best to grant a prompt response, we may be sure it is not from lack of interest in our welfare. Let faith hold her anchorage that the time will not be long until the Millennial Kingdom, when the great adversary will be bound and deliverance granted, not only to ourselves, but also to all. R2653:4
For thine is the kingdom – These words, to the end of the verse, are not in the oldest Greek manuscripts, the Sinaitic and the Vatican. R2253:6, 5022:5, 1865:3, 710:6, 278:2
The Kingdom or rule of the present time is not of God. Properly omitted by the Revised Version as being no part of the Scriptures. R5022:5
Added at a time when an earthly exaltation of the Church had led some to believe that the Papal glory was the glory of God's Kingdom. R2005:3
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| 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
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If ye forgive – Like the father of the prodigal, to see the repentant one coming in the attitude of humility will touch our hearts and prompt us to go out part way to meet him, to forgive him, to greet him kindly and put on the robe of fullest fellowship and brotherhood. R4978:4, 2296:4
God will be no more generous to us and our imperfections than we are generous toward our brethren in their imperfections. R4651:4
In order to give us an education in forgiveness and sympathy toward the world. R5275:2
We are too inclined to look only at the justice of God's character, copy it and deal severely with our debtors; he would make it clear that the grandest elements of his character are love, sympathy, kindness and forbearance. R4651:4
Also forgive you – God is ready to forgive the loving and generous who are seeking to copy his character. R4651:4, 2586:6, 2587:1
Only the merciful shall obtain mercy; and if we have not mercy at the hands of the Lord, all is lost. R2587:1
What an incentive to sympathy and generosity and forgiveness is here! R4560:5
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| 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
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If ye forgive not – We should not insist upon having from others abject acknowledgment of everything that is wrong. R5275:1, 4978:4
We should always exercise forgiveness and good will toward all, no matter how serious the trespass against us. R4978:4
Forgiveness "in your hearts" is the condition which should always obtain there. We should never harbor any other feeling no matter how seriously they have trespassed against us. R2296:4
Neither will – None will gain a place in the Kingdom class, in the Bride Class, except they have this forgiving quality of love. R3353:4
Your Father forgive – Forgive now, but blot out in the First Resurrection. R3729:6, 2970:5
The Lord declines to forgive our trespasses unless we exercise the spirit of mercy toward our fellowmen. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matt. 5:7) R4558:2
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| 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.
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When ye fast – Fasting, under the Jewish dispensation, was a symbol of self-denial, and sacrificing under the Christian dispensation. R955:3*
We have good New Testament precedent for the observance of literal fasts. R2022:5
Not a disapprobation to fasting. To the contrary, he is endorsing it as a propriety. R4858:1
Fasting is specially commendable to the Lord's people when they find themselves lacking in spirituality. R4858:5
To be seen of the Lord and not of man. R4858:2
Subordinating the flesh that one might be spiritually strengthened. R4858:1
It would be a very good thing for all of the Lord's people to follow the Lenten custom of fasting, doing so with as little outward demonstration as possible. R4858:5
A very plain diet, if not total abstinence, for a season. R4858:6
But not as – There is a danger along this line in the observance of the Lenten season by some, but it may not be hypocritical with all. R4858:5
The hypocrites – Drawing near to the Lord with their lips, while their hearts are far from him. R4858:4
Sad countenance – Not with long faces to show piety, but cheerfully. R4858:1
If their fasting had brought them nearer to their Heavenly Father, it should have had a happifying effect, which would have shown itself in the countenance. R4858:2
Disfigure their faces – Giving them a drawn appearance. NS154:3
That they may appear – Do not go about with a sad countenance telling everyone that you are carrying a very heavy cross. That is not presenting your sacrifice to the Lord, but before men. R955:4*
Have their reward – The praise of men. R5786:6
They are getting the approval of the ignorant and easily deceived. NS154:3
Let us take heed that we do not barter away the heavenly approval, crown and glory for the mean rewards of this present life. R955:6*
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| 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
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Wash thy face – Bear the cross cheerfully, with a hearty good will. R955:5*
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| 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.
