NEW TESTAMENT HEMENUTICS
SERMON ON THE MOUNT: TREASURES ON EARTH
MATTHEW CHAPTER 6:19-24
PETER QEKO JERE: BA, B.A (Th) HON. M.T h
THE TREASURES.
MATTHEW 6:19-24
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good your whole body will be full of light. 23 but if your eyes are bad your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness.24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. NIV.
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND.
One of the major activities in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ was teaching. On several occasions he taught and equipped his disciples for future ministry. From the very beginning of the Sermon on the Mount (chapter 5), Jesus taught and imparted tremendous knowledge to the lives of his disciples. This was like a camp-meeting on the mountain where Christ as the Course-Director taught several series of topics as follows; The Beatitudes 5:1-12; Salt and the Light 5:13-16; The Christian Law 5:17-20; Murder 5:15-26; Adultery 5:27-30; Divorce 5:31-32; Vengeance 5:33-37;Love 5:43-47; Giving 6:1-4; Prayer 6:5-14; Fasting 6:16-18; Treasures 6:19-24;Worry 6:25-34; Judgment 7:1-6; Seeking 7:7-12; Narrow Path 7:13-14; Tree and Fruit 7:15-23 finally the Wise and the Fool Builders 7:24-29.In this paper therefore, we shall basically look into one of the courses Christ taught his disciples. This was about The Treasures (6:19-24). We shall look into the position of Christ as regard the storage of our treasures and the consequences that follow. We shall again look into the concept of the treasures and heart and why they are inseparable. Finally, we shall look into the function of the eye and the impossibility of man to work for two masters.
THE TREASURES ON THE EARTH verse 19
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on the earth…verse 19 NIV or Lay not up…KJV. This was Christ speaking. In another way round, Christ meant, don't dare keep your treasures on earth. Soon after Christ finished teaching his disciples on the topic of fasting, he cautioned them by teaching them on how best to bank their treasures. He commanded them, " Do not store your treasures on earth” which means, don't dare keep your treasures on earth. By way of background, the disciples abandoned everything that they had and followed Christ. This was a way of comforting and giving them new hope.
Different scholars define “treasures” differently. John Trapp defines treasures as earthly goods that are in abundance and are garbage of the earth (1868:103). But in support of this, Alexander Maclaren indicates that treasures are anything that determines destiny of the heart of man. These are material possessions like money, food and clothing (P.302). These are materials that control the heart focus of man. But treasures in Jesus’s day were perishable and valuable goods (Carson 1994:43).
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH EARTHLY TREASURES
(a). MOTH AND RUST. Verse 19.
"…Where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break and steal”(v. 19).
Its amazing that in this text, Jesus Christ points out the three major problems with the earth’s banking system. The three problems were: moth, rust and thieves. But according to John Matthew, moth is defined as an insect which lay eggs in the most costly dresses or cloth stored up, while rust is a red or orange like coating which forms on the surface of any metal after expiry period is over (1945:43). Also moth is a small nocturnal lepidopterous insect of the genus Tinea which breeds in cloths or its something that eats away (Oxford Dict. 1286). This is eye disease that affects the eye focus. How problematic are these (moth and rust)? The main problem was that the two have and had the potential to kill and destroy the treasures kept. Christ told them not to use the earth as a bank because there was no future and hope but destruction. It is also clear that earthly possessions lose value by rusting, wearing out rotting away and getting out of date (Sykes. M 1989:38). However, Clark points out that one can bank all treasures on the earth depending on the following condition: that the focus of the heart should not be there (treasures) but on orphans widows and many unfortunate people (1989:93). But what Sykes says is practically impossible because in the passage we will later see that the heart follows where the treasures are. Actually, Jesus didn't hate the earth or have any problems with it apart from the fact that it was poor ground for storing treasures
(b). THEFT AND DESTRUCTION. Verse 19
…Where thieves break in and steal…V.19".
