EGW WritingsMatthew 6
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 4
Read Matthew 6 in the BibleMatthew 6:1-34
Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1021—The Holy Spirit Transforms the Total Person—Body, Mind, and Spirit
13MR 154.1
It is important that all who are striving for perfection of character shall strive lawfully. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, the whole body shall be full of light” [Matthew 6:22]. This says, “thine eye,” not some other person’s eye. The rich experience that it is our privilege to have, we lose when we expect someone else to do our seeing for us, and guide us in our spiritual experience as if we were blind. We must have a single eye to God’s glory, a single and persistent purpose to leave self and the preferences of others out of the question, not asking, “If I take this course, shall I increase my personal possessions, or shall I decrease them?”13MR 155.1
“But if thine eye be evil” [Matthew 6:23], if you study selfish purposes, and work only to that end, the whole character is defective, the whole body is full of darkness. Such do not look to Jesus. They do not behold His character, and they are not changed into His image. The spiritual vision is defective, and the way from earth to heaven is darkened by the hellish shadow of Satan. So Satan is pleased to have it, for he can lead that person blindfolded to ruin.13MR 155.2
“If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” The conscience is the regulative faculty, and if a man allows his conscience to become perverted, he cannot serve God aright. His object in life shows to the world whether he is a Christian or in rebellion against God. His whole life is a failure. It is distorted and double, and all the faculties are misdirected. The profession may be all right, but the faith is perverted, and this is revealed by the practice, which misleads others. “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” [verse 24].13MR 155.3
I have given you the definition of the Word of God as presented to me in James 1:2-9 and Matthew 6. Please read both these chapters, for we need to study carefully and prayerfully the special directions there given.From Heaven With Love
Temptations Are Not Excuses
HLv 206.1
Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, the topmost round reaching heaven. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we, through taking His nature, might overcome. Made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God.HLv 207.3
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Do not think yourself better than other men and set yourself up as their judge. You cannot discern motive. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence on yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. See 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 8, 1873
2LtMs, Ms 8, 1873, par. 10
I spoke in the afternoon from the last verses of Matthew 6. I spoke upon God in nature. I had an attentive audience. My husband spoke at five o’clock, about thirty minutes. There were about two hundred from Sigourney that left on the six o’clock train. I spoke in the evening. There was some fear of rain, which led me to cut short my speaking.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 73, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 73, 1894, par. 2
About two hundred people were assembled in Mechanics’ Hall. They were a very nice class of people. I spoke to them from Matthew 6. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.” [Verse 19.] I read the remainder of the chapter and presented to them the dangers and the unbelief of our time and the necessity of walking by faith. All listened with profound attention. God gave His Holy Spirit and I praise His holy name.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 43a, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 1
Matthew, sixth chapter, commencing at the nineteenth verse: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Verses 19-21.]9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 5
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves”—you are working for yourselves, cooperating with God who has laid out the plan whereby you can work successfully through His grace for yourselves, to secure your own eternal happiness in the kingdom of glory—“Lay up for yourselves a treasure in the heavens, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Verses 19-21.]9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 9
What riches, what treasures, what love, are here revealed! It is impossible, yes, it is impossible to conceive of the love of God that is bestowed upon fallen humanity. Well, He tells you, “Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven.” [Matthew 6:20.] Will you do it? “Ye are,” says Jesus, “the light of the world,” if you become rich in heavenly treasure, in the knowledge of the true God. [Matthew 5:14.] You are to search for it, search that Book, the Word of God, and then you are to diffuse the knowledge that you have obtained to others. Impart the heavenly gift.9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 16
I will read a little farther. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single” (your discernment is of that character that it is single), “thy whole body shall be full of light.” [Matthew 6:22.] Do you think you will find men [there] that are smoking tobacco, introducing a poison into their system when nature makes the most tremendous effort to expel the intruder that it almost dies in the conflict? If that was the terms of eternal life you would think it was a very hard condition. But it is not, thank God. But who has instituted this? It is the devil that wants the brains of man. He wants to cobweb your faculties and your thinking forces, and he wants to send disease between the fluids and the solids of your body that you shall not have health, and that you shall be in the slavery of a perverted appetite, an appetite which has no foundation in nature, and the most difficult to break from because the enemy has woven his threads all about you to bind you to the habits which will ruin both soul and body.9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 21
“But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,” if you are not observing the truth of God’s Word above everything in the earth, and if you are not investing the talents that He has given you, put them out to the exchangers. Let light shine forth from you. The Master is going to require an account of you, and your whole body is full of darkness. You consume means on your body that ought to be given to the treasury of God, and you stand forth in your God-purchased nobility of character that is standing in the sight of God, written in the books of heaven as a man—a man that will overcome every pernicious habit and every pernicious practice. Now He says, “How great is that darkness.” [Matthew 6:23.]9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 23
Oh, I am so thankful for a Saviour! I am so thankful for One that is mighty in power, that will help in every emergency. “Lo,” He says, “I am with you to the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Well now, if we have Christ at our right hand to help us—how much can He help that man that is so devoted to the smoking of his pipe that he can think of nothing else? God help us to cleanse the soul temple of its impurity. God help us that we may give to God an offering that is untainted physically, mentally and morally. Well, “no man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.] You see, the problem is weighed with God, and He tells the result. He requires all there is of you.9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 25
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for the body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Matthew 6:25.] Should we not educate and train our children that to preserve health, to preserve themselves with a sound mind in a sound body, is of more consequence than the gratification of adornment, or the gratification of such a variety of food and such endless preparations for the table, the spices, the pickles, the condiments, the wine, the beer drinking, and the desserts? I want to know what is the necessity of all these things? The cook has no time to read her Bible.9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 37
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” Now just as though God that places you in this world could not carry you through this world. If you are diligent, if you are patient, if you try, if you do what is fitted for you to do, and are colaborers with God, He says, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature?” God works for you all the time. God Himself is taking care of you. “And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory” (could not be compared with one of these) “was not arrayed like one of these.” [Matthew 6:27-29.] He has been telling about raiment.9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 38
Now that God that puts the tints and the color upon all these things, can He not provide for us suitable clothing and comfortable clothing, neat and warm clothing? We need not practice extravagance. There are other ways for our clothing than that. Now He says, “Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” [Verses 29, 30.] Well now, why not trust Him who made the beautiful lilies of the valley?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 128, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 128, 1897, par. 6
It is important that all who are striving for perfection of character shall strive lawfully. “The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, the whole body shall be full of light.” [Matthew 6:22.] This says, “thine eye,” not some other person’s eye. The rich experience that it is our privilege to have, we lose when we expect some one else to do our seeing for us, and guide us in our spiritual experience as if we were blind. We must have a single eye to God’s glory, a single and persistent purpose to leave self and the preferences of others out of the question, not asking, “If I take this course, shall I increase my personal possessions, or shall I decrease them?”12LtMs, Lt 128, 1897, par. 9
“But if thine eye be evil,” if you study selfish purposes, and work only to that end, the whole character is defective, the whole body is full of darkness. [Matthew 6:23.] Such do not look to Jesus. They do not behold His character, and they are not changed into His image. The spiritual vision is defective, and the way from earth to heaven is darkened by the hellish shadow of Satan. So Satan is pleased to have it, for he can lead that person blindfolded to ruin.12LtMs, Lt 128, 1897, par. 10
“If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Verse 23.] The conscience is the regulative faculty, and if a man allows his conscience to become perverted, he cannot serve God aright. His object in life shows to the world whether he is a Christian or in rebellion against God. His whole life is a failure. It is distorted and double, and all the faculties are misdirected. The profession may be all right, but the faith is perverted, and this is revealed by the practice, which misleads others. “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Verse 24.]12LtMs, Lt 128, 1897, par. 11
I have given you the definition of the Word of God as presented to me in James 1:2-8 and Matthew 6. Please read both these chapters; for we need to study carefully and prayerfully the special directions there given.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 40, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15
The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 182, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 182, 1898, par. 59
There were forty-two present and they listened with most earnest attention. I had much freedom speaking to them from (Matthew 6): “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth,” etc. “Consider the lilies of the field how they grow,” etc. [Verses 19, 28.] Brother Herbert Lacey and his wife conducted the singing. We hope the little company of believers—who were mostly fisherman—and unbelievers, were hearing and receiving the seeds of truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 91, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 91, 1900, par. 16
We left Geelong Friday, March 23, at eight o’clock a.m., I having an appointment to speak to the church at North Fitzroy Sabbath afternoon. We had a good, intelligent congregation, and I spoke from (Matthew 6)—“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,” etc. [Verse 19.] That evening we were in Geelong. Sunday I spoke in the beautiful hall that is secured for meetings to follow up the efforts that shall be made to bind off the work begun at the camp meeting. The Lord is good. He gave me strength to speak to the people in this hall Sunday afternoon to about two hundred people. Brother Farnsworth spoke in the evening. I do not know; I will learn of the meeting.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 18, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 18, 1900, par. 1
We left Geelong, Friday, March 23, at eight o’clock a.m., I having an appointment to speak to the church at North Fitzroy Sabbath forenoon. We had a good, intelligent congregation, and I spoke from (Matthew 6)—“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,” etc. [Verse 19.] That evening we were in Geelong. Sunday I spoke in the beautiful hall that is secured for meetings, to follow up the efforts that shall be made to bind off the work begun at the camp meeting. The Lord is good. He gave me strength to speak to the people in this hall Sunday afternoon to about two hundred people. Brother Farnsworth spoke in the evening. I do not know [more]; I will learn of the meeting [later].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 53, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4
In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6
We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 46, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 8
Our work in the service of God is to co-operate with Him in restoring harmony between men and the Creator. By the grace of God, we are influenced to consecrate heart, soul, strength, and mind to the fulfilment of His purpose in the great plan of redemption. As consecrated human agencies, we are to work with all the intensity of our God-given powers and influence. We are to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the crucified Redeemer. This means that we are to receive His words and repeat them; not as our words, but as His words—words that emanate from Him and flow through us to those who are thirsting after righteousness. We are to bear to the world the Word of God as leaves from the tree of life. All earthly ambitions and projects are of secondary importance. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all of these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] The same Teacher who gave this instruction in the sermon on the mount instructed Moses, who, speaking of the commandments of the Lord, said, “Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God.” [Deuteronomy 12:28.]17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 9
