Righteousness of the Kingdom

Matthew 6:1 to 7:12

The first half of chapter 6 deals with our worship of God.

Jesus deals with giving, praying, and fasting [particular areas of Pharisaic abuse]. The principle is given at the outset in verse 1:

"Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding."  

The second half of chapter 6 deals with the intentions and ambitions of our heart. The emphasis here is on our focus in life and how we expend or invest our energies. The principle here is given in verses 19-20:

Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or — worse! — stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars.

 

In 7:1-12 Jesus deals with how we treat others. We are not to be judgmental especially with regard to fellow believers, yet we are to exercise discernment concerning unbelievers. Jesus is not simply saying “do not judge.” His point is that we are to judge wisely. Just as the earlier principle is to invest wisely. Where does one find such wisdom? He must turn to his heavenly Father . . . and ask (7:7-11).

Finally, in verse 12, the intent of the OT law is summarized in the golden rule:

"Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get."  

Jesus began his teaching on kingdom righteousness in 5:17 with, "Don't suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God's Law or the Prophets."  and now concludes it by saying, "Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get."