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| 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
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Lay not up – It requires considerable determination to draw the line and say to business and the various responsibilities pressing upon us, Thus far shalt thou go and no farther. R732:4*
Trust in the Lord and don't put all your confidence in banks, insurance companies or stock exchanges. Q344:4
Treasure upon earth – Pleasure, delight, joy, comfort are all suggested by the word treasure. Our thoughts, hopes and plans center there. Our treasure is the inspiration of our lives, the incentive to energy, perseverance and endurance for the hope which it enkindles. R5862:1
Earthly things are to be merely servants always ready for use, for any emergency. R4567:2
Only by making wealth a treasure and setting upon it inordinate desire can one become miserly or very rich. R4567:2
None of these earthly possessions can any longer be their treasures or in any sense stand in competition with the Lord. F574
Christians have renounced the earth. OV357:6
Doth corrupt – Death and corruption touch everything earthly, under present conditions. R4567:1
Wealth may vanish in an hour; fame may change to censure at the caprice of fickle, public sentiment; friends may prove untrue or even treacherous; even the love that glowed on the home-altar may flicker and become uncertain or extinct. R1820:2
The treasures of wealth, fame, social distinction, houses, lands, friends, home, family, power and influence are all subject to change and decay. R5862:1
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| 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:
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But lay up – Signifying so loose a handling of worldly riches as would hinder the accumulation or preservation of great wealth. R4567:2
Our heavenly treasures may be augmented by special zeal and faithfulness under the peculiar trials of the present time. R5863:2
By buying back moments and hours from worldly matters, social frivolities and various time-killing devices, we are getting an excellent bargain. NS468:6
Treasures in heaven – A future reward. OV357:T
The chiefest of all treasures is the personal love and friendship of God and Christ. R5862:4, 1820:3
The honor and privilege of our calling to be "the Bride" should make that the supreme treasure, in comparison with which every other treasure is insignificant. R874:3, 2628:2
Treasures of friendship, of love, of esteem for the sake of our works, of experience that will serve us eternally, of wisdom that will enrich us forever, of divine approval. R1514:1*
Including the marks of just approval and distinction, treasures of mind and character and all the true and noble friendships which have been founded in truth and righteousness. R5863:2, 1821:2
Treasures of mind and character; for nothing that is good, true and worthy of preservation shall be lost. R1821:5
Doth corrupt – Neither the lapse of time nor the exigencies of circumstance will be permitted to wrest these from us. R1821:5
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| 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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Where your treasure is – A treasure is something in which we take special pleasure and delight. It is in our thoughts, plans and hopes, an inspiration to our lives and an incentive to energy. R1820:1, 874:2
That which costs us most and which we give most for, we love most; and thus it is proved to be our treasure. R874:6
Will your heart be – Those who set their affections chiefly upon earthly things can with difficulty avoid the snares that go with them. R5323:1
Not that a man may not love his wife or children, or appreciate the beauties of nature, but these can no longer be his treasure in competition with the Lord. F574
"Each heart will seek and love its own; my goal is Christ, and Christ alone." F573
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| 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
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Thine eye be single – To the Lord's glory. R1849:4
Signifying singleness of purpose, of heart intention toward God; clearness of spiritual vision depends upon this. R4445:1, 4567:4
Adjusting your vision to see the great value of the future life in comparison with the present one, and setting your affection there. R4567:2
We have two eyes of our understanding--one a present and one a future outlook, an earthly and a heavenly view. It is important that we get these rightly adjusted to see matters in their true light. R4567:2
Some are cross-eyed, endeavoring to serve two masters, and to walk according to two standards. R4445:4
Full of light – We have clearness of spiritual vision in proportion as we have loyalty to the Lord and the enlightening influence of his spirit of holiness, the spirit of love. R4445:2
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| 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!