The other problem Christ mentioned was theft. We saw that moth and rust kills and destroys but now Christ says that thieves break in and steal all stored treasures. Thieves have the ability to break through and steal all the goods. This creates no hope on earth because there is destruction, death, theft and corruption. According to the ‘Devil’s Manifesto,” he comes to steal, kill and to destroy (John 10:10). Of course like the moth, rust and thieves, The Devil steals the joy, peace and love of the things of God. The devil also steals the desire, patience, and interest from Gods Children. The devil will also destroy and kill any existing hope in God’s Children. This explains that the devil is at war with children of the Kingdom and not those who are in the kingdom of darkness.
THE TREASURES IN HEAVEN V20a
But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break and steal. Verse 20
Verse 20 starts with a preposition, " But" NIV, which explains the point of contrast with the previous thought in verse 19. Unlike the earth, Jesus in verse 20 tells his disciples of a better place to bank their treasures. This place is heaven. Heaven is a unique place full of the glory of God. This is a place where non-perishable and perishable goods are never destroyed. Clarks says that the only way to render goods eternal is to transmit them to heaven by act of charity (1831:94). This act of charity is the art of helping the unfortunate ones with the little that is available. There were of course reasons why Christ supported heaven as a better place to keep treasures. Firstly, it was a safe place; " where moth and rust do no destroy" NIV. It was a place where treasures were exempted from decay. Finally, in heaven treasures were safe in the hands of God who could be trusted. In heaven treasures are undefiled and do not fade away (Alexander P. 302). In this case no one could go, break and steal. Christ was concern with the banking of treasures because he was looking into the future. He wanted them to focus on the things of God by banking in heaven. Bakers says that treasure to be banked in heaven include works of righteousness, suffering for Christ and forgiving others (1924:33). As far as John Matthew is concern, he says that we serve God when we bank our treasures in heaven (1945:38). But there are two things that we see now in this text. Decision making and service in the kingdom. Everything discussed is about deciding to bank treasures on earth or heaven. Whether one hates it or not, he has to decide between the two though Christ told them in form of a command. " Do not store up treasures on earth" or don't dare use the earth but use heaven as a storage place. As regard the service in the kingdom, we see that Christ showed mercy to his disciples because he told them on how to prosper even in the life to come.
It should be noted that this action of banking treasures is not a way of asking favours from God because no one can purchase salvation or any position in the kingdom of God.
TREASURES AND HEART…. VERSE 21.
For where your treasures lies your heart will be there also…verse 21.
Having dealt with heaven as the only best banking place, Christ in verse 21 continues to defend his position. He says, " For where your treasures lie your heart will be also (verse 21"). His main concern was the destiny of the heart, which in this case was controlled by the treasure. Thus he told them to bank in heaven, which meant that their hearts (disciples) would be in heaven too. This explains that the two (treasures and heart) are inseparable though treasures are such a powerful tool. Calvin says that the earth’s happiness is but for a short time (1979:333). There are people in a modern day world whose focus is the earthly satisfaction because they bank their resources on earth. Such people's happiness is laid up near hell and Satan than God (2 Pet 2:12-13). Such are people who have all the physical material riches but have got no hope. In all this its Christ desire that people should focus all their treasures in heaven and their heart will follow too. Now with this, Christ will be the people's main area of focus as they bank in heaven and focus on the things of God.
THE EYE VERSE 22
The eye is the lamp of the body. Verse 22
Just as Christ used metaphors in the former sections of his teaching, he is doing the same things in this second phase; he metaphorically uses the physiological human body part, the eye and its delicate function in the whole anatomical system. Though the eye is small, it but plays a tremendous role in every day activities of the whole anatomy system. The eye is to the body as the sun is to the whole universe in daytime or the lamp or candle in the night. (Clark 1831:94). Nor can the feet belly and the whole body direct you but the eye alone. The eye alone is enough to direct the body whether big or small (Calvin 1979:339). Thus without the body eye, the human body has problems of survival and stays for a short time and more care of it is needed. Theodore points out that the eye must be properly focused all the time. No man can really see more that one thing at time and the failure of the eye to see one thing means at least some defect of sight like astigmatism. The eye, which is selfish, cannot be properly focused (1928:55). The eye is described as the lamp or light of the whole anatomy system and its main purpose is to shine and give light to the whole body system. This means that without the eye man would not perform the required activities properly. We need to be reminded that the lamp needs oil to shine, just like the eye, which needs food (energy). Thus in the kingdom, we need Christ to shine in our lives with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the light and he who has Christ has the shinning light that will guide and lead him in the Christian walk.