In His sermon on the mount, Christ instructed the people concerning prayer. He told them that they were not to make their prayers a mere form or repetition of words, “When thou prayest,” He said, “enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which in in secret, and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward the openly.” [Matthew 6:6.] Every believer who offers such prayers to God will be rewarded openly. Blessing shall follow the earnest petition of the sincere Christian.17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 11
Especially do those who are engaged in active service for the Master need to pray with the earnestness of spiritual soul-hunger. “When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” [Matthew 6:7, 8.] Read the sixth chapter of Matthew until you can make a practical application of its meaning to yourself.17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 12
In this same Scripture the Lord’s prayer is given. Repeat this prayer every day. Open your hearts to Christ’s grace and power. Be assured that if you feel your need, the Author of the prayer will hear you as you pray: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” [Verses 9-13.]17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 13
After giving this prayer, the Saviour declared, “If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” In this Scripture a condition is enjoined: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” [Verses 14, 15.] This is a decided statement and should come home to every heart. It is a promise of forgiveness to those who forgive men their trespasses and a refusal of forgiveness to those who do not forgive men their trespasses.17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 14
The One in whom the Deity and humanity were united stood before the people and gave the instruction recorded in this Scripture. Who will hear His words? Continuing His discourse, He said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through, and steal; but lay up (mark the words) for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth not rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Verses 19-21.]17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 15
“The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” [Verse 22.] How important it is that every soul shall have clear, sanctified eyesight, to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood, selfishness and unselfishness, righteousness and idolatry. “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” [Verse 23.] It means very much to us individually whether our spiritual eyesight is clear and sanctified, or whether we have allowed the world to interpose between God and the soul’s eternal interest. Those who work in accordance with worldly theories and worldly policy cannot perceive the subtle working of Satan to becloud the spiritual discernment.17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 16
“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take not thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better that they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” [Verses 24-27.]17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 17
Then Christ gave the object lesson of the lily, to teach His children to trust in Him. “Why take ye (anxious) thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow (nder the watchful eye of the great Master-artist); they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Verses 28, 29.]17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 18
This illustration is a lesson on simplicity. If men and women professing to be in the service of Jesus Christ do not work with an eye single to God’s glory, they become confused and allow eternal interests to be eclipsed by things of minor importance. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” [Verse 30.]17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 19
This lesson is for every human being. It is not outward adornment that gives worth of character. God desires us to clothe ourselves in modest apparel. By devoting precious time to dress, we sacrifice golden opportunities for doing the work that He has given us to do. He wants us to receive the riches of the grace of the Holy Spirit and to have clear spiritual eyesight, that we may see the value of a meek and quiet spirit, rather than to seek to be arrayed in a worldly style of dress that to the unsanctified eye will appear attractive and beautiful. So He says: “Therefore take no (anxious) thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (for after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these (necessary) things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Verses 31-33.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 230, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 1
(Matthew 6:19): “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” (We have plenty of stealing going on in our world today, and there are a great many that have their treasures disturbed; but here is a place of safety. We can lay up our treasures beside the throne of God.) Well, you say, “How can we do that?”17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 19
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought (that is, anxious care) for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Matthew 6:22-25.]17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 22
I have been on the steamers, where they have their luncheon and meals how many times? Six times. I have eaten two meals a day for 35 years, and I have eaten no meat for many years; drank no coffee, no tea, and will not eat the pastries that are brought in little dishes upon the table. I eat the simple foods that can be created simply, that do not make slaves in our homes. Many a mother is dying by the slavery of cooking. Now, we want to understand that there is something else to think of. “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought (anxious thought, it is) for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Verse 25.]17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 24
“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” [Verses 26, 27.] That is a wonderful question brought in there.17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 25
“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field”—here are some flowers, they are not lilies—“how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Verses 28, 29.]17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 34
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.” [Matthew 6:28.] That is what we want to do. Educate your children; take them out to look at the flowers. What does it mean? Every bud, and every opening flower, is an expression of the love of God to human beings if they will notice it; and God wants us to appreciate His artistic skill. He is the great Master Artist that has put the coloring on the flowers. He has made them very beautiful; and if you could see them under a glass, you would see the most beautiful things.17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 56
Well, now, I have much more to say on this point at some other time; but I have thrown out a few ideas for you, and I will read a verse here in this same chapter, and then I will not hold you longer: Matthew 6:28.17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 59
Now, fathers; now, mothers; the very first thing in the morning, seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Offer your prayers to the Lord. Seek the Lord; seek His blessing when you go out, and when you come in, and let the Spirit of heaven come into your household, and love God, and fear Him, “and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6] verses 33, 34.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 34, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 9
All should study carefully the prayer given by Christ in the sixth chapter of Matthew. This prayer is just as valuable to Christ’s followers in these last days of earth’s history as it was to His disciples at that time.18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 10
“Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” [Verses 9-13.]18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 13
“Our Father which art in heaven.” [Verse 9.] As adopted children, we have a right to ask our Father for the things that we need. I wish that we could all understand the value that there is in an acknowledgement of our relationship and our loyalty to Him whom we claim as “Our Father.” Before we enter upon our daily work we should draw near to God, to talk with Him whom we reverence and love, and to pray not only for ourselves, but for others. The Lord is well pleased when we come to Him in full confidence, asking for grace to overcome the world. He will not be to us as an offended Judge, but as a loving gracious Father. God has not told us to pray to saints or to angels. He alone is the Author and Finisher of our faith.18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 15
“Hallowed be Thy name.” [Matthew 6:9.] Many corruptions had crept into the religious service of the Jewish people. Among the scribes and Pharisees, prayer had become a round of self-praise, a proclamation of their own righteousness. Instead of worshiping God, they glorified themselves. They prayed to be seen and heard of men. God would have us seek for those things that will honor His name. In no case are we to glorify ourselves; we should seek God for grace and spiritual blessings, that we may glorify His name in our characters. God is glorified, His name is hallowed, when His children give in their lives a representation of Christ’s character.18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 16
“Thy kingdom come.” [Verse 10.] Christ sent His disciples forth with the message, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” [Matthew 10:7.] John the Baptist had given this message, and today the proclamation of this message is our work. When this gospel shall be preached in all the world, then shall the end come. Upon all who receive and believe in Christ rests a great responsibility. All are to work for the enlargement of His church on earth. Let us hold up before the world the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] This will hasten the coming of our Lord and Saviour.18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 18
“Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] The offering of this prayer lays upon us the responsibility of striving daily to be obedient subjects of His kingdom. Every one who professes to be His child should life in harmony with the rule of His government.18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 21
“Give us this day our daily bread.” [Verse 11.] Food is essential to life. “Feed me with food convenient for me,” said Solomon, “lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” [Proverbs 30:8, 9.]18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 22
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” [Matthew 6:12, 14, 15.]18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 24
“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.” [Verse 13.] In this prayer are found no vain repetitions, no swelling words of vanity. To God is ascribed all the glory.18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 25
“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, and call ye upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] This shows us that we must “seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] Then we must enlarge our desires, and be ready to receive the blessing which God will bestow upon those who seek Him with the whole heart, in sincerity and truth. We must keep the heart open, that the grace of Christ may enter.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 91, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15
Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 177, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 177, 1905, par. 12
I cannot sleep after twelve o’clock. A large congregation was before me. I was speaking in regard to the work to be done in our churches. We must encourage them to cultivate genuine trust in Jesus Christ. These days are days of peril and of real trials, but we must bear them right loyally. I will not fail nor be discouraged. Judge not. Matthew 6. Christ gives His disciples a form of prayer; wonderful, it is, in its simplicity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 104, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 104, 1907, par. 3
Let not those who have made pledges to carry on the work of God repent of their vows and withhold that which they have given. Those who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of annulling a pledge that has been made to God are assuming to do that for which they will not care to account in the day of final reckoning. The counsel of men who would at this time advise that means be withheld from the cause of God and invested in other enterprises should be rejected; for the Lord says to you, “Lay up your treasure in heaven.” [Matthew 6:20.] “Invest your means to advance My work, to open new fields, that the light of present truth may shine to all parts of the world.”22LtMs, Lt 104, 1907, par. 7
Why is it that so very few in our churches have a genuine desire to practice the self-denial that Christ practiced? Study the sixth chapter of Matthew. I am bidden to give this warning, “In such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 220, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 220, 1907, par. 10
I was absent from home for nearly six seeks on my visit to Southern California. On Sabbath, May 18, the members of several churches gathered at Loma Linda, and we held meetings under the pepper trees on the lawn at the back of the sanitarium. In the forenoon I spoke for one hour, and the Lord helped me wonderfully. I spoke from the sixth chapter of Matthew, dwelling particularly on verses nineteen to twenty-one:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 137, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 137, 1908, par. 11
Read with most earnest interest the sixth chapter of Matthew. Matthew 6:26, 33.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 15, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 15, 1912, par. 1
After reading the sixth chapter of Matthew, Sister White said:25LtMs, Ms 15, 1912, par. 5
