More Notes in Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 6:7 - "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

The model prayer given here is clearly not one to be repeated word for word, but used simply as a pattern.  Verse 9, "After this manner therefore pray ye...."  Not, "With these exact words daily."

Matthew 6:12 - "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

This cannot rightly be called "The Lord's Prayer", for the Lord Jesus had no trespasses to forgive.  The real Lord's prayer is in John 17, as the Lord Jesus wept and prayed.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Cross reference Proverbs 22:4 - By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

Matthew 7:1 - Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Put in context and compare scripture with scripture, for example: Verse 15 and following, "Beware of false prophets...ye shall know them by their fruits."  John 7:24, "...Judge righteous judgment."

Matthew 7:5 - Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Cross reference Psalm 51:13, after confession and repentance, "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways...."

Matthew 7:13-14 - Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The gate / door: Luke 13:23-30; Matthew 25:1-13; John 10:9, "I am the door!"

The way: John 14:6.

VM