Matthew 6 — Living for the Audience of One

Overview

Matthew 6 continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and focuses on the motives behind righteous behavior. Jesus shifts from the “what” of the law (Matthew 5) to the “why” of spiritual disciplines. He addresses three central practices in Jewish piety—giving, praying, and fasting—and urges His disciples not to perform them for human applause but for God‘s approval.

Additionally, Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer, providing a model for intimate and God-honoring communication. The second half of the chapter addresses issues of materialism, anxiety, and trust in God’s provision, calling believers to prioritize God’s kingdom over worldly concerns. The chapter climaxes with the exhortation: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (v.33).

This chapter reveals a deep concern for the heart behind actions and reinforces the biblical teaching that God sees and rewards what is done in secret. It calls the disciple to wholehearted devotion to the Father, living not for praise from people, but for faithfulness to the God who knows all.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Context

Jewish Piety: First-century Jews practiced giving to the poor (almsgiving), prayer, and fasting as marks of righteousness. These acts were often public, especially among the Pharisees, who desired recognition.
Roman Occupation: Anxiety over daily needs was real in a society under foreign rule and lacking social safety nets. Jesus’ words brought comfort and challenge in a culture where survival was uncertain for many.
Greco-Roman Influence: The Gentile world often used repetitive, formulaic prayers to manipulate deities. Jesus counters this with the relational simplicity of the Lord’s Prayer.

Literary Context

Structure: The chapter is composed of two major sections: private devotion (vv.1-18) and kingdom-centered trust (vv.19-34).
Contrast and Repetition: Jesus uses contrasts (“do not be like…”) and repetition of phrases such as “your Father who sees in secret” to drive home His message.
Parallelism: A common feature in Jewish teaching is used throughout, such as treasures on earth vs. treasures in heaven (vv.19-21) and serving God vs. serving money (v.24).

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty and Fatherhood

Jesus emphasizes God as “your Father” (10 times), portraying Him as intimately involved, caring, and sovereign over every need.
The Lord’s Prayer acknowledges God‘s sovereign name, kingdom, and will (v.9–10), grounding prayer in reverence and submission to divine authority.

2. Authentic Righteousness

True righteousness flows from a heart devoted to God, not from external shows of piety.
Believers are warned not to be hypocrites—a term for stage actors—who perform religion to impress.

3. Spiritual Disciplines and Secrecy

Giving, praying, and fasting are expected disciplines, but Jesus focuses on the motivation behind them: to glorify God, not self.
God rewards secret faithfulness, exposing the futility of seeking human applause.

4. Kingdom Priorities over Material Concerns

Jesus teaches a stark contrast between laying up earthly treasures (temporary) and heavenly treasures (eternal).
The heart is where your treasure is. Disciples must choose between God and Mammon (v.24)—two mutually exclusive masters.

5. Freedom from Anxiety through Trust in God

Jesus commands: “Do not worry” (v.25, 31, 34)—not as denial of needs, but as a call to trust in the providence of a loving Father.
Nature illustrates God’s care: birds are fed, lilies are clothed. If God cares for them, how much more for His people?

6. Kingdom Seeking and Righteous Living

“Seek first his kingdom” (v.33) calls Christians to make God‘s rule and righteousness the center of all priorities.
When the kingdom comes first, daily needs fall into place under God’s sovereign care.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis (Key Sections)

Matthew 6:1 – “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.”

Explanation: Jesus begins with a warning—spiritual acts done for attention lose their reward. The issue is not the act itself, but the motive.
Cross-Reference: Matthew 5:16 encourages public witness, but with the right heart—to glorify God, not self.
Application: Christians must examine why they serve or give—is it to gain applause or to honor God?

Matthew 6:2-4 – On Giving to the Needy

Explanation: Jesus rebukes giving that seeks praise. Using exaggerated language (“do not announce it with trumpets”), He shows how absurd self-glory is before a holy God.
Cross-Reference: Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.”
Application: Give quietly and generously, trusting God who “sees in secret” to reward faithfulness.

Matthew 6:5-8 – On Prayer

Explanation: Hypocritical prayer was common, especially in synagogues or street corners. Jesus says prayer should be intimate, not theatrical.
Cross-Reference: Luke 18:9-14 (Pharisee and tax collector) shows contrast in heart posture.
Application: God desires sincerity over eloquence. Even short, quiet prayers please Him.

