Matthew 6:22
Verse
Context
The Lamp of the Body
21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The light--the lamp. of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single--simple, clear. As applied to the outward eye, this means general soundness; particularly, not looking two ways. Here, as also in classical Greek, it is used figuratively to denote the simplicity of the mind's eye, singleness of purpose, looking right at its object, as opposed to having two ends in view. (See Pro 4:25-27). thy whole body shall be full of light--illuminated. As with the bodily vision, the man who looks with a good, sound eye, walks in light, seeing every object clear; so a simple and persistent purpose to serve and please God in everything will make the whole character consistent and bright.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if thine eye be evil,.... If thou art of a sordid disposition, of an avaricious temper, if the sin of covetousness prevails over thee, thy whole body will be full of darkness: thy judgment will be so influenced by that sordid principle, that thou wilt not be able to discern what is agreeable to the law of God, or human reason; what is fitting to be done for thyself, for God, or for thy fellow creatures; all the powers and faculties of thy soul will be enslaved by it, and all be intent upon, and employed in the gratification of it: thy mind will be always sad and sorrowful, harassed and distressed; and thy estate, and condition, will be most miserable and uncomfortable: if therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! as it is in the body, so it is with the mind; as when the eye, the light of the body, is put out by any means, all the members of the body are in entire darkness; so when the light of reason in the mind is so far extinguished by any prevailing iniquity, particularly the sin of covetousness, so that it is wholly influenced and governed by it, what irregular actions is it led into! What deeds of darkness does it perform! and what will be the consequence of it, but utter and eternal darkness, if grace prevent not!
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:22 Your eye is like a lamp: It gives light to the body and so enlightens the entire person. • Healthy means morally healthy, with simple, wholehearted devotion to God (6:24). Here it connotes generosity.
Matthew 6:22
The Lamp of the Body
21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
When Sin and Religion Becomes Friends
By Carter Conlon1.5K48:50MAT 6:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of not allowing sin and religion to become friends, urging listeners to walk away from deception and embrace the truth of God. It challenges individuals to renounce dishonesty, craftiness, and deception, and to follow God's ways wholeheartedly, leading to strength, joy, and victory in life.
The Eye Is Faith, and the Light Is His Presence
By Hans R. Waldvogel64630:21FaithPSA 16:11PSA 23:4MAT 5:14MAT 6:22MAT 14:27MAT 28:20HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning our eyes upon Jesus and sitting in His presence. He highlights the need for a revelation from God in order to have a transformed heart. The preacher warns against the darkness that can fill our hearts and urges listeners to diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord. He encourages believers to keep their focus on Jesus, especially in the midst of spiritual battles, as victory comes from obeying the Lord and not looking at the work of the devil.
Restlessness of Soul -- Directing Our Final Intention Toward God
By Thomas a Kempis3PSA 86:11PRO 4:25MAT 6:22COL 3:2JAS 1:6Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of maintaining a steadfast spirit and unwavering intention towards God, despite the changing feelings and circumstances in life. He emphasizes the need to focus on the desired end goal and to stand undivided and unshaken in faith, even amidst various storms and distractions. A pure and single-hearted intention towards God is highlighted as essential, as many are often drawn to self-seeking or external attractions rather than seeking God for His sake alone.
A Single Eye ("Looking Unto jesus." the Eye Is Faith, and the Light Is His presence.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Focus on JesusFaithMAT 6:22Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the significance of having a 'single eye' focused on Jesus, which represents faith and the light of His presence. He warns that if our focus is not on Christ, our hearts can be filled with darkness, leading to spiritual blindness. Waldvogel encourages believers to consider Jesus above all else, as He is the author and finisher of our faith, and reminds us that in His presence, we find true joy and light. The sermon challenges Christians to reflect on their faith and the importance of keeping their eyes trained on Jesus amidst life's distractions and trials.
Be Thou Perfect!