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The light – The holy Spirit, the way of truth. R5099:6, 4399:1
We should let it shine upon men; some who once hated the message have thus been convinced. R4746:3
In thee – Refers only to the Church class. R5099:6
Originally man had a clear eye, mental as well as physical. R5797:5
Be in darkness – If the light of the holy Spirit of our begetting becomes extinguished. R5099:6, 4445:1, 371:6; E264, E294
Implying unfaithfulness. R3437:4
Showing the importance of proper spiritual sight in order to discern truth clearly. R5797:5
Calling darkness light and light darkness. (Isa. 5:20) R1800:4
Blessings, misused, may be turned into a curse. R1850:6
By reason of sin, man's discernment of right and wrong have been more or less blurred. R5797:5
The darkness not only affects people intellectually, but morally, blunting their sense of right and wrong. R4586:4
In certain instances, God will force people out of the light into the "outer darkness" common to the world in general. Disloyalty to the Lord tends in this direction. R4445:2
How great – Both to yourself and to the world, from whom the light is thus obscured. E294
There are different shades of darkness. R5099:5
It would be better not to have known the way of truth than to have departed from the holy command. R4399:1, 3786:1
Is that darkness – The influence for evil of such an enlightened one, sanctified by the truth and then seduced by Satan, is more than doubled. E294
Such a mind will be in a worse condition than that of a worldly mind. Having lost the fear of man, if they lose also the mind of the Lord, they have no fixed principle to govern their course. R5100:4, 2, 5797:5,6, 4567:3,4, 4446:1, 4445:3, 4399:1
If any fail to go on in the development of the spirit of love, they will surely retrograde. R4445:6
Comparable to re-entering a dimly-lit room from one that is brilliantly lighted; the room seems darker than when we left it. R5100:2
A darkness that will only become the more intense as one slips and slides along the backward track. R3103:5
He loses all knowledge of the "mystery"--the peculiar relationship existing between Christ and the Church. (Eph. 3:3-6) R5100:2
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| 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.
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Serve two masters – Dividing the interests between God's affairs and the affairs of self--half-hearted service. R5666:3
"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." (Jas. 1:8) C221
No one can possibly render full service to two opposing masters. R5666:2, 5344:2
"This one thing I do." (Phil. 3:13) He concentrated his time, his thought, his energy, upon this one object or goal. HG453:2
Whoever divides his heart, whoever attempts to serve the interests of several equally, will surely fail. HG453:3; NS617:2
"His servants ye are to whom ye render service." (Rom. 6:16) If our lives are in harmony with sin and unrighteousness, we are not on the Lord's side but on the devil's side. NS368:2
No two interests are so completely one that the service of either would not more or less detract from the service of the other. R5344:2
Folly consists in supposing that one can win the world's prizes of honor and wealth, and at the same time run faithfully for the great prize of glory, honor and immortality. C221
While we are not to do anything contrary to the divine law, yet we are to serve our earthly masters faithfully. They have purchased our time, or a large measure of it. R5666:6
Despise the other – Such a half-way course fails to meet the world's approval and to gain the advantages of this present life. If we believe it would pay best to serve mammon, then we should serve mammon with all our hearts. HG453:3; NS617:2
Ye cannot serve God – Man was originally God's servant, naturally so. R5666:2
Only a few now are properly fearing and serving the Lord. NS396:6; CR9:3
But merely use mammon and the advantages of life as special assistances leading on to God. HG453:4; NS617:3
And mammon – The mammon principle, the selfish principle, is of Satan. R5344:5
There are two kinds of love in the world--love for the world versus love for God. The two are opposites to such a degree that they cannot be blended. We must be on one side or on the other. HG551:1
Mammon was the name of an ancient Syrian god--the god of riches, of cupidity, the impersonation of worldliness. R5896:5
Mammon's empire is the world: it is Confucian, Mohammedan, Greek Catholic, Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, according to the locality and influence. It is the ideas of the majority, and too wise and crafty to be irreligious. CR9:3; NS397:1
The spirit of the world, selfishness, avarice, and love of wealth. R5896:5
Sectarianism, the fear of man that bringeth a snare. CR9:5
Earthly advantages and comforts, the attainment of which appears to be the main object in life; in Christendom. R2259:1
Those who serve mammon get the best in the political, ecclesiastical, social and financial spheres. R5344:3
The majority are serving mammon, seeking to have its approval and emoluments. CR9:3
Worldly wealth. T93
The Balaam spirit; to be a servant of God and seek the rewards of an opposite course. R5323:1
Typified by the golden calf made by Aaron. R3047:4, 1836:1
Wherever the love of money or honors or luxuries becomes the ruling passion in those who are professedly God's people, it has usurped God's place. Such are idolaters. R2459:5, 1836:1
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| 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?