THE EFFECTS OF BAD AND GOOD EYE VERSE 22&23
If your eyes are good your whole body will be full of light but if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. (Verse 22 –23).
Before we look into this verse in detail, it's important to see how other versions narrate it. The verse is explained as follows from different other versions of the Bible.KJV uses the words “single eye” and “ evil eye”, Moffat Bible Commentary, uses the words “ generous eye” and “selfish eye” while the NIV uses the word “good and bad eye”. In this verse, Christ is introducing area of contrast between, good eye and bad eye. The eye has to be either good or bad. The good eye is that one which is single or generous and produces full light “V. 22a”. This is the eye, which represents the good things (Carson 1994:84). This is the eye, which has banked treasures in heaven and the whole heart is in heaven. This is the eye with undivided focus and purpose and produces full light. A bad eye is that one which has something to do with bad things. This represents a man who bank treasures on earth and his whole heart is focused on the world not God. This is the eye with many areas of focus; as a result it fails to produce light. This is a hypocritical eye, which looks for the applause of men (Carson 1994:86). But there is a horrible darkness that Christ explains which comes from the hypocritical life of those who think they are great in the kingdom. Such are people who show off to be more spiritual but inside them is horrible darkness. It’s interesting that this is what has become of the present day church.
THE IMPOSSIBLE (TWO MASTERS) V. 24.
No man can sever two masters, either he will hate the one and love the other (24)
In this verse, Christ is introducing the concept of servant hood in the kingdom of God (serving one master). He says it's practically impossible to be dedicated to two masters. He is actually exposing the hypocrisy of those who work for God and for Satan at the same time. These were the Pharisees and Scribes who wanted recognition and applause from men. It’s important to know that the Jews believed in monotheism (serving one true God). This was their proverb that no man can save two masters, much less two gods, for their commandments will contradict or cross (Matthew H.1996: 65). In this case serving two masters contradicted the concept of single eye, good eye and generous eye where all the focus is directed to the one only God (verse 22&23). This explains the commitment and dedication, love interest and desire to serve one God alone. John Stott says that while men can work for two employers, no slave can be a property of two masters (1995:158)
…For either one will hate the one and love the other. Verse 24. Now Christ talks of the results of serving two masters in the kingdom. These are love and hate. The two are never together because the kingdom of God is about love. Thus, in the kingdom we are encouraged to love God, our neighbour and our enemies. But God want to share His glory with nobody else because He is a jealous God (II King 2, Isaiah 42:8). He always wants people to love Him and Him alone. Throughout the OT biblical history, the Israelites went through wars and disasters because of idolatry.
SERVE GOD OR MAMMON (MONEY). VERSE 24
You can not serve God or Money … Verse 24
Christ now winds up his teaching on the subject of treasures by emphasising that one cannot serve both God and Mammon (money) together. Mammon, according to Carson, is something in which someone puts all his confidence (1994:88). This is something that occupies the mind and whole heart of man. But according to Matthew Henry, mammon is Assyrian word that signifies gain (1996:66). With this definition, everything we value or put more confidence in is mammon and includes riches, price, job, children and many more.The problem is not with the materials one has, but the area of focus. This is where the heart is, according to the theory of the heart and treasures. Many Christians are lovers of money, which is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:10). Their focus has changed from God to the pleasures of the world because they have many areas of focus and are in horrible darkness. These are people who idolise money, which works contrary to the basic needs in the kingdom of God
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, there are three observations that have been made. Firstly, the text under study talks about the decision-making process in the kingdom of God. This has been explained throughout the text. In this case, it's important for Christians to make profitable decisions that will produce fruits in their walk with Christ. Secondly we also observed that there are results out of every decision taken, be it good or bad. Bad decision will produce negative results, while good decisions will produce positive results. Thus, we thank God that Christians can be partakers in the making of decision though the results of our decisions will follow us. Its exciting that this text is a powerful tool and guide to all Christians in their daily walk with the Lord, as they make several decisions pertaining to the kingdom of God. Finally we observed that the treasures could be anything that controls your heart. This means that it is not necessarily money as others may say. This is anything that takes all your heart focus.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexander M: Exposition of Holy Scripture, Hodder & Staughton, London
Baker K. 1994: Zondervan New Testament Bible Commentary. Vol. VII NIV
Zondervan publishing House, Grand Rapid, Michigan USA.