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no (anxious) thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or, what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Matthew 6:25.] While you do your best, weary not your body and mind with the cares of this life; do not spoil your religious experience by worry; but trust the Lord to work for you and to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. “The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.” [Luke 12:23.]25LtMs, Ms 15, 1912, par. 16
Have you determined to be rich? Then let these words recorded in the sixth chapter of Matthew impress your heart and direct your life. They will teach you to be content and to yield your will to the control of the Holy Spirit. You will not then be elbowing your fellow worker, that you may make room for your plans. But your greatest desire will be to work in just the place that God has assigned you, and where He can look upon you with approval.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
DA 298.1
Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. He did not choose for His audience those only who knew the way of life. It was His work to reach the multitudes who were in ignorance and error. He gave His lessons of truth where they could reach the darkened understanding. He Himself was the Truth, standing with girded loins and hands ever outstretched to bless, and in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come unto Him.DA 298.2
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples, was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of the apostles, Jesus went with them to the seaside. Here in the early morning the people had begun to assemble. Besides the usual crowds from the Galilean towns, there were people from Judea, and even from Jerusalem itself; from Perea, from Decapolis, from Idumea, away to the south of Judea; and from Tyre and Sidon, the Phoenician cities on the shore of the Mediterranean. “When they had heard what great things He did,” they “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases: ... there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all.” Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17-19.DA 298.3
The narrow beach did not afford even standing room within reach of His voice for all who desired to hear Him, and Jesus led the way back to the mountainside. Reaching a level space that offered a pleasant gathering place for the vast assembly, He seated Himself on the grass, and the disciples and the multitude followed His example.DA 299.1
The disciples’ place was always next to Jesus. The people constantly pressed upon Him, yet the disciples understood that they were not to be crowded away from His presence. They sat close beside Him, that they might not lose a word of His instruction. They were attentive listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to make known to all lands and all ages.DA 299.2
With a feeling that something more than usual might be expected, they now pressed about their Master. They believed that the kingdom was soon to be established, and from the events of the morning they gathered assurance that some announcement concerning it was about to be made. A feeling of expectancy pervaded the multitude also, and eager faces gave evidence of the deep interest. As the people sat upon the green hillside, awaiting the words of the divine Teacher, their hearts were filled with thoughts of future glory. There were scribes and Pharisees who looked forward to the day when they should have dominion over the hated Romans, and possess the riches and splendor of the world’s great empire. The poor peasants and fishermen hoped to hear the assurance that their wretched hovels, the scanty food, the life of toil, and fear of want were to be exchanged for mansions of plenty and days of ease. In place of the one coarse garment which was their covering by day, and their blanket at night, they hoped that Christ would give them the rich and costly robes of their conquerors. All hearts thrilled with the proud hope that Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as the chosen of the Lord, and Jerusalem exalted as the head of a universal kingdom.DA 299.3
Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.DA 299.4
Christ’s first words to the people on the mount were words of blessing. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing, is it revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit.DA 300.1
The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15.DA 300.2
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” By these words Christ does not teach that mourning in itself has power to remove the guilt of sin. He gives no sanction to pretense or to voluntary humility. The mourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. While we sorrow on account of sin, we are to rejoice in the precious privilege of being children of God.DA 300.3
We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but this is not repentance. Real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin.DA 300.4
The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the penitent to the Infinite One with links that cannot be broken. It shows that the angels of God are bringing back to the soul the graces that were lost through hardness of heart and transgression. The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;” “and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12. “Unto them that mourn in Zion,” He has appointed to give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3.DA 301.1
And for those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort. The bitterness of grief and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin. Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults. Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and the counsel of God. When brought into trial, we are not to fret and complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. We are to humble the soul before God. The ways of the Lord are obscure to him who desires to see things in a light pleasing to himself. They appear dark and joyless to our human nature. But God’s ways are ways of mercy and the end is salvation. Elijah knew not what he was doing when in the desert he said that he had had enough of life, and prayed that he might die. The Lord in His mercy did not take him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude in the wilderness. Not for him the descent into the dust of death, but the ascent in glory, with the convoy of celestial chariots, to the throne on high.DA 301.2
God’s word for the sorrowing is, “I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.” “I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” Isaiah 57:18; Jeremiah 31:13.DA 301.3
“Blessed are the meek.” The difficulties we have to encounter may be very much lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ. If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ; it is the token of their connection with the courts above.DA 301.4
“Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly.” Psalm 138:6. Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regarded by God. They may be looked upon with scorn by the world, but they are of great value in His sight. Not only the wise, the great, the beneficent, will gain a passport to the heavenly courts; not only the busy worker, full of zeal and restless activity. No; the poor in spirit, who crave the presence of an abiding Christ, the humble in heart, whose highest ambition is to do God’s will,—these will gain an abundant entrance. They will be among that number who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” Revelation 7:15.DA 302.1
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this desire will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.”DA 302.2
The merciful shall find mercy, and the pure in heart shall see God. Every impure thought defiles the soul, impairs the moral sense, and tends to obliterate the impressions of the Holy Spirit. It dims the spiritual vision, so that men cannot behold God. The Lord may and does forgive the repenting sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred. All impurity of speech or of thought must be shunned by him who would have clear discernment of spiritual truth.DA 302.3
But the words of Christ cover more than freedom from sensual impurity, more than freedom from that ceremonial defilement which the Jews so rigorously shunned. Selfishness prevents us from beholding God. The self-seeking spirit judges of God as altogether such a one as itself. Until we have renounced this, we cannot understand Him who is love. Only the unselfish heart, the humble and trustful spirit, shall see God as “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6.DA 302.4
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God. The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one another. But the psalmist declares, “Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165. Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension. “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;” and life’s desert “shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 55:13; 35:1.DA 305.1
The multitudes were amazed at this teaching, which was so at variance with the precepts and example of the Pharisees. The people had come to think that happiness consisted in the possession of the things of this world, and that fame and the honor of men were much to be coveted. It was very pleasing to be called “Rabbi,” and to be extolled as wise and religious, having their virtues paraded before the public. This was regarded as the crown of happiness. But in the presence of that vast throng, Jesus declared that earthly gain and honor were all the reward such persons would ever receive. He spoke with certainty, and a convincing power attended His words. The people were silenced, and a feeling of fear crept over them. They looked at one another doubtfully. Who of them would be saved if this Man’s teachings were true? Many were convicted that this remarkable Teacher was actuated by the Spirit of God, and that the sentiments He uttered were divine.DA 305.2
After explaining what constitutes true happiness, and how it may be obtained, Jesus more definitely pointed out the duty of His disciples, as teachers chosen of God to lead others into the path of righteousness and eternal life. He knew that they would often suffer from disappointment and discouragement, that they would meet with decided opposition, that they would be insulted, and their testimony rejected. Well He knew that in the fulfillment of their mission, the humble men who listened so attentively to His words were to bear calumny, torture, imprisonment, and death, and He continued:DA 305.3
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”DA 306.1
The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.DA 306.2
Thus strife is created, and Christ’s followers are accused as troublers of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world’s enmity. They are bearing the reproach of Christ. They are treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the earth. Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution. Each fiery trial is God’s agent for their refining. Each is fitting them for their work as colaborers with Him. Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness, and each will add to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith and patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided. Anxious to fulfill their obligation to the world, fixing their desire upon the approval of God, His servants are to fulfill every duty, irrespective of the fear or the favor of men.DA 306.3
“Ye are the salt of the earth,” Jesus said. Do not withdraw yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among men, that the savor of the divine love may be as salt to preserve the world from corruption.DA 306.4
Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channels through which God’s blessing flows. Were those who serve God removed from the earth, and His Spirit withdrawn from among men, this world would be left to desolation and destruction, the fruit of Satan’s dominion. Though the wicked know it not, they owe even the blessings of this life to the presence, in the world, of God’s people whom they despise and oppress. But if Christians are such in name only, they are like the salt that has lost its savor. They have no influence for good in the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers.DA 306.5
“Ye are the light of the world.” The Jews thought to confine the benefits of salvation to their own nation; but Christ showed them that salvation is like the sunshine. It belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then to be carefully laid aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself in every business transaction and in all our social relations.DA 307.1
True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,—these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world.DA 307.2
Jesus had not dwelt on the specifications of the law, but He did not leave His hearers to conclude that He had come to set aside its requirements. He knew that spies stood ready to seize upon every word that might be wrested to serve their purpose. He knew the prejudice that existed in the minds of many of His hearers, and He said nothing to unsettle their faith in the religion and institutions that had been committed to them through Moses. Christ Himself had given both the moral and the ceremonial law. He did not come to destroy confidence in His own instruction. It was because of His great reverence for the law and the prophets that He sought to break through the wall of traditional requirements which hemmed in the Jews. While He set aside their false interpretations of the law, He carefully guarded His disciples against yielding up the vital truths committed to the Hebrews.DA 307.3
The Pharisees prided themselves on their obedience to the law; yet they knew so little of its principles through everyday practice that to them the Saviour’s words sounded like heresy. As He swept away the rubbish under which the truth had been buried, they thought He was sweeping away the truth itself. They whispered to one another that He was making light of the law. He read their thoughts, and answered them, saying,—DA 307.4
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” Here Jesus refutes the charge of the Pharisees. His mission to the world is to vindicate the sacred claims of that law which they charge Him with breaking. If the law of God could have been changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have suffered the consequences of our transgression. He came to explain the relation of the law to man, and to illustrate its precepts by His own life of obedience.DA 308.1
God has given us His holy precepts, because He loves mankind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He reveals the principles of righteousness. The law is an expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy. When at Jesus’ birth the angels sang,— “Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14),they were declaring the principles of the law which He had come to magnify and make honorable.