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Take no thought – This does not mean that the Lord's followers are to be negligent about their appearance, or the provision of food; but, realizing that luxuries may not be the best for them, they are to be content with such things as they have. R5220:1,2, 873:3
Fear and anxiety are amongst the most serious foes of our human family; they produce nervous exhaustion and are very injurious to health. R5874:3
We should recognize a wide difference between carelessness and anxious care. Joseph in Egypt laid up wheat in plentiful years to make provision for the seven years of famine. F573
There is a carefulness which is entirely proper, yea, necessary, on our part, but not this extreme worry, the inability to enjoy today because of fears respecting tomorrow. R5874:6, 4567:5, 2488:2, 873:2,3
Not that they should live from "hand to mouth" and be utterly regardless of the future. F572
Having brought children into the world, it becomes the duty of the parents to see to their reasonable and proper establishment in it. F578; R874:1
For your life – Greek, psuche, soul, being. E335
What ye shall eat – He spoke generally to the poor, and the poor in Palestine and other Eastern countries find it very difficult to obtain food and clothing. R5990:5, 5220:1
Eating, drinking and dressing seem to be the most engrossing thoughts of both rich and poor. R5220:2
We should be ready to share our last loaf or last dollar with any more needy than we. R873:6
Is not the life – Our eternal life. If wise, we will seek the future life at any cost, at any sacrifice of the present one. R4567:4
More than meat – He would have us absorbed in heavenly things; and to do this he sees that we must be freed from distress of mind with reference to earthly things. R873:3
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| 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?
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They sow not – They know not how to sow or reap, or the lilies how to spin. They get their food and the lilies their glory in God's appointed way for them. So man must get his food in God's appointed way for him. R2804:6*, 2488:2
Feedeth them – We should consider our Heavenly Father's provision for the fowl of the air and realize that he provides for our best interests also. R4567:5
Better than they – Will not God much more care for us who have become his children through faith in Christ? R4567:5
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| 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
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Can add one cubit – Let us realize our own littleness and look rather to the Lord for the things of the present as well as the future life. R4567:5
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| 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
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Consider the lilies – Learn of the Creator by the things created. R3313:1
A common reddish flower, not the kind generally termed lilies, but very beautiful. R5875:1, 5991:1
Our Lord, as was his custom, drew an illustration of something familiar to all his hearers. R5990:2
Their beauty teaches us that the Lord has a deep appreciation of the beautiful, and that God is abundantly able to produce the beautiful without our aid. R3313:2
The bulb is continually sending up nourishment to its stalks; not idle, but merely exercising its functions by the laws of its nature. R5220:4
Not a hot-house plant, dependent upon some horticulturist; but a flower from the field, growing because the great Protector has provided for its interests. R5220:4
The lily would always have a humble place; it would never be great like a tree. So it is with us here in the flesh. R5875:4
God's care over a simple flower is a reminder of his greater care over his own people. R5990:2
The heart that fails to consider the little things is hindered from a proper appreciation of God and his plan. R5220:5
How they grow – In a very reasonable way, without unnatural, unusual stress. It does the best it can wherever it happens to be and develops grace and beauty. R5990:6, 5875:1
The lily has a right to use everything within its power for its own nourishment. So it is our right and duty to use the means within our power for beautifying our characters, and for spiritual nourishment. R5220:5
The lily is not idle, else it would die, but it does not worry. R5220:4
We are not to be anxious about the things of the present life, nor are we to be over-anxious regarding our spiritual growth. R5991:1
They toil not – Does not mean that he would not have us labor with our hands and our brains in order to care for our family, home, etc. R5991:1
Similarly we believe that in the heavens the angels are free from toil. Divine power exercised in their interest makes toil unnecessary. CR65:1
But a state of lethargy, indolence, respecting the duties of life and opportunities for presenting truth to others is a sure indication of spiritual poverty. R2488:4
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| 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
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Like one of these – The finest clothing cannot approximate the delicate structure of the flower, created by an infinite hand. R5875:1
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| 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?