Carson DA. 1994: The Sermon on the Mount. An Exposition of Matthew 5-7
Carslisle cumria, UK
Clark 1831: Introduction to the Four Gospels, Matthew, and Mark
Luke and John. London.
Fredereck G. 1920: The Abingdon Bible Commentary, Abingdon Press
New York, USA.
George B. 1951: Interpreters Bible Commentary Vol. VII
Abingdon Press, New York, USA.
Guilich R. 1992: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew). Word Publishing House
London, Dallas, Vancuver (USA)
Henry M.1996: Henry Matthew Whole Bible Commentary
Hendrickson Publishing Inc. USA
John C. 1979: Harmony of the Evangelist, Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
Grand Rapid, Michigan USA
John M.1945: A Commentary, Critical, Experience and Practical
OT, New Testament, Won B. Eerdmans Pub. USA
John T. 1868: Commentary in Exposition (New Testament)
Richard & Dickson, Farreingdon Street. LONGON
John S.1995: The Message on the Sermon on the Mount. The Bible Speaks Today Series, Leicester, ENGLAND
Sykes R.H 1989: Matthew Presenting Jesus, Every day Publication Inc. USA
Robinson T. 1928: The Gospel of Matthew. Hazwel Watson & Vincy Ltd/
Oxford Dictionary, 1286
SERMON ON THE MOUNT: TREASURES ON EARTH
MATTHEW CHAPTER 6:19-24
PETER QEKO JERE: BA, B.A (Th) HON. M.T h
THE TREASURES.
MATTHEW 6:19-24
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good your whole body will be full of light. 23 but if your eyes are bad your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness.24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. NIV.
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND.
One of the major activities in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ was teaching. On several occasions he taught and equipped his disciples for future ministry. From the very beginning of the Sermon on the Mount (chapter 5), Jesus taught and imparted tremendous knowledge to the lives of his disciples. This was like a camp-meeting on the mountain where Christ as the Course-Director taught several series of topics as follows; The Beatitudes 5:1-12; Salt and the Light 5:13-16; The Christian Law 5:17-20; Murder 5:15-26; Adultery 5:27-30; Divorce 5:31-32; Vengeance 5:33-37;Love 5:43-47; Giving 6:1-4; Prayer 6:5-14; Fasting 6:16-18; Treasures 6:19-24;Worry 6:25-34; Judgment 7:1-6; Seeking 7:7-12; Narrow Path 7:13-14; Tree and Fruit 7:15-23 finally the Wise and the Fool Builders 7:24-29.In this paper therefore, we shall basically look into one of the courses Christ taught his disciples. This was about The Treasures (6:19-24). We shall look into the position of Christ as regard the storage of our treasures and the consequences that follow. We shall again look into the concept of the treasures and heart and why they are inseparable. Finally, we shall look into the function of the eye and the impossibility of man to work for two masters.
THE TREASURES ON THE EARTH verse 19
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on the earth…verse 19 NIV or Lay not up…KJV. This was Christ speaking. In another way round, Christ meant, don't dare keep your treasures on earth. Soon after Christ finished teaching his disciples on the topic of fasting, he cautioned them by teaching them on how best to bank their treasures. He commanded them, " Do not store your treasures on earth” which means, don't dare keep your treasures on earth. By way of background, the disciples abandoned everything that they had and followed Christ. This was a way of comforting and giving them new hope.
