The late, great pastor J. Vernon McGee had a vision to bring the whole Word of God to the whole world. His “Thru the Bible” broadcasts continue to be heard on radio, CDs and digitally around the whole today, and his writings by book, mailed bulletins or online. In his article on Five Things Just Between You and God, he writes that in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the Lord talks about our relationship with God and the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew chapter 5 tells us about what makes a child of God righteous. Matthew chapter 6 deals with how we can express that righteousness. And Matthew chapter 7 shows us specifically how to treat others.
Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
But, what drives us to do good works? Doing good works makes someone look very religious, but many have never come close to Jesus by faith. Pharisee Nicodemus had that religiousness, but when he came to Jesus, our Lord said in John 3:3 and 7, you have to be born again (reborn of the Holy Spirit).” John 1:12-13 says, “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” True righteousness only comes trusting Christ as Savior and Lord. Only then does the motive match our practice.
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
Pastor McGee examined five things Matthew 6 says are between our souls and God. These righteous acts are meaningless unless they are done in the right way. But, when we see them in relationship to God, they reveal our citizenship in the kingdom of Heaven. (1) When you give money. Your giving is between you and God, and you should not give in order to be noticed by people. The minute you get a third party involved, then the applause of men is your reward (John 6:2). Instead, Jesus said, do your giving in secret. The Father sees it and will reward openly.
(2) When you talk to God. Do not so it so others will see and admire or praise you. They may get other’s praise, but their own prayers are not answered. Their fancy words never get above the rafters. The mark of genuine prayer is sincerity, then simplicity. Tell God what’s on your mind. He hears you. The Lord’s Prayer in Luke chapter 11 is a marvelous and wonderful model prayer. (3) When fasting, you remove distractions. Don’t tell anyone about it, but do it on you own. (4) What you do with your things. Put them into the Lord’s work. Investigate ho0w your treasure will be used. (5) How God provides for you. Creator God (Jehovah Jireh) will take care of you. Exercise judgment, but don’t live in such a way that provisions are a burden on you. Let God care for you. It's between you and God.
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