DA 308.2
When the law was proclaimed from Sinai, God made known to men the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of their own. The law was given to convict them of sin, and reveal their need of a Saviour. It would do this as its principles were applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. This work it is still to do. In the life of Christ the principles of the law are made plain; and as the Holy Spirit of God touches the heart, as the light of Christ reveals to men their need of His cleansing blood and His justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7.DA 308.3
“Till heaven and earth pass,” said Jesus, “one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” The sun shining in the heavens, the solid earth upon which you dwell, are God’s witnesses that His law is changeless and eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17. The system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death; but the precepts of the Decalogue are as immutable as the throne of God.DA 308.4
Since “the law of the Lord is perfect,” every variation from it must be evil. Those who disobey the commandments of God, and teach others to do so, are condemned by Christ. The Saviour’s life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. All who obey as He did are likewise declaring that the law is “holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12. On the other hand, all who break God’s commandments are sustaining Satan’s claim that the law is unjust, and cannot be obeyed. Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary, and cast dishonor upon God. They are the children of the wicked one, who was the first rebel against God’s law. To admit them into heaven would again bring in the elements of discord and rebellion, and imperil the well-being of the universe. No man who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven.DA 309.1
The rabbis counted their righteousness a passport to heaven; but Jesus declared it to be insufficient and unworthy. External ceremonies and a theoretical knowledge of truth constituted Pharisaical righteousness. The rabbis claimed to be holy through their own efforts in keeping the law; but their works had divorced righteousness from religion. While they were punctilious in ritual observances, their lives were immoral and debased. Their so-called righteousness could never enter the kingdom of heaven.DA 309.2
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory.DA 309.3
The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world.DA 310.1
The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God and maintain a vital connection with Him. Then true godliness will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life. Then the external forms of religion accord with the Christian’s internal purity. Then the ceremonies required in the service of God are not meaningless rites, like those of the hypocritical Pharisees.DA 310.2
Jesus takes up the commandments separately, and explains the depth and breadth of their requirement. Instead of removing one jot of their force, He shows how far-reaching their principles are, and exposes the fatal mistake of the Jews in their outward show of obedience. He declares that by the evil thought or the lustful look the law of God is transgressed. One who becomes a party to the least injustice is breaking the law and degrading his own moral nature. Murder first exists in the mind. He who gives hatred a place in his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer, and his offerings are abhorrent to God.DA 310.3
The Jews cultivated a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the Romans they gave utterance to hard denunciations, and pleased the wicked one by manifesting his attributes. Thus they were training themselves to do the terrible deeds to which he led them on. In the religious life of the Pharisees there was nothing to recommend piety to the Gentiles. Jesus bade them not to deceive themselves with the thought that they could in heart rise up against their oppressors, and cherish the longing to avenge their wrongs.DA 310.4
It is true there is an indignation that is justifiable, even in the followers of Christ. When they see that God is dishonored, and His service brought into disrepute, when they see the innocent oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger, born of sensitive morals, is not a sin. But those who at any supposed provocation feel at liberty to indulge anger or resentment are opening the heart to Satan. Bitterness and animosity must be banished from the soul if we would be in harmony with heaven.DA 310.5
The Saviour goes farther than this. He says, “If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Many are zealous in religious services, while between them and their brethren are unhappy differences which they might reconcile. God requires them to do all in their power to restore harmony. Until they do this, He cannot accept their services. The Christian’s duty in this matter is clearly pointed out.DA 311.1
God pours His blessings upon all. “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” He is “kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35. He bids us to be like Him. “Bless them that curse you,” said Jesus; “do good to them that hate you, ... that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” These are the principles of the law, and they are the wellsprings of life.DA 311.2
God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.DA 311.3
The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.DA 311.4
The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Lord says of those who believe in Him, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16.DA 311.5
Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, and the topmost round reaching to the gate of heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. Made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our “Father which is in heaven is perfect.”DA 312.1
Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists, and had pointed to God as its source. Now He turned to practical duties. In almsgiving, in prayer, in fasting, He said, let nothing be done to attract attention or win praise to self. Give in sincerity, for the benefit of the suffering poor. In prayer, let the soul commune with God. In fasting, go not with the head bowed down, and heart filled with thoughts of self. The heart of the Pharisee is a barren and profitless soil, in which no seeds of divine life can flourish. It is he who yields himself most unreservedly to God that will render Him the most acceptable service. For through fellowship with God men become workers together with Him in presenting His character in humanity.DA 312.2
The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. “Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.” By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ’s joy, the joy of being a blessing to humanity. They have the honor of being accepted for the Master’s use; they are trusted to do His work in His name.DA 312.3
“No man can serve two masters.” We cannot serve God with a divided heart. Bible religion is not one influence among many others; its influence is to be supreme, pervading and controlling every other. It is not to be like a dash of color brushed here and there upon the canvas, but it is to pervade the whole life, as if the canvas were dipped into the color, until every thread of the fabric were dyed a deep, unfading hue.DA 312.4
“If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” Purity and steadfastness of purpose are the conditions of receiving light from God. He who desires to know the truth must be willing to accept all that it reveals. He can make no compromise with error. To be wavering and halfhearted in allegiance to truth is to choose the darkness of error and satanic delusion.DA 313.1
Worldly policy and the undeviating principles of righteousness do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors of the rainbow. Between the two a broad, clear line is drawn by the eternal God. The likeness of Christ stands out as distinct from that of Satan as midday in contrast with midnight. And only those who live the life of Christ are His co-workers. If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness.DA 313.2
All who have chosen God’s service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, to the flowers of the field, and bade His hearers consider these objects of God’s creation. “Are not ye of much more value than they?” He said. Matthew 6:26, R. V. The measure of divine attention bestowed on any object is proportionate to its rank in the scale of being. The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence. The flowers of the field, the grass that carpets the earth, share the notice and care of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character.DA 313.3
All who choose Christ’s kingdom of love and righteousness and peace, making its interest paramount to all other, are linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this life is theirs. In the book of God’s providence, the volume of life, we are each given a page. That page contains every particular of our history; even the hairs of the head are numbered. God’s children are never absent from His mind.DA 313.4
“Be not therefore anxious for the morrow.” Matthew 6:34, R. V. We are to follow Christ day by day. God does not bestow help for tomorrow. He does not give His children all the directions for their life journey at once, lest they should become confused. He tells them just as much as they can remember and perform. The strength and wisdom imparted are for the present emergency. “If any of you lack wisdom,”—for today,—“let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5.DA 314.1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Do not think yourself better than other men, and set yourself up as their judge. Since you cannot discern motive, you are incapable of judging another. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence upon yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. The Lord says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” This is our work. “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31.DA 314.2
The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ.DA 314.3
Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom, and showed them to be the great rule of life. To impress the lesson He adds an illustration. It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words. By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character. Self is but shifting sand. If you build upon human theories and inventions, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation, the tempests of trial, it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words.DA 314.4
“Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25, R.V.Loma Linda Messages
An Appeal for Unity (Ms 15, 1912)
LLM 601.4
You may ask “Why does Sister White read all this? (Matthew 6) I answer, “because there are lessons here that we have not yet learned.” God wants us to recognize every gift we receive as coming from Him. When we do this, and gratitude for the goodness of God fills our hearts, a heavenly atmosphere will surround the soul. My brethren and sisters, shall we not strive to order our lives by the truth of God as it is found in His word? We need to be more diligent in the study of the Scriptures. They must be to us, not a make-believe story, but the truth of the living God, the foundation of our faith, the assurance on which we build our hope of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.LLM 604.2
Have you determined to be rich? Then let these words recorded in the sixth chapter of Matthew impress your heart and direct your life. They will teach you to be content, and to yield your will to the control of the Holy Spirit. You will not then be elbowing your fellow-workers that you may make room for your plans. But your greatest desire will be to work in just the place that God assigned you, and where He can look upon you with approval. Shall we not come into right relation to God? Shall we not put away all strife, which is a manifestation of unconverted self? When you feel sore because you think that somebody else is getting ahead of you, take the matter to the Father in prayer. Ask Him to put the impress of His Spirit upon your mind and character. When you feel like complaining at your lot, look about you for some soul who does not have all the blessings that you enjoy. Speak to him words of hope and comfort and encouragement. Such ministry will be a blessing to him, and a greater blessing to yourself. We need to reach the place where as a people we shall reveal in word and work that the Spirit of God is dwelling within; that we are overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. It is our privilege to make the battle of life easier for those with whom we associate. Shall we not endeavor to do this? If we will partake of Christ’s labors for the uplifting and redemption of souls, we shall hear His words of benediction, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters
Talk to Students and Helpers, Mrs. E.G. White in Chapel, April 16, 1912
PC 176.1
Matthew 6. “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” Now there is a point we want to mark of these points: that if we expect that which Heaven is ready to bestow upon us, we must comply with the condition. “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Now we want to understand every word, for it belongs just as much to this company as in the days when Christ was upon the earth to speak the words that he spoke.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
HLv 198.1
Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. It was His work to reach the multitudes, in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come to Him.HLv 198.2
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples, was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of the apostles, Jesus went to the seaside. In the early morning people had begun to assemble. “When they had heard what great things He did,” they “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases; ... there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all.” Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17-19.HLv 198.3
The narrow beach did not afford even standing room, and Jesus led the way back to the mountainside. Reaching a level space that offered a pleasant gathering place, He seated Himself on the grass, and the disciples and the multitude followed His example.HLv 198.4
The disciples sat close beside Him, eager to understand the truths they were to make known to all lands and all ages. They believed that the kingdom was soon to be established.HLv 198.5
A feeling of expectancy pervaded the multitude also. As the people sat on the green hillside, their hearts were filled with thoughts of future glory. Scribes and Pharisees looked forward to the day when they should have dominion over the hated Romans and possess the riches and splendor of the world’s great empire. Poor peasants and fishermen hoped to hear that their wretched hovels, scanty food, and fear of want were to be exchanged for mansions and ease. They hoped that Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as the chosen of the Lord, and Jerusalem exalted as the head of a universal kingdom.HLv 199.1
In the Sermon on the Mount Christ sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty and feel their need of redemption. Not to the spiritually proud is the gospel revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite.HLv 199.2
The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. See Isaiah 57:15.HLv 199.3
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” The mourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences, but real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look on Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for sins that have brought anguish on Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin. This sorrow binds the penitent to the Infinite One. The tears of the penitent are the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness, heralding a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. See Jeremiah 3:12, 13; Isaiah 61:3.HLv 200.1