Different scholars define “treasures” differently. John Trapp defines treasures as earthly goods that are in abundance and are garbage of the earth (1868:103). But in support of this, Alexander Maclaren indicates that treasures are anything that determines destiny of the heart of man. These are material possessions like money, food and clothing (P.302). These are materials that control the heart focus of man. But treasures in Jesus’s day were perishable and valuable goods (Carson 1994:43).
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH EARTHLY TREASURES
(a). MOTH AND RUST. Verse 19.
"…Where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break and steal”(v. 19).
Its amazing that in this text, Jesus Christ points out the three major problems with the earth’s banking system. The three problems were: moth, rust and thieves. But according to John Matthew, moth is defined as an insect which lay eggs in the most costly dresses or cloth stored up, while rust is a red or orange like coating which forms on the surface of any metal after expiry period is over (1945:43). Also moth is a small nocturnal lepidopterous insect of the genus Tinea which breeds in cloths or its something that eats away (Oxford Dict. 1286). This is eye disease that affects the eye focus. How problematic are these (moth and rust)? The main problem was that the two have and had the potential to kill and destroy the treasures kept. Christ told them not to use the earth as a bank because there was no future and hope but destruction. It is also clear that earthly possessions lose value by rusting, wearing out rotting away and getting out of date (Sykes. M 1989:38). However, Clark points out that one can bank all treasures on the earth depending on the following condition: that the focus of the heart should not be there (treasures) but on orphans widows and many unfortunate people (1989:93). But what Sykes says is practically impossible because in the passage we will later see that the heart follows where the treasures are. Actually, Jesus didn't hate the earth or have any problems with it apart from the fact that it was poor ground for storing treasures
(b). THEFT AND DESTRUCTION. Verse 19
…Where thieves break in and steal…V.19".
The other problem Christ mentioned was theft. We saw that moth and rust kills and destroys but now Christ says that thieves break in and steal all stored treasures. Thieves have the ability to break through and steal all the goods. This creates no hope on earth because there is destruction, death, theft and corruption. According to the ‘Devil’s Manifesto,” he comes to steal, kill and to destroy (John 10:10). Of course like the moth, rust and thieves, The Devil steals the joy, peace and love of the things of God. The devil also steals the desire, patience, and interest from Gods Children. The devil will also destroy and kill any existing hope in God’s Children. This explains that the devil is at war with children of the Kingdom and not those who are in the kingdom of darkness.
THE TREASURES IN HEAVEN V20a
But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break and steal. Verse 20
Verse 20 starts with a preposition, " But" NIV, which explains the point of contrast with the previous thought in verse 19. Unlike the earth, Jesus in verse 20 tells his disciples of a better place to bank their treasures. This place is heaven. Heaven is a unique place full of the glory of God. This is a place where non-perishable and perishable goods are never destroyed. Clarks says that the only way to render goods eternal is to transmit them to heaven by act of charity (1831:94). This act of charity is the art of helping the unfortunate ones with the little that is available. There were of course reasons why Christ supported heaven as a better place to keep treasures. Firstly, it was a safe place; " where moth and rust do no destroy" NIV. It was a place where treasures were exempted from decay. Finally, in heaven treasures were safe in the hands of God who could be trusted. In heaven treasures are undefiled and do not fade away (Alexander P. 302). In this case no one could go, break and steal. Christ was concern with the banking of treasures because he was looking into the future. He wanted them to focus on the things of God by banking in heaven. Bakers says that treasure to be banked in heaven include works of righteousness, suffering for Christ and forgiving others (1924:33). As far as John Matthew is concern, he says that we serve God when we bank our treasures in heaven (1945:38). But there are two things that we see now in this text. Decision making and service in the kingdom. Everything discussed is about deciding to bank treasures on earth or heaven. Whether one hates it or not, he has to decide between the two though Christ told them in form of a command. " Do not store up treasures on earth" or don't dare use the earth but use heaven as a storage place. As regard the service in the kingdom, we see that Christ showed mercy to his disciples because he told them on how to prosper even in the life to come.