Matthew 6:9-13 – The Lord’s Prayer

Explanation: Jesus gives a model of prayer rooted in God’s holiness, kingdom, provision, forgiveness, and protection.
Breakdown:
- “Our Father” – Personal and communal relationship with God.
- “Hallowed be your name” – Reverence for God’s character.
- “Your kingdom come” – Aligns prayer with God‘s redemptive plan.
- “Give us today…” – Dependence on God‘s daily provision.
- “Forgive us…” – Ongoing need for mercy, tied to forgiving others.
- “Deliver us…” – Recognition of spiritual warfare and God’s power to deliver.
Cross-Reference: Romans 8:15 – “You received the Spirit of adoption…crying, ‘Abba, Father.’”
Application: Use this prayer not as a formula, but as a framework for intimacy, worship, and trust.

Matthew 6:14-15 – Forgiveness

Explanation: These verses show the link between receiving and giving forgiveness. An unforgiving heart contradicts the grace we claim to receive.
Cross-Reference: Ephesians 4:32 – “Forgive one another, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Application: The Gospel demands we extend the same grace we’ve been given.

Matthew 6:16-18 – On Fasting

Explanation: Fasting, like other disciplines, should be God-focused, not man-centered. Jesus warns against performing fasting as a badge of spiritual superiority.
Cross-Reference: Isaiah 58 – God criticizes fasting without justice and humility.
Application: Fast with the aim of deeper communion with God, not outward recognition.

Matthew 6:19-21 – Treasures in Heaven

Explanation: Earthly treasures decay and are vulnerable to theft. Eternal treasures, however, reflect where our true allegiance lies.
Cross-Reference: Colossians 3:1-2 – “Set your hearts on things above…”
Application: Invest in what lasts—kingdom work, discipleship, acts of love, not consumerism or reputation.

Matthew 6:22-23 – The Eye as the Lamp

Explanation: A “healthy eye” implies single-minded devotion to God. A “bad eye” suggests greed or moral blindness.
Cross-Reference: Proverbs 4:25-27 – “Let your eyes look straight ahead.”
Application: Examine what you fix your eyes on—does it draw you closer to God or distract you from Him?

Matthew 6:24 – Cannot Serve God and Money

Explanation: Jesus declares loyalty cannot be divided between God and materialism. Mammon represents the idol of wealth.
Cross-Reference: 1 Timothy 6:10 – “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
Application: Evaluate who or what you trust for security. Only one Master can reign.

Matthew 6:25-34 – Do Not Worry

Explanation: Jesus gives multiple reasons not to worry:
- Life is more than food and clothing (v.25)
- God feeds birds and clothes flowers—how much more His people (vv.26-30)
- Worry is fruitless (v.27)
- God knows our needs (v.32)
- God’s kingdom must come first (v.33)
- Each day has enough trouble (v.34)
Cross-Reference: Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything…”
Application: Anxiety shrinks when our confidence in God grows. Prioritize God’s reign, and trust Him with the rest.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christ as the Perfect Example of Righteousness
- Jesus lived the Sermon on the Mount perfectly. He prayed often (Mark 1:35), fasted (Matthew 4:2), gave compassionately (Matthew 14:14), and never sought public approval (John 6:15).
- He is not only the Teacher of Matthew 6 but also its fulfillment—righteousness incarnate (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus as the One Who Brings the Kingdom
- When Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom,” He is pointing to Himself. His life, death, and resurrection inaugurate the kingdom of God (Mark 1:15).
- Through Him, believers become citizens of a heavenly kingdom (Philippians 3:20).
Jesus as Our Great High Priest
- The Lord’s Prayer introduces believers to God as Father. Jesus is the mediator who makes this relationship possible (Hebrews 4:14-16).
- Because of Jesus, we can pray with confidence, knowing we are heard and loved.
Jesus as the Ultimate Treasure
- Treasures in heaven are not just rewards—they point to Christ Himself as our greatest treasure (Philippians 3:8).
- A heart set on Christ is a heart free from greed, anxiety, and divided loyalties.

Connection to God the Father

God as Our Heavenly Father
- The term “Father” is used 12 times in this chapter, revealing a personal, relational God.
- He is not distant or impersonal—He sees in secret, knows our needs, forgives our sins, and provides our daily bread.
- This reveals God’s character: holy, sovereign, just, caring, and close.
The Father Sees and Rewards
- The repeated refrain “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (vv.4, 6, 18) teaches that God is omniscient and just. He notices the unseen and values the heart.
- This reinforces trust and accountability before God, not people.
The Father Provides
- From food to clothing to protection, the Father cares for His children with perfect wisdom and love (vv.26-32).
- This affirms God’s providence, and calls believers to rest in His goodness.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While Matthew 6 does not mention the Holy Spirit explicitly, the chapter assumes and anticipates His work in the believer’s life in key ways:

1. Empowerment for Inner Righteousness

The kind of righteousness Jesus describes—secret, sincere, God-pleasing—is not possible through human strength alone. The Holy Spirit enables this inner transformation.
Galatians 5:22-23 describes fruit (e.g., kindness, faithfulness, self-control) that align with giving, praying, fasting, and trusting in God.