For those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort. Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome. Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and counsel of God. When in trial, we should not rebel or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. The ways of the Lord appear dark and joyless to our human nature. But God’s ways are ways of mercy, and the end is salvation.HLv 200.2
God’s word for the sorrowing is, “I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them.” Jeremiah 31:13.HLv 200.3
“Blessed are the meek.” The difficulties we encounter may be much lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ. If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above slights, rebuffs, and annoyances. They will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. He who under abuse fails to maintain a calm spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ.HLv 200.4
Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ may be looked on with scorn by the world, but they are of great value in God’s sight. The poor in spirit, the humble in heart, whose highest ambition is to do God’s will—these will be among that number who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.HLv 200.5
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger for righteousness. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. Love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness.HLv 201.1
The merciful shall find mercy, and the pure in heart shall see God. Every impure thought impairs the moral sense and tends to obliterate the impressions of the Holy Spirit. The Lord may and does forgive the repenting sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred. All impurity of speech or thought must be shunned by him who would have clear discernment of spiritual truth.HLv 201.2
But the words of Christ cover more than freedom from sensual impurity, more than freedom from that ceremonial defilement which the Jews so rigorously shunned. Selfishness prevents us from beholding God. Until we have renounced self-seeking, we cannot understand Him who is love. Only the unselfish heart, the humble and trustful spirit, shall see God as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6.HLv 201.3
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker. As a result they are at enmity with one another. Human plans will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension.HLv 201.4
The people had come to think that happiness consisted in the possession of the things of this world, and that fame and honor were to be coveted. It was very pleasing to be called “Rabbi” and to be extolled as wise and religious. But Jesus declared that earthly honor was all such persons would ever receive. A convincing power attended His words. Many were convinced that this remarkable Teacher was actuated by the Spirit of God.HLv 201.5
After explaining how true happiness may be obtained, Jesus pointed out the duty of His disciples. He knew that they would often be insulted, and their testimony rejected. The humble men who listened to His words were to bear calumny, torture, imprisonment, and death, and He continued:HLv 202.1
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”HLv 202.2
The world loves sin and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. Those who yield to the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves; those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.HLv 202.3
Thus Christ’s followers are accused as troublers of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world’s enmity. They are treading the path trodden by the noblest of earth. Each fiery trial is God’s agent for their refining. Each conflict will add to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded.HLv 202.4
“Ye are the salt of the earth.” Do not withdraw yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among men, that the savor of divine love may be as salt to preserve the world from corruption. If those who serve God were removed from the earth, this world would be left to destruction. The wicked owe even the blessings of this life to the presence in the world of God’s people whom they despise and oppress. But if Christians are such in name only, they are like salt that has lost its savor. Through misrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers.HLv 202.5
“Ye are the light of the world.” Salvation is like sunshine; it belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is to sanctify the daily life and manifest itself in all our social relations. The principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our hearts. The consistent life, the unswerving integrity, the benevolent spirit, the godly example—these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world.HLv 203.1
Jesus knew that spies stood ready to seize every word that might be wrested to serve their purpose. He said nothing to unsettle faith in the institutions committed through Moses. Christ Himself had given both the moral and the ceremonial law. He did not come to destroy confidence in His own instruction. While He set aside false interpretations of the law, He carefully guarded against yielding up the vital truths committed to the Hebrews.HLv 203.2
To the Pharisees the Saviour’s words sounded like heresy. As He swept away the rubbish under which truth had been buried, they thought He was sweeping away the truth itself. He read their thoughts, and answered them, saying, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” His mission was to vindicate the sacred claims of that law which they charged Him with breaking. If the law of God could have been changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have suffered the consequences of our transgression. He came to explain the relation of the law to man, and to illustrate its precepts by His life of obedience.HLv 203.3
God loves mankind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He has revealed the principles of righteousness. When the law is received in Christ, it lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy.HLv 203.4
At Sinai, God made known to men the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of their own. The law was given to convict them of sin, and reveal their need of a Saviour. This work it is still to do. As the Holy Spirit reveals to men their need of Christ’s cleansing blood and justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7.HLv 204.1
“Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” The sun shining, and the solid earth are God’s witnesses that His law is eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. The system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death, but the Decalogue is as immutable as the throne of God.HLv 204.2
The Saviour’s life of obedience proved that the law could be kept in humanity and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. On the other hand, all who break God’s commandments sustain Satan’s claim that the law cannot be obeyed. To admit them to heaven would again bring in discord and rebellion, and imperil the well-being of the universe. No one who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven.HLv 204.3
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness.HLv 204.4
A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The Pharisees thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory. Many profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world.HLv 205.1
Jesus took up the commandments separately and showed how far-reaching their principles are. He declared that by the evil thought or lustful look the law of God is transgressed. The least injustice is breaking the law. He who gives hatred a place in his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer.HLv 205.2
The Jews cultivated a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the Romans they gave utterance to hard denunciations, training themselves to do terrible deeds. There is an indignation that is justifiable, even in the followers of Christ. When they see God dishonored and the innocent oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger is not sin. But bitterness and animosity must be banished from the soul if we would be in harmony with heaven.HLv 205.3
God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye, therefore, perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.HLv 205.4
Satan’s temptations are not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.HLv 205.5
As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their lives. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours.HLv 206.2
We are to be perfect, even as our “Father which is in heaven is perfect.”HLv 206.3
Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists and had pointed to God as its source. Now He turned to practical duties. Let nothing be done to attract attention or win praise to self. Give in sincerity, for the benefit of the suffering poor. In prayer, commune with God. In fasting, go not with the heart filled with thoughts of self.HLv 206.4
Service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. “Thy Father which seeth in secret will reward thee openly.” By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. Men and women who walk and work with God are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun.HLv 206.5
“No man can serve two masters.” Bible religion is not one influence among many others; it is to pervade the whole life.HLv 206.6
“If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body will be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” He who desires to know the truth must be willing to accept all that it reveals. To be wavering and halfhearted in allegiance to truth is to choose error and satanic delusion.HLv 206.7
Worldly policy and the principles of righteousness do not blend into each other, like the colors of the rainbow. Between the two a clear line is drawn by God. The likeness of Christ stands out as distinct from that of Satan, as midday in contrast with midnight. And only those who live the life of Christ are His coworkers.HLv 207.1
All who have chosen God’s service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, and to the flowers of the field, and asked: “Are you not of more value than they?” RSV. The little brown sparrow is watched over. The flowers, the grass, share the notice of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their delicate tints, so God imparts to the soul the beauty of His own character.HLv 207.2
In the book of God’s providence, the volume of life, we are each given a page. That page contains every particular of our history. God’s children are never absent from His mind. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow.” RSV. God does not give His children all the directions for their life journey at once. He tells them just as much as they can remember and perform. Strength and wisdom imparted are for the present emergency.HLv 207.4
The good tree will produce good fruit. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work done through grace.HLv 208.1
Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom. To impress the lesson, He added an illustration. It is not enough, He says, to hear My words; by obedience, you must make them the foundation of your character. If you build on human theories, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation and trial it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words.HLv 208.2
“Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” RSV.Matthew 6:2-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 40, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 40, 1891, par. 14
The Lord would have you cut the cords that bind you to worldlings, that you may unite with Christ and your brethren, and you will be an altogether different man in Christ Jesus. Jesus has said, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.] The follower of Jesus must know what it is to have heart fellowship with his Saviour. Christ’s servants are to deny self and follow their Lord. Christ will accept no half-hearted service. We must be thorough disciples or nothing. In His work while upon earth, He sifted His disciples, and from the multitudes that followed Him, eleven men and a few faithful women were found to lay the foundation of the Christian church. It is better to have a few humble, devoted Christians who will stand faithfully at their post of duty, engaged together in the work for man’s salvation, than to have many men of brilliant talent and with great knowledge of the mechanical workings of an institution, who have no connection with the God of wisdom. Christ has said, “He that is not with me is against me.” [Matthew 12:30.]7LtMs, Lt 40, 1891, par. 32
The question now to be decided is, Shall the will of Christ be done in this institution, or the will of finite, fallible man be supreme? Each one has personal work to do in overcoming his faults of character and in helping others to overcome, following the directions of the Bible. This is the right kind of missionary work. Some have faults of one character, some have faults of another character, for we are not all alike. Some carry their faults with them from childhood to manhood, from manhood to old age; some never even see the grievous nature of their defects of spirit and character. They reveal the same spirit in old age which they had in youth, and are proud, passionate and sensual. Others are ambitious and desire the esteem of men, wishing to be regarded as of great importance, that they may receive the praise of men. Of this class the Lord says, “Verily, they have their reward.” [Matthew 6:2.] All the praise they will ever hear will be given them by men, unless they humble themselves, and become in true genuine simplicity as little children. No one can enter heaven with hardness of heart. Some are selfish, full of errors, and yet they are ever seeking to make the errors of others prominent as though themselves were guiltless.Matthew 6:3-23
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 22, 1872
2LtMs, Lt 22, 1872, par. 23
Said the Saviour, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, the whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, they whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22, 23.2LtMs, Lt 22, 1872, par. 37
Nobleness of character will be seen in humbleness of mind, sorrow and repentance for sin and wrong. Meekness and lowliness of heart are not the evidence of weakness of mind, but are evidences of a tender heart and are the qualifications for strength and victory. Christ, the Majesty of heaven, says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit (not the haughty and the defiant): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn (not those who have a vindictive spirit): for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 6:3-5.Matthew 6:4
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 46, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 46, 1900, par. 33
“Thy Father that seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” [Matthew 6:4.] By looking away from yourself to Jesus, you will become assimilated to His image. By beholding you will become changed. Your characteristics will become changed, become softened, refined, ennobled having the fragrance, the perfume of lilies and pinks, and you will be prepared for the heavenly kingdom.Matthew 6:5
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Public Prayer
GW 175.1
The prayers offered in public should be short and to the point. God does not require us to make the season of worship tedious by lengthy petitions. Christ did not enforce upon His disciples wearisome ceremonies and long prayers. “When thou prayest,” He said, “thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.” [Matthew 6:5.]Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are.”—Matthew 6:5.
“When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are.”—Matthew 6:5.
