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Read Matthew 6:16

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do,for they try to look miserable and disheveledso people will admire them for their fasting.I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”Matthew 6:16

Just as Jesus dealt with giving and praying, He now deals with fasting—how not to do it, then, how to do it.

Read Psalm 27:8; 91:1; Matthew 6:5

Those who live in the shelter of the Most Highwill find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.Psalm 91:1

When you pray, don’t be like the hypocriteswho love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogueswhere everyone can see them.I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.Matthew 6:5

Read Micah 6:6–8

With what shall I come to the LordAnd bow myself before the God on high?Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings,With yearling calves?Does the Lord take pleasure in thousands of rams,In ten thousand rivers of oil?Shall I give Him my firstborn for my wrongdoings,The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?He has told you, mortal one, what is good;And what does the Lord require of youBut to do justice, to love kindness,And to walk humbly with your God?Micah 6:6–8 NASB

Read Matthew 5:48

But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.Matthew 5:48

Most of us have three major realms of relationship in which we live: an immediate realm of family, an intermediate realm of friends, and a broad general realm that certainly would include some enemies.

Thinking in terms of three concentric circles, let’s go first to the centre and think about the family. For this I have three words of advice: Release your rights. There are precious few family conflicts that cannot be settled by simply releasing rights.

Read Matthew 5:43–47; Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 25:21

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?Even pagans do that.Matthew 5:44–47

Read Matthew 5:32

But I say that a man who divorces his wife,unless she has been unfaithful,causes her to commit adultery.And anyone who marries a divorced womanalso commits adultery.Matthew 5:32

Read Matthew 5:27–28

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lusthas already committed adultery with her in his heart”Matthew 5:27–28

I find it nothing short of amazing that the subjects Christ addressed in His century-one sermon are as relevant today as they were when He first spoke. Murder and conflicts. Divorce and lies. Ears must have perked up when he started in on adultery.

Read Matthew 5:25

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary,settle your differences quickly.Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge,who will hand you over to an officer,and you will be thrown into prison.”Matthew 5:25

Read Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 4:12

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come.I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets.No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”Matthew 5:17

Were we able today to witness Jesus’ message in person, I have no doubt that it would stab us awake. Why do I say that? Because He spoke with authority—the all-powerful, invincible authority of the Scriptures. Human opinions no longer mattered, not even the longstanding, rigidly enforced pharisaic rules and regulations.

Read Matthew 5:13–16

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”Matthew 5:13–16