It should be noted that this action of banking treasures is not a way of asking favours from God because no one can purchase salvation or any position in the kingdom of God.
TREASURES AND HEART…. VERSE 21.
For where your treasures lies your heart will be there also…verse 21.
Having dealt with heaven as the only best banking place, Christ in verse 21 continues to defend his position. He says, " For where your treasures lie your heart will be also (verse 21"). His main concern was the destiny of the heart, which in this case was controlled by the treasure. Thus he told them to bank in heaven, which meant that their hearts (disciples) would be in heaven too. This explains that the two (treasures and heart) are inseparable though treasures are such a powerful tool. Calvin says that the earth’s happiness is but for a short time (1979:333). There are people in a modern day world whose focus is the earthly satisfaction because they bank their resources on earth. Such people's happiness is laid up near hell and Satan than God (2 Pet 2:12-13). Such are people who have all the physical material riches but have got no hope. In all this its Christ desire that people should focus all their treasures in heaven and their heart will follow too. Now with this, Christ will be the people's main area of focus as they bank in heaven and focus on the things of God.
THE EYE VERSE 22
The eye is the lamp of the body. Verse 22
Just as Christ used metaphors in the former sections of his teaching, he is doing the same things in this second phase; he metaphorically uses the physiological human body part, the eye and its delicate function in the whole anatomical system. Though the eye is small, it but plays a tremendous role in every day activities of the whole anatomy system. The eye is to the body as the sun is to the whole universe in daytime or the lamp or candle in the night. (Clark 1831:94). Nor can the feet belly and the whole body direct you but the eye alone. The eye alone is enough to direct the body whether big or small (Calvin 1979:339). Thus without the body eye, the human body has problems of survival and stays for a short time and more care of it is needed. Theodore points out that the eye must be properly focused all the time. No man can really see more that one thing at time and the failure of the eye to see one thing means at least some defect of sight like astigmatism. The eye, which is selfish, cannot be properly focused (1928:55). The eye is described as the lamp or light of the whole anatomy system and its main purpose is to shine and give light to the whole body system. This means that without the eye man would not perform the required activities properly. We need to be reminded that the lamp needs oil to shine, just like the eye, which needs food (energy). Thus in the kingdom, we need Christ to shine in our lives with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the light and he who has Christ has the shinning light that will guide and lead him in the Christian walk.
THE EFFECTS OF BAD AND GOOD EYE VERSE 22&23
If your eyes are good your whole body will be full of light but if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. (Verse 22 –23).
Before we look into this verse in detail, it's important to see how other versions narrate it. The verse is explained as follows from different other versions of the Bible.KJV uses the words “single eye” and “ evil eye”, Moffat Bible Commentary, uses the words “ generous eye” and “selfish eye” while the NIV uses the word “good and bad eye”. In this verse, Christ is introducing area of contrast between, good eye and bad eye. The eye has to be either good or bad. The good eye is that one which is single or generous and produces full light “V. 22a”. This is the eye, which represents the good things (Carson 1994:84). This is the eye, which has banked treasures in heaven and the whole heart is in heaven. This is the eye with undivided focus and purpose and produces full light. A bad eye is that one which has something to do with bad things. This represents a man who bank treasures on earth and his whole heart is focused on the world not God. This is the eye with many areas of focus; as a result it fails to produce light. This is a hypocritical eye, which looks for the applause of men (Carson 1994:86). But there is a horrible darkness that Christ explains which comes from the hypocritical life of those who think they are great in the kingdom. Such are people who show off to be more spiritual but inside them is horrible darkness. It’s interesting that this is what has become of the present day church.
THE IMPOSSIBLE (TWO MASTERS) V. 24.