Matthew 6:5-8
Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]
MR No. 1314—Christ Our Example in Every Line of Work; Counsel on Medical Missionary Work
18MR 101.3
In His Sermon on the Mount, Christ said, “When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” [Matthew 6:5]. The hypocrites, while praying, are seen of men, but their pretended prayers bring no returns from above.18MR 101.4
Christ continued: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him” [verses 7, 8].Matthew 6:5-9
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Meetings Jesus Conducted
1TT 276.3
When Christ taught the people, He did not devote the time to prayer. He did not enforce upon them, as did the Pharisees, long, tedious ceremonies and prayers. He taught His disciples how to pray: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him. After this manner therefore pray ye.” Matthew 6:5-9.Matthew 6:5-13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 130, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 3
In His sermon on the mount, Christ said, “When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” [Matthew 6:5.] The hypocrites, while praying, are seen of men; but their pretended prayers bring no returns from above.17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 4
Christ continued: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” [Verses 6-8.]17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 7
Our Father which art in heaven,Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever. Amen. [Verses 9-13.]
17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 9
“Hallowed be Thy name.” [Verse 9.] The name of God is always to be spoken with thoughtful reverence and love.17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 10
“Thy kingdom come.” [Verse 10.] Let us pray the Father to help us receive the kingdom of heaven into our hearts. Christ is to be enthroned within, as the source of all power and supremacy. Let us look to God in faith, saying, “Lead us, strengthen us, inspire us by Thy Holy Spirit, to do Thy will on the earth as it is done in heaven.” This will necessitate our receiving into the heart an abundance of grace from Christ Jesus day by day, hour by hour.17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 11
Shall we not include in our prayers the words, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done” [Verse 10], and then understandingly answer our own petitions by keeping the human will in subjection to God’s will, in order that the unsanctified desires and ambitious devisings of the human mind may not become a controlling power? Shall we not receive the Holy Spirit as a welcome Guest into the soul temple, that the will and the purposes of Christ may be worked out in and through us to God’s glory? Shall we not, in word and deed, carry out the expressed will of the One who cannot err or make a mistake?17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 18
Notice the next verse: “Lie not one to another.” [Verse 9.] If you have solemnly covenanted with God, in the presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit, to act as a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King, you will not in your life lie against the truth you profess to believe. You will not reveal by your works that you are a sinner, while professing to be a saint. If you are sincere in making this pledge, you will not be found nullifying your prayer, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” [Matthew 6:10], by acting as sinners act whenever it best suits your convenience to act thus, <and when you can advantage yourself and at your neighbor’s disadvantage.>17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 19
Those who choose to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King, must reveal their choice by bringing their words and actions into harmony with the principles they advocate. My brother, my sister, is the kingdom of God enthroned in your heart by Christ’s presence abiding there? or is self still a controlling power within? Whose subject are you? If a selfish spirit continues to keep you out of Christ’s service, pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Verse 10.] Pray, O pray most earnestly, “Put Thy Spirit, Lord, Thy Holy Spirit, within my heart, that I may be sincere in keeping my baptismal vow.” Pray that the intercession of Christ in your behalf shall not be in vain. Pray that unbelief shall no longer lead you to live a life that bears witness against the truth; no longer lead you to claim to be in God’s service, while in the life practice, because of a perverted will, you reveal that you are not bearing the fruits of the Spirit. Pray for power to demonstrate to the world that you are dead to sin, and that your life is indeed hid with Christ in God.17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 22
We can walk as Christ walked only when we abide in Him. We can do medical missionary work in a Christlike manner only when we are one with Him; only when we wear His yoke. To those who bear His yoke He promises rest. He urges all to come to Him with their burdens. “Learn of Me,” He pleads; “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Yoked up with Christ, we receive spiritual life and power; for then we are “laborers together with God,” and of us as church members it can be said, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Through sanctified co-operation with Christ, every one of us can form a life character that will be accepted in the heavenly kingdom. Thus we can co-operate with God in answering the prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.]17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 24
The Saviour lived on this earth a life that love for God will constrain every true believer in Christ to live. Following His example, in our medical missionary work we shall reveal to the world that our credentials are from above; that as representatives of the kingdom of heaven, we are fulfilling the words of the Lord’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come.” [Verse 10.] United with Christ in God, we shall reveal to the world that as God chose His Son to be His representative on the earth, even so has Christ chosen us to represent His character. Every one who has genuine faith in Christ Jesus will represent Him in character.17LtMs, Ms 130, 1902, par. 33
Clothed with humanity, Christ performed a work that revealed the invisible Father, in order that His disciples might understand the meaning of the prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] But how many who claim to be His followers concede to a worldly policy! <They are not pursuing uncorrupted principles.> This is because their hearts are not filled with a love for the truth. God’s purpose in committing to men and women the mission that He committed to Christ is to disentangle His followers from all worldly <connivings and> policy and to give them a work identical with the work that Christ did, <that they might continually be Christ’s representatives in character (John 17:18, 20, 23).>Matthew 6:5-15
A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 7—How to Pray
CSA 26.1
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:5-15.CSA 27.5
When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven. 49Steps to Christ, 97.Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1479—Diary Entries, 1902; Comments on Prayer and Trust in God
20MR 271.4
Later—Today we filled an appointment to meet the churches from St. Helena, Crystal Springs, and Calistoga, in a grove between St. Helena and Calistoga. A comparatively large congregation was present. I found that my voice was sufficiently strong to make all hear. I spoke from Matthew 6:5-15.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 146, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 146, 1902, par. 3
Later. Today we filled an appointment to meet the churches from St Helena, Crystal Springs, and Calistoga in a grove between St. Helena and Calistoga. A comparatively large congregation was present. I found that my voice was sufficiently strong to make all hear. I spoke from Matthew 6:5-15.17LtMs, Ms 146, 1902, par. 4
“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” [Verse 5.]17LtMs, Ms 146, 1902, par. 6
When Christ sees in His disciples errors that are liable to lead them astray, He always instructs them in the right way. He does not give an admonition without also giving an instructive lessons showing how to remedy the error. After instructing His disciples not to use “vain repetitions” in their prayers, in kindness and mercy He gave them a short sample prayer, in order that they might know how to avoid imitating the prayers of the Pharisees. [Verses 7 ff..] In giving this prayer, He knew that He was helping human infirmity by framing into words that which comprehends every human need. “We know not what we should pray for as ought:” [Romans 8:26] but Christ’s instruction to us is clear and definite:17LtMs, Ms 146, 1902, par. 7
“After this manner therefore pray ye:Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever. Amen.” [Matthew 6:9-13.]
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 222, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 222, 1902, par. 4
Later. Today we filled an appointment to meet the churches from St. Helena, Crystal Springs, and Calistoga in a grove between St. Helena and Calistoga. A comparatively large congregation was present. I found that my voice was sufficiently strong to make all hear. I spoke from Matthew 6:5-15.Matthew 6:6
Reflecting Christ
Sanctification Continues as Long as Life Lasts, March 7
RC 80.4
The followers of Christ were instructed not to pray for the purpose of being heard of men. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6). Such expressions as this from the lips of Christ show that He did not regard with approval that kind of piety so prevalent among the Pharisees. His teachings upon the mount show that deeds of benevolence assume a noble form and acts of religious worship shed a most precious fragrance when performed in an unpretending manner, in penitence and humility. The pure motive sanctifies the act.The Sanctified Life
Self-righteousness Condemned
SL 8.4
The followers of Christ were instructed not to pray for the purpose of being heard of men. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6). Such expressions as this from the lips of Christ show that He did not regard with approval that kind of piety so prevalent among the Pharisees. His teachings upon the mount show that deeds of benevolence assume a noble form and acts of religious worship shed a most precious fragrance when performed in an unpretending manner, in penitence and humility. The pure motive sanctifies the act.Homeward Bound
Power of Secret Prayer, May 19
HB 160.1
When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.—Matthew 6:6.With God at Dawn
Secret Prayer Will Be Answered, July 13
WGD 196.1
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 49, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 49, 1903, par. 7
Do not neglect secret prayer. “Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” [Matthew 6:6.]Matthew 6:7
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do.”—Matthew 6:7.
“When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do.”—Matthew 6:7.
From the Heart
Prayers of Form and Prayers of Faith, January 11
FH 23.1
When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7.Matthew 6:8
Sons and Daughters of God
He Knows Our Needs Before We Ask, January 10
SD 16.1
Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Matthew 6:8.With God at Dawn
He Knows Our Needs Before We Ask, July 5
WGD 188.1
For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Matthew 6:8.Matthew 6:8-33
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 83, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 83, 1909, par. 7
Christ is here teaching a precious lesson in regard to His service. Whatever experiences may come to you, He says, serve God. Whatever inconveniences and hardships you may encounter, trust in the Lord. We have no cause to worry and fear, if we take our position for the truth, that we and our families will suffer. To do this is to manifest unbelief in God. “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,” the Saviour says. [Matthew 6:8.] If we would study the Word more faithfully, we would increase in faith.24LtMs, Ms 83, 1909, par. 18
I see before me many who occupy humble positions in life who, perhaps, do not understand all that God requires of them. You are to devote yourselves to the service of God. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] You are to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Simplicity is of the highest value in the sight of heaven. Learn to labor according to Christ’s methods.Matthew 6:9
God’s Amazing Grace
A Hallowed Name, March 27
AG 94.1
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matthew 6:9.Prayer
“After this manner therefore pray ye.” Matthew 6:9.
“After this manner therefore pray ye.” Matthew 6:9.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“After this manner therefore pray ye.”—Matthew 6:9.
“After this manner therefore pray ye.”—Matthew 6:9.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Hallowed be Thy name.”—Matthew 6:9.
“Hallowed be Thy name.”—Matthew 6:9.