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| 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
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Take no thought – Not worried; as free from anxious care as the lilies. R5991:1; F679
Be content with such things as you have. (Heb. 13:5) R5220:1, 2
Give all of the surplus of your time and energy, over and above that spent in providing things needful in the accumulation of the heavenly riches. R874:5
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| 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
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After all these things – Food, raiment, health, etc. R3718:2
The emoluments paid by mammon. CR9:3; NS396:6
Spiritual Israelites are exhorted by the Lord to appreciate the spiritual clothing, the spiritual food, the heavenly riches, which moth and rust cannot corrupt. R3665:1
Do the Gentiles seek – The procuring of food and raiment is the most important consideration with most people. R5990:5; SM370:1
It would be unsafe for any of the New Creation to request temporal blessings. R3665:1
They could not pray for spiritual things for they had no appreciation of such gifts. Be not like them. R5202:4, 3665:1
Father knoweth – We should accept what he gives us as being for our best interests. R4567:5
To be without worry does not mean to be without proper concern and due diligence to find work and do it. R4567:5
It is for them to rejoice that their affairs are being more wisely and more favorably ordered than if under their own control. SM371:T
How happy and free from anxious cares are the hours of childhood. Perfect trust in parental wisdom and love casts out all fear. R732:1*
It is improper for the Lord's people to ask alms. R4101:5*
Ye have need of – Our prayers should be more in the nature of thank-offerings, worship and adoration, recounting the blessings and favors we already enjoy rather than in asking those things which the Gentiles seek. R1999:5
Many, however, who know nothing of real, actual want of life's necessities, are much more exercised by the loss of luxuries when adversity comes. R873:6, 832:5
All these things – In their case, sickness could not come without the Lord's special permission; hence it should be regarded as from him, and not directly from Satan. R2007:2
Every event and affair of life will be overruled for the highest good. R2468:5
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| 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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Seek ye – It means to seek a place with the Redeemer in the true glory and power of his coming Kingdom. R4730:6
Not merely seek them in prayer; we are to seek them by setting our affections on those things and by lifting our affections from earthly things. R2479:5
It will not be thrust upon anybody. SM369:1
First – Primarily; as of the first or primary importance. SM370:1; F679; R5990:6, 4567:5, 2765:5; NS680:6
First interest; earnestness and singleness of heart are necessary. R5917:6
God will look out for the earthly interests of those who pursue this course. R4567:5
Do that which is in harmony with our Kingdom aspiration. R5171:1, 4913:5
These may lose in temporal advantage, but by faith they recognize it is to their spiritual advantage. R4730:6
All who will be counted worthy to be kings and priests must demonstrate now their willingness to sacrifice their own personal interests and rights in favor of the Kingdom. SM374:1
If the interests of the Kingdom need money, we would feel guilty if we should use the Lord's consecrated money in self-gratification. R5220:2
The Kingdom of God – The invitation to joint-heirship in the Kingdom of God. SM370:1; NS680:6
Giving to it all the time, attention, thought, energy, influence and means not needed for the present life. R2765:5, 5918:5
The Jewish nation was first invited to become the Kingdom of God. R5917:2
To which spiritual Israelites are now invited. R4730:6
Messiah's Kingdom is sometimes styled the Kingdom of God.
If seeking the Kingdom seems to hinder some of our earthly prospects, so much the better. The Master said it must cost us our all. R5048:5
His righteousness – The standard of perfect love toward God and toward men. SM371:1
The heirs of the Kingdom are to be governed strictly by the laws of the Kingdom. SM372:1
That is to say, the righteousness necessary to attain a place in the Kingdom. R5219:6; NS680:6
God has provided a righteousness in Christ. R5918:4
We shall not only seek the Kingdom, but seek its righteousness: the righteousness which the Kingdom will bring, the righteousness which God will approve. SM371:1
If we seek and find his righteousness we shall also find his Kingdom. (2 Pet. 1:5-15) R2804:6*
Our first thought should be for the glory of God; our second, for our own profit; our third for the benefit of others. Here we owe it to ourselves to put ourselves first, for if we fit ourselves for service, we have the larger opportunity of helping others. R5130:1,4
All these things – Food, raiment, etc. SM370:1
Not wanting for temporal necessities, for light, for necessary cares and disciplines, for consolations of divine grace, for friendship and sympathy. R1745:2,4
Be added unto you – He will not let you starve in his service. B119
All things necessary are promised. R5219:6, 5990:6, 5991:1
According to His wisdom. F679; SM371:T; NS680:6
In fact they shall be our servants, instead of we in bondage to them. R2804:6*
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| 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.
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No thought – Take no anxious burdensome care for the morrow. F572; R4871:3
Be neither careless nor anxious. F573
Sufficient unto – Sufficient also is the guidance of the Lord and we are to wait and watch for it. Q634:1
The evil thereof – The difficulty thereof. R5470:5
If our hopes be not realized so soon as we expected, we are not to worry; we are blessed with the truth and there is work to be done. R5374:4
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