2. Prayer Guided by the Spirit

Romans 8:26-27 tells us that the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us. As believers use the Lord’s Prayer model, the Spirit shapes our desires and deepens our communion with the Father.

3. Freedom from Anxiety and Materialism

The Spirit produces peace (Philippians 4:6-7) in hearts tempted by anxiety. He reminds us of God‘s promises and lifts our focus to eternal realities.

4. The Spirit Fixes Our Gaze on the Kingdom

Seeking the Kingdom (v.33) becomes real through the Spirit’s renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). He reorients our affections away from temporal gain and toward eternal treasure in Christ.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “Living for the Audience of One: Righteousness, Prayer, and Trust in God”

Text: Matthew 6

Introduction

Begin with a question: “Who are you trying to impress?”
Set the stage: In a world driven by likes, followers, and praise, Jesus teaches us to live for an audience of One—our Father in heaven.
State the main idea: True disciples live with sincerity, seek God’s kingdom, and trust in His provision—not the praise or promises of the world.

I. Authentic Devotion: Private and God-Focused (vv.1-18)

A. Give in Secret (vv.2-4)

Principle: Generosity should flow from love for God, not a desire to be seen.
Application: Give without announcing. Let God be your only audience.

B. Pray in Secret (vv.5-15)

Principle: True prayer is not about performance but about intimacy.
Application: Let prayer be daily conversation with your Father. Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide.

C. Fast in Secret (vv.16-18)

Principle: Fasting is hunger for God, not for attention.
Application: Fast when you need to focus your heart. Hide the outward signs; God sees your devotion.

Transition: The same God who sees in secret is also the One who provides openly.

II. Kingdom Priorities: Treasure God Above All (vv.19-24)

A. Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasure (vv.19-21)

Principle: Where your treasure is, your heart is also.
Application: Invest in eternal things—generosity, service, people, missions.

B. A Clear Eye and Undivided Heart (vv.22-23)

Principle: Focus on God brings light; greed darkens the soul.
Application: Filter what you watch, desire, and pursue—keep your vision fixed on Christ.

C. God or Mammon? (v.24)

Principle: You can’t serve both money and God.
Application: Ask: What drives my decisions—faith or finances?

Transition: The answer to divided loyalty is full trust in God’s care.

III. Confident Trust: God Will Provide (vv.25-34)

A. Don’t Worry—God Knows Your Needs (vv.25-32)

Principle: Worry reveals misplaced trust.
Application: Replace anxiety with faith. Trust your Father who feeds birds and clothes lilies.

B. Seek First the Kingdom (v.33)

Principle: Prioritize God’s rule and righteousness.
Application: Let God’s mission be the filter for all your goals, time, and choices.

C. Focus on Today, Trust God for Tomorrow (v.34)

Principle: Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Application: Live faithfully in the present. God is already in tomorrow.

Conclusion: Call to Action

Challenge: Live for God‘s eyes alone. Make space for private devotion. Choose heavenly treasure. Lay down worry and seek God’s kingdom first.
Call to Christ: This kind of life is only possible through Jesus. He lived it perfectly, died for our sins, rose again, and now gives His Spirit to all who trust in Him.
Final Appeal: Who are you living for? Choose the kingdom. Choose the Father. Choose the treasure that lasts.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern Social Media Parallel

Illustration: A young Christian posts every good deed online—every act of charity, every Bible verse. But offline, his private life lacks prayer and humility.
Point: Living for “likes” can become a form of spiritual hypocrisy. Jesus warns against this heart posture.

2. Personal Story: Trusting God with Finances

Story: A pastor shares how he and his wife once tithed during a financially tight season. Shortly after, someone anonymously left groceries on their doorstep.
Point: God sees our quiet faithfulness and provides in ways we could never plan.

3. Analogy: Eye as a Camera Lens

Analogy: The eye is like a camera lens. If the lens is clear and focused on light, the image is bright. But if it’s cracked or aimed at darkness, the result is distorted.
Point: What you fix your eyes on—money, worry, status, or God—shapes your entire outlook.

4. Nature as a Preacher

Illustration: A walk through a garden or park shows flowers blooming without effort, birds singing without fear.
Point: Jesus says, “Look at them.” They remind us of God’s sustaining hand and invite us to rest in His care.

Application for Today’s Christian

Matthew 6 is intensely practical. It doesn’t just call believers to external morality—it calls us to a God-centered inner life. The chapter shapes the daily habits of Christians in the areas of discipleship, stewardship, and faithful living:

1. Discipleship: Living Before God, Not People

Private Devotion: Set aside time daily for personal prayer, Bible reading, and silent worship. Avoid performing for others.
Heart Check: Before every spiritual action (e.g., service, giving, teaching), ask: “Is this for God’s glory or mine?”
Forgive Freely: Practice daily forgiveness as part of your walk with Jesus—especially in relationships where bitterness has crept in.