From Splendor to Shadow
Visit of the Queen of Sheba
SS 36.5
Jesus, the divine Master, taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.” Matthew 6:9, RSV, emphasis supplied. And they were to acknowledge, “Thine is ... the glory.” So careful was the great Healer to direct attention from Himself to the Source of His power, that the multitude, “when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing,” did not glorify Him, but “glorified the God of Israel.” Matthew 15:31, RSV.Matthew 6:9-10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 67, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 67, 1899, par. 12
We may have had more means than <some> other places, but we have a showing for all this. Progressive work has been done. New fields have been entered, and still there are more opening around us. <The word comes, Add new territory.> We are to traverse all parts of Australia. Missionaries are needed who will come to this country to do earnest work for the Master. May the Lord arouse His people who know the truth to impart the knowledge they have. Let us pray each day the prayer so full of meaning that Christ gave His disciples: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:9, 10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 163, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 163, 1903, par. 18
The prayer that Christ taught His disciples to pray, it is safe for us to offer at all times and in all places: “Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:9, 10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 224, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 224, 1907, par. 19
The work that the Lord has done in the city of San Francisco, in unveiling the corruption of the men in office, will be done in other cities. Now is the time for our people to work. Now is the time for believers to carry out their baptismal vows. Every soul who has become a member of the church has pledged himself to be a laborer together with God, and he is to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. Ministers who are ordained to preach the gospel are not to be placed under the instruction of men who will restrict their work according to finite judgment, telling them where they may go and what they may do. They are to do their work wisely under the direction of God. The prayer taught by Christ to His disciples is to be offered by every soul and should be answered in their lives. “Our Father, which art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:9, 10.] This is possible, or Christ would not have taught His followers to make this petition.Matthew 6:9-13
That I May Know Him
The Model Prayer, September 12
TMK 261.1
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 121, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 121, 1902, par. 22
Wherever you find a Christian, you find a shining light. In word and action he reveals the Light of Life. His perceptions are not crusted with selfishness. Not having followed his own inclinations, he has not become unyielding in his convictions. He perceives the truth, and is blessed by its sacred influence; he sees the verity of God’s Word and its infinite superiority to everything selfish; he sees the foolishness of following human inventions when God’s plans and ways are to be followed. His ability to see these things is from God and qualifies him to be a representative of God, to bear with authority the Word of truth to others. He has been converted; he loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself. With unfeigned lips he prays to the Father, “Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.” [Matthew 6:9-13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 6, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 33
“Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen.” [Matthew 6:9-13.]17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 34
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [Verse 10.] These words outline our work. Christ has purchased us with His blood. He has opened before us a life of labor and progression. He points us to a path of unlimited advancement. We should improve every opportunity of gaining spiritual understanding. We are to consecrate ourselves to His service, praying the prayer He taught His disciples, and doing all in our power to answer this prayer.17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 36
Jesus encourages us to look on the bright side. He tells us to pray with unshaken faith, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [Verse 10.] For these words shall surely be fulfilled. Work to the limit of your ability to answer this prayer. You will then feel so weighty a responsibility resting on you that you will put away from you all selfishness, all slothfulness, all indifference. You will rid yourself of all that Satan could take advantage of in his efforts to defeat Christ’s prayer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 216, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 216, 1902, par. 5
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13.God’s Amazing Grace
Magnifies the Lord, April 7
AG 105.6
Jesus, the divine Master, ever exalted the name of His heavenly Father. He taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9, A.R.V.). and they were not to forget to acknowledge, “Thine is ... the glory” (verse 13).22Prophets and Kings, 68, 69.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 4—Results of Transgression
PK 69.1
Jesus, the divine Master, ever exalted the name of His heavenly Father. He taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.” Matthew 6:9, A.R.V. And they were not to forget to acknowledge, “Thine is ... the glory.” Verse 13. So careful was the great Healer to direct attention from Himself to the Source of His power, that the wondering multitude, “when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see,” did not glorify Him, but “glorified the God of Israel.” Matthew 15:31. In the wonderful prayer that Christ offered just before His crucifixion, He declared, “I have glorified Thee on the earth.” “Glorify Thy Son,” He pleaded, “that Thy Son also may glorify Thee.” “O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:4, 1, 25, 26.Matthew 6:9-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 143, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 143, 1905, par. 19
Christ has said plainly that if one brother gives offense to another, and then confesses his wrong, he is to be freely and fully forgiven and is to be treated as if the wrong had never been done. Read the prayer that Christ taught His disciples: “Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. [Amen.] For if ye forgive [men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive] not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” [Matthew 6:9-15.]20LtMs, Ms 143, 1905, par. 20
Is it not a very weighty matter with which we are dealing? Shall not this case now before the Nashville church be to them a valuable lesson? The service offered to God by one whose heart is filled with a spirit of hatred is not acceptable to Him. Those who cherish hatred show that they have not the pure, refined, ennobling spirit of the Master. Those who are so easily offended, so quick to take offense, are not controlled by the Spirit of Christ. Those who show an unforgiving spirit when a mistake has been made become themselves double and triple offenders. Let our brother understand that he who will not forgive an offense after confession of wrong has been made is settling his own case before the heavenly universe and before unbelievers. “Neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.” [Verse 15.] An unforgiving temper will find no place in heaven. He who gives place in his life to such a temper acts out the mind and will of Satan.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 199, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 199, 1905, par. 5
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” [Matthew 6:9-15.]Matthew 6:10
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Some Of The Christian Teacher’s Needs
CT 229.3
The purpose of education is to glorify God; to enable men and women to answer the prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10. God invites teachers to be His helping hand in carrying out this purpose. He asks them to bring into their work the principles of heaven, the A B C of true education. The teacher who has not yet learned these principles should begin now to study them. And as he learns, he will develop a fitness to teach others.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
A Call For Reformation
8T 251.1
The time has come for a thorough reformation to take place. When this reformation begins, the spirit of prayer will actuate every believer and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife. Those who have not been living in Christian fellowship will draw close to one another. One member working in right lines will lead other members to unite with him in making intercession for the revelation of the Holy Spirit. There will be no confusion, because all will be in harmony with the mind of the Spirit. The barriers separating believer from believer will be broken down, and God’s servants will speak the same things. The Lord will co-operate with His servants. All will pray understandingly the prayer that Christ taught His servants: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Thy kingdom come.”—Matthew 6:10.
“Thy kingdom come.”—Matthew 6:10.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”—Matthew 6:10.
“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”—Matthew 6:10.
Ye Shall Receive Power
Born Again, February 1
YRP 40.2
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). The whole life of Christ upon earth was lived for the purpose of manifesting the will of God on earth as it is in heaven. Said Christ, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.... Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:3-6).Ye Shall Receive Power
A Thorough Reformation, October 3
YRP 285.2
The time has come for a thorough reformation to take place. When this reformation begins, the spirit of prayer will actuate every believer and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife. Those who have not been living in Christian fellowship will draw close to one another. One member working in right lines will lead other members to unite with him in making intercession for the revelation of the Holy Spirit. There will be no confusion, because all will be in harmony with the mind of the Spirit. The barriers separating believer from believer will be broken down, and God’s servants will speak the same things. The Lord will cooperate with His servants. All will pray understandingly the prayer that Christ taught His servants: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).Testimonies for the Church Regarding the Spirit of Unity
“Arise, Shine”
SpTB04 16.3
We repeat the prayer: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10. Are we doing our part to answer that prayer? We profess to believe that the commission which Christ gave to His disciples is given also to us. Are we fulfilling it? May God forgive our terrible neglect in not doing the work that as yet we have scarcely touched with the tips of our fingers. When will this work be done? It makes my heart sick and sore to see such blindness on the part of the people of God.The Review and Herald
October 29, 1914
RH October 29, 1914, Art. A, par. 10
“We repeat the prayer, ‘Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.’ Matthew 6:10. Are we doing our part to answer this prayer? We profess to believe that the commission which Christ gave to his disciples is given also to us. Are we fulfilling it? May God forgive our terrible neglect in not doing the work that as yet we have scarcely touched with the tips of our fingers. When will this work be done? It makes my heart sick and sore to see such blindness on the part of the people of God.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
A Call for Reformation
3TT 254.3
The time has come for a thorough reformation to take place. When this reformation begins, the spirit of prayer will actuate every believer and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife. Those who have not been living in Christian fellowship will draw close to one another. One member working in right lines will lead other members to unite with him in making intercession for the revelation of the Holy Spirit. There will be no confusion, because all will be in harmony with the mind of the Spirit. The barriers separating believer from believer will be broken down, and God’s servants will speak the same things. The Lord will co-operate with His servants. All will pray understandingly the prayer that Christ taught His servants: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 45, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 45, 1892, par. 8
This prayer has seemed of great significance to me, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is done in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] All heaven is engaged in the work of preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord’s preparation. The connection of heaven with earth seems very close. “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church, the manifold wisdom of God.” [Ephesians 3:10.] The restoring powers through the transforming grace upon the human agent is of highest value.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 4, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 4, 1891, par. 14
We must be ever moving forward, onward, and upward, never to become common and cheap and low. [We are] bought with a price, and O, what a price! “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven!” [Matthew 6:10.] What a request is this, what possibilities and probabilities do these words comprehend. The Lord Jesus would open before His believing ones the prospect of continual progression and improvement. Infused with His Holy Spirit we may reach the highest standard.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 23c, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 23c, 1892, par. 14
Carefully should every dollar be considered, that it shall not be expended to please fancy, to administer to pride in expensive buildings, but to administer where there is a necessity, working in lines where God is working to establish His kingdom in the earth in harmony with the prayer given by Christ, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] Let the works harmonize with the prayer, for men are the human agents through whom the divine agents are working. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord’s work calls for laborers everywhere. As God bountifully gives, we should deliberately, prayerfully resolve that we will honor God with our substance and with the firstfruits of our increase.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 103, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 103, 1893, par. 34
“Thy kingdom come. They will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] For ages this prayer, taught by Jesus to His disciples, has been ascending to God from contrite hearts. It will surely be answered. “The kingdoms of this world” will “become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ.” [Revelation 11:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 93, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 93, 1894, par. 9