No man can sever two masters, either he will hate the one and love the other (24)
In this verse, Christ is introducing the concept of servant hood in the kingdom of God (serving one master). He says it's practically impossible to be dedicated to two masters. He is actually exposing the hypocrisy of those who work for God and for Satan at the same time. These were the Pharisees and Scribes who wanted recognition and applause from men. It’s important to know that the Jews believed in monotheism (serving one true God). This was their proverb that no man can save two masters, much less two gods, for their commandments will contradict or cross (Matthew H.1996: 65). In this case serving two masters contradicted the concept of single eye, good eye and generous eye where all the focus is directed to the one only God (verse 22&23). This explains the commitment and dedication, love interest and desire to serve one God alone. John Stott says that while men can work for two employers, no slave can be a property of two masters (1995:158)
…For either one will hate the one and love the other. Verse 24. Now Christ talks of the results of serving two masters in the kingdom. These are love and hate. The two are never together because the kingdom of God is about love. Thus, in the kingdom we are encouraged to love God, our neighbour and our enemies. But God want to share His glory with nobody else because He is a jealous God (II King 2, Isaiah 42:8). He always wants people to love Him and Him alone. Throughout the OT biblical history, the Israelites went through wars and disasters because of idolatry.
SERVE GOD OR MAMMON (MONEY). VERSE 24
You can not serve God or Money … Verse 24
Christ now winds up his teaching on the subject of treasures by emphasising that one cannot serve both God and Mammon (money) together. Mammon, according to Carson, is something in which someone puts all his confidence (1994:88). This is something that occupies the mind and whole heart of man. But according to Matthew Henry, mammon is Assyrian word that signifies gain (1996:66). With this definition, everything we value or put more confidence in is mammon and includes riches, price, job, children and many more.The problem is not with the materials one has, but the area of focus. This is where the heart is, according to the theory of the heart and treasures. Many Christians are lovers of money, which is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:10). Their focus has changed from God to the pleasures of the world because they have many areas of focus and are in horrible darkness. These are people who idolise money, which works contrary to the basic needs in the kingdom of God
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, there are three observations that have been made. Firstly, the text under study talks about the decision-making process in the kingdom of God. This has been explained throughout the text. In this case, it's important for Christians to make profitable decisions that will produce fruits in their walk with Christ. Secondly we also observed that there are results out of every decision taken, be it good or bad. Bad decision will produce negative results, while good decisions will produce positive results. Thus, we thank God that Christians can be partakers in the making of decision though the results of our decisions will follow us. Its exciting that this text is a powerful tool and guide to all Christians in their daily walk with the Lord, as they make several decisions pertaining to the kingdom of God. Finally we observed that the treasures could be anything that controls your heart. This means that it is not necessarily money as others may say. This is anything that takes all your heart focus.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexander M: Exposition of Holy Scripture, Hodder & Staughton, London
Baker K. 1994: Zondervan New Testament Bible Commentary. Vol. VII NIV
Zondervan publishing House, Grand Rapid, Michigan USA.
Carson DA. 1994: The Sermon on the Mount. An Exposition of Matthew 5-7
Carslisle cumria, UK
Clark 1831: Introduction to the Four Gospels, Matthew, and Mark
Luke and John. London.
Fredereck G. 1920: The Abingdon Bible Commentary, Abingdon Press
New York, USA.
George B. 1951: Interpreters Bible Commentary Vol. VII
Abingdon Press, New York, USA.
Guilich R. 1992: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew). Word Publishing House
London, Dallas, Vancuver (USA)
Henry M.1996: Henry Matthew Whole Bible Commentary
Hendrickson Publishing Inc. USA
John C. 1979: Harmony of the Evangelist, Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
Grand Rapid, Michigan USA
John M.1945: A Commentary, Critical, Experience and Practical
OT, New Testament, Won B. Eerdmans Pub. USA
John T. 1868: Commentary in Exposition (New Testament)
Richard & Dickson, Farreingdon Street. LONGON
John S.1995: The Message on the Sermon on the Mount. The Bible Speaks Today Series, Leicester, ENGLAND
Sykes R.H 1989: Matthew Presenting Jesus, Every day Publication Inc. USA
Robinson T. 1928: The Gospel of Matthew. Hazwel Watson & Vincy Ltd/
Oxford Dictionary, 1286
1 comment:
Mr. Jere, i would like to thank you for introducing this site. We really expect alot from you as you will cntinue posting the heart touching articles. Iam Owen Charles Chuma from Mzuzu University.
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