2. Stewardship: Treasure Heaven Over Earth

Reevaluate Spending: Budget and spend in a way that reflects kingdom priorities. Consider generosity as a regular act of worship.
Give in Secret: Support the poor or your local church quietly. Let God see what others don’t.
Sabbath from Consumption: Regularly practice contentment. Declutter, give away excess, and focus less on material goods.

3. Faithful Living: Trusting God with Everything

Combat Anxiety with Prayer: When worry rises, go to your Father in prayer. Let Philippians 4:6-7 guide your response.
Prioritize the Kingdom: In decisions about work, family, and life direction, ask: “What does God want?” Seek His will before your own.
Live One Day at a Time: Practice daily dependence. Focus on faithfulness today rather than worrying about the next week or year.

Connection to God’s Love

Matthew 6 is not a legalistic checklist—it’s an invitation into a life of relationship with a loving, attentive Father. This chapter reveals God’s love in multiple ways:

1. A Father Who Sees and Cares

God sees even our quiet acts of devotion (vv.4, 6, 18). His attention proves His care. You are never overlooked.
His love is personal, not general. He is your Father, not just a cosmic ruler.

2. A Father Who Provides

From food to clothing to spiritual needs, the Father provides what His children need (vv.26-33). He is not stingy—He is generous.
Jesus points to the birds and lilies as living testimonies of God’s daily provision, inviting us to trust rather than fret.

3. A Father Who Invites Relationship

The Lord’s Prayer is radical: God invites us to call Him Father. This means we are welcomed as children, not strangers.
This intimacy is made possible through Jesus Christ, who brings us into the family of God through redemption (John 1:12).

4. A Father Who Rewards Secret Faithfulness

God’s love is not just expressed in giving—but also in rewarding righteousness. He honors integrity and hidden faithfulness, encouraging us with His goodness.

Broader Biblical Themes

Matthew 6 connects deeply to the grand narrative of Scripture, especially in the areas of creation, covenant, kingdom, and redemption.

1. Creation and Providence

Jesus‘ appeal to birds and flowers echoes Genesis 1-2, reminding us that the Creator sustains His creation.
The natural world preaches God’s reliability. If He cares for lesser creatures, how much more for those made in His image?

2. Covenant and Relationship

The repeated emphasis on “your Father” reflects covenantal relationship—God’s binding love for His people.
In the Old Testament, God called Israel His children (Deuteronomy 14:1). In Christ, this relationship deepens (Romans 8:15-17).

3. Kingdom of God

Jesus teaches His followers to pray, “Your kingdom come” (v.10) and seek it first (v.33).
The kingdom is not just a future reality—it is a present spiritual reign where God rules hearts. This theme is central to Jesus’ message (Matthew 4:17; Luke 17:21).

4. Redemption and Restoration

Jesus doesn’t just call for moral reform; He reveals the kind of righteousness only possible through grace and spiritual rebirth.
Through Christ, believers are redeemed from hollow religion and restored to wholehearted worship.

5. Faith and Obedience

The call to reject worry and choose trust connects with Abraham’s faith (Genesis 15:6) and Jesus’ own example in Gethsemane.
The life of faith is not passive—it’s an active trust in the Father’s care, grounded in His character and promises.

Reflection Questions

Use these questions to help your congregation or small group reflect on the message of Matthew 6. These can also guide personal meditation, journaling, or family devotions.

On Authentic Devotion (Matthew 6:1-18)

When you give, pray, or fast, what motivates you most—pleasing God or gaining the approval of others?
In what ways can you develop a more private and intimate walk with God?
How does the Lord’s Prayer shape your own prayers? What part of the prayer do you most need to grow in?
Is there someone you need to forgive as God has forgiven you? What is holding you back?

On Kingdom Priorities and Stewardship (Matthew 6:19-24)

What does your current budget or spending reveal about what you treasure most?
Are there “earthly treasures” that you’ve been clinging to too tightly?
What are some practical ways you can begin investing in eternal things?
Who or what are you really serving—God or something else (success, money, recognition, control)?

On Trust and Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34)

What are your biggest sources of worry today? How are you bringing those before God?
How does remembering God’s care for creation (birds and flowers) strengthen your trust in Him?
What does it look like to “seek first the kingdom of God” in your current season of life?
How can you cultivate the habit of living one day at a time, trusting God with both today and tomorrow?

On Personal Growth and Discipleship

What area of your spiritual life is most in need of quiet, consistent growth?
How is the Holy Spirit calling you to deeper surrender and obedience through this chapter?
Who in your life needs encouragement to live for God‘s approval rather than human praise—and how can you support them?