It is the hardest battle that must be waged, to get the eye to see afar off, to see the needs of places that are just making a beginning. Not only are men to sow the seed, but the reapers in the great harvest field must follow, and the garner must be prepared to gather in and protect the harvest which is reaped. Christ taught His followers to pray, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] Ours is a worldwide message. Australia and New Zealand are only a little part of the world, but this is the portion, the region beyond, in which we are called to be interested and to labor, and while in these parts of the field the work needs to obtain a standing place, let not building be added to building in those places where there is now almost every convenience. This absorbs means selfishly, which the workers could manage to do without.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 151, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 44
The upbuilding of the kingdom of God is retarded or urged forward, according to the unfaithfulness or fidelity of human agencies. Unfaithfulness to the cause of Christ makes manifest that love is lacking in the human agent. The love of Christ does not seek to constrain those who profess His name; but a death-like slumber is upon the human agents, and the work is hindered by failure of the human to co-operate with the divine. Men may pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” [Matthew 6:10], but they fail in acting upon this prayer in their lives.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 58, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 58, 1898, par. 6
The same train of thought was taken up that I have been troubled over the night before—what can be done to enlighten the people? What poverty of understanding there is. Some are safe and happy while others are living in such wretchedness and wickedness. We are close by these people, and yet so far off, separated by a gulf of impossibilities. Rum hotels are to be seen everywhere you go. I felt like praying, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] I want to do so much, and can do so little. My cry night and day is, “Help me, O Lord, help me.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 11, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 8
Those who come out of the world in spirit and in all practice may regard themselves as sons and daughters of God. They may believe His word as a child believes every word of his parents. Every promise is sure to him that believes. Those who unite with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who show by their lives that they are no longer following the course they followed before they united with these divine instrumentalities, will receive wisdom from above. They will not depend on human wisdom. In order to deal righteously with the world, as members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King, Christians must feel their need of a power which comes only from the heavenly agencies who have pledged themselves to work in their behalf. After we have formed a union with the great threefold power, we shall regard our duty toward the members of God’s family with a much more sacred awe than we have ever done before. This is a phase of religious reform that very few appreciate. Those who seek to answer the prayer, “Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” [Matthew 6:10], will seek by living pure, sanctified lives to show to the world how the will of God is done in heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 54, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 54, 1901, par. 14
Keep close to your Redeemer. He has helped you in a marked manner, favoring you with privileges and opportunities. If you will continue to learn of Him His meekness and lowliness, He will give you rest and peace. Make God your counsellor. If you think there is a wrong understanding at the Review and Herald or among the men at present in authority, do not move hastily. Be calm. They are on test and trial, and you, my son, are also on test and trial. If you will walk wisely, the Lord will work for you. Let your determination be, In all my service to God I will endeavor to renew on earth the harmony of heaven. Place yourself where the prayer, “Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven,” is fulfilled in you. [Matthew 6:10.] Amid the strife and discord that predominates on the earth, the lives of God’s people are to answer this prayer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 24, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 24, 1901, par. 11
We are familiar with the prayer, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is done in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] Do we individually try to act so that the Lord’s will may be done in earth as it is done in heaven? How does the third chapter of Malachi present itself to the minds of the members of the Healdsburg church? Do you all pay a faithful tithe, that the work of proclaiming the gospel message may go forward with power? Thus you may do the will of God on earth as it is done in heaven.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
A Wise Distribution of Means
GW 454.2
And it is the duty of those who labor in word and doctrine to show an equal self-sacrifice. A solemn responsibility rests upon those who receive the liberal donations of the church, and administer the means in God’s treasury. They are to study carefully the providences of God, that they may discern where there is the greatest necessity. They are to be co-laborers with Christ in establishing His kingdom on the earth, in harmony with the prayer of the Saviour, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 153, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 153, 1901, par. 8
Man has been granted a probation, that he may work out a character like the character of Christ. And though surrounded by the moral darkness which today fills the world, he can carry out God’s purpose for him; for we read, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] Though sinful and erring, man is the object of God’s love and compassion. By converted, sanctified, holy men and women the kingdom of heaven is to be preached in the world, that the prayer may be answered, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 84, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 21
The purpose of education is to glorify God, to answer His prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 167, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 167, 1902, par. 25
We repeat the prayer, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] Are we doing our part to answer this prayer? We claim to believe that the commission that Christ gave His disciples just before His ascension is given also to us. Are we fulfilling it? May God forgive our terrible neglect in not pressing into the cities of America that as yet we have scarcely touched with the tips of our fingers. When will this work be done? It makes my heart sick and sore to see such blindness on the part of the people of God, such an unwillingness to take hold with men who have almost sacrificed their lives in an effort to advance certain lines of work.Heaven
Chapter 3—The Second Coming Promised Throughout History
Hvn 22.1
The Prayer Jesus Taught—“Thy kingdom come.” Matthew 6:10. God is our Father, who loves and cares for us as His children; He is also the great King of the universe. The interests of His kingdom are our interests, and we are to work for its upbuilding.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 29, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 29, 1902, par. 7
While I was speaking, there came to me the assurance of full and abundant grace and salvation. I thought of the wonderful possibilities before those who unite with Christ. They will become true, earnest, self-sacrificing workmen, preparing the way for the coming of the Lord. They work in harmony with the prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 167a, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 167a, 1902, par. 23
We repeat the prayer, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] Are we doing our part to answer this prayer? We claim to believe that the commission that Christ gave to His disciples just before His ascension is given also to us. Are we fulfilling it? May God forgive our terrible neglect in not pressing into the cities of America that as yet we have scarcely touched with the tips of our fingers. When will this work be done? It makes my heart sick and sore to see such blindness on the part of the people of God, such an unwillingness to take hold with men who have almost sacrificed their lives in an effort to advance certain lines of work, supposing that they were doing that which would call forth commendation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 15, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 15, 1902, par. 7
We have no time to complain or to disparage others. God calls upon us to carry our work forward in right lines, for Christ’s sake exerting a correct influence in the daily life. He calls upon us to lead others to His throne. He teaches us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 32, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 32, 1903, par. 13
All barriers separating mind from mind will be broken down, and God’s servants will speak the same things. This unity is a gift of the Holy Spirit, a gift that belongs to God’s children. The Lord will co-operate with His servants. All will pray understandingly the prayer that Christ taught His disciples: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] The groanings and the longings of the Spirit are the expression of the intercession of Christ in behalf of His people, according to the will of God. They come from God and are returned to Him in silent and in audible prayer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 314, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 19
More decided calls should be made for volunteers to enter the whitening fields. Unless there is more done than has been done for the cities of America, church members will have a heavy account to meet for neglected duties. We pray, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] We profess to believe that the commission given to the first disciples includes the followers of Christ in 1907. But what are we doing? I pray that the Holy Spirit may move upon human hearts, that many may go forth as did the early disciples, making their may to homes and to churches where men and women are waiting for a knowledge of present truth. My heart is sore when I see the blindness that is upon God’s people.Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]
MR No. 582—A Rural College
8MR 206.3
More decided calls should be made for volunteers to enter the whitening fields. Unless there is more done than has been done for the cities of America, church members will have a heavy account to meet for neglected duties. We pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10.) We profess to believe that the commission given to the first disciples includes the followers of Christ in 1907. But what are we doing? I pray that the Holy Spirit may move upon human hearts, that many may go forth as did the early disciples, making their way to homes and to churches, where men and women are waiting for a knowledge of present truth. My heart is sore when I see the blindness that is upon God’s people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 190, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 190, 1907, par. 9
Christ has taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] This opens before us the height to which we are to attain by steady progress and continual advancement. As members of the church of Christ, we are to do His will on earth. If all would do unto others as they would have others do unto them, we would see indications of a converted world. Upon this principle the Christian is to build. We are to ascend a ladder whose top reaches to heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 170, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 170, 1907, par. 14
Christ has taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] This opens to us a height to which we are to attain by steady progression and continual advancement. If all would do unto others as they would that others should do to them, it would be an indication of a converted world. Upon this principle the Christian is to build. We are to ascend a ladder of progress whose top reaches unto heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 9, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 9, 1908, par. 14
The upbuilding of the kingdom of God is retarded or urged forward according to the unfaithfulness or fidelity of human agencies. The work is hindered by the failure of the human to co-operate with the divine. Men may pray, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” [Matthew 6:10]; but if they fail of acting out this prayer in their lives, their petitions will be fruitless.Prayer
“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10.
“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10.
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 5—The Work at Home and Abroad
8T 35.2
We repeat the prayer: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10. Are we doing our part to answer this prayer? We profess to believe that the commission which Christ gave to His disciples is given also to us. Are we fulfilling it? May God forgive our terrible neglect in not doing the work that as yet we have scarcely touched with the tips of our fingers. When will this work be done? It makes my heart sick and sore to see such blindness on the part of the people of God.Matthew 6:10-13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 7, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 7, 1891, par. 55
Every soul who claims to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent should seek to do his utmost for the enlargement of His kingdom, praying, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;” “for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen,” and working in harmony with their prayer. [Matthew 6:10, 13.] Faith works by love and purifies the soul. We read of the early disciples, “The whole multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one mind.” [Acts 4:32.] The Spirit of Christ pervaded the whole as a vitalizing current. “And God which knoweth the heart bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us.” [Acts 15:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 124, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 124, 1902, par. 21
We are to learn from past experience how to avoid our failures. We pray to our heavenly Father, “Lead us not into temptation” [Matthew 6:13], and then, too often, we fail to guard our feet against leading us into temptation. We are to keep away from the temptations by which we are easily overcome. Our success is wrought out by ourselves through the grace of Christ. We are to roll out of the way the stone of stumbling that has caused us and others so much sadness.17LtMs, Ms 124, 1902, par. 22
Listening to the words of Christ, we are safe. Whatever your calling, whatever your hope, listen! “If any man will come after Me,” He says, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] Obeying these words, in entire dependence on the Saviour, go forth to give to the world an example of what it means to be a Christian. Yoke up with Christ. This is the only bond of the gospel. Learn daily how to carry out more acceptably the instruction Christ has given. Live as becomes the subjects of His kingdom. To carry out the words “Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven”—this is our lifework. [Matthew 6:10.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 6:1
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them.”—Matthew 6:1, margin.
“Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them.”—Matthew 6:1, margin.