By F.B. Meyer0Whole-hearted DevotionTrust in God's PromisesGEN 17:1PSA 28:1MAT 5:48MAT 6:22GAL 3:72TI 3:17HEB 8:10HEB 13:20F.B. Meyer emphasizes God's call to Abraham to 'walk before Me, and be thou perfect,' highlighting the importance of whole-hearted devotion to God. He reflects on the long silence Abraham experienced, which tested his faith and reliance on God's promises. Meyer clarifies that perfection does not equate to sinlessness but rather to a complete surrender and commitment to God. He encourages believers to seek a life of undivided devotion, trusting in the Almighty God who empowers them to fulfill His calling. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, personal relationship with God, where His presence guides every aspect of life.
Epistle 46
By George Fox0Walking in the LightUnity in ChristECC 2:14ISA 5:20MAT 6:22JHN 1:9JHN 3:21JHN 8:12ROM 5:121CO 12:13EPH 4:151JN 1:7George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity in the light of Christ, urging all believers to walk in this light which leads to repentance and oneness in faith. He warns against the dangers of living in darkness and following worldly assemblies that lack the true life of Christ. Fox highlights that true believers are united in one spirit and one body, and that the light reveals both righteousness and sin, guiding the faithful towards God. He calls for a rejection of pride and disobedience, reminding that the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness. Ultimately, Fox encourages all to embrace the light, which brings clarity and leads to eternal life.
Epistle 191
By George Fox0Avoiding HypocrisyIntegrity in SpeechGEN 11:1NEH 9:20NEH 13:24EZK 13:10MAT 6:22JHN 3:20COL 3:221TH 2:51TH 5:19George Fox emphasizes the importance of adhering to the single, true language inspired by the Spirit of God, warning against the confusion and hypocrisy that arises from adopting the world's flattering and improper language. He urges believers to remain steadfast in their convictions and to avoid the double tongue that quenches the Spirit and leads to dissembling. Fox highlights that true followers of Christ should not conform to worldly customs but instead uphold the integrity of their speech and actions, reflecting the teachings of Jesus and the prophets. He calls for a rejection of selfish, man-pleasing attitudes and encourages a commitment to the light of Christ to prevent hypocrisy among believers.
Pictures in the Heart
By J.R. Miller0Perception of LifeInner PeacePRO 4:23MAT 6:22J.R. Miller emphasizes that our hearts shape our perception of the world, using the example of Niebuhr, who, despite his blindness, found joy in the memories of beautiful landscapes stored in his heart. He illustrates how individuals perceive their surroundings based on their inner life; those with a cheerful heart see beauty everywhere, while those with a somber heart find gloom even in lovely scenes. Miller encourages us to recognize the blessings in our lives and to appreciate the beauty around us before it is too late, as often we fail to see the worth in our experiences and relationships until they are gone. Ultimately, he asserts that true happiness and contentment come from cultivating a positive spirit within ourselves, which will reflect in our external world.
All These Men of War, That Could Keep Rank, Came
By F.B. Meyer0Collective Efforts in FaithUnity in the Church1CH 12:38MAT 6:22JAS 1:8F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of unity in the Church, drawing parallels from the unification of Israel under King David. He argues that true unity is achieved not through organizational efforts but by each individual heart enthroning Christ as King. Meyer warns against being double-minded, as true loyalty and service to God require a single-hearted devotion. He encourages believers to work together in harmony, as collective efforts yield greater results than individualistic pursuits. The sermon calls for Christians to maintain their ranks and support one another in the mission against the kingdom of Satan.
On the Single Eye
By John Wesley0Spiritual FocusTrue HolinessMAT 6:22John Wesley emphasizes the significance of having a 'single eye' focused solely on God, arguing that simplicity and purity in intention lead to a life filled with divine light. He warns that an evil eye, which seeks worldly pleasures and desires, results in spiritual darkness and ignorance of true holiness. Wesley challenges his listeners to prioritize their spiritual well-being over earthly gains, urging them to reflect on their choices in life, especially regarding relationships and vocations. He concludes with a call to repentance, encouraging believers to align their intentions with God's will to experience true happiness and fulfillment.
Open Intercourse With God.
By Horatius Bonar0Divine CommunicationFellowship With GodJOB 10:4JOB 12:10PSA 32:8PSA 94:9PSA 119:73MAT 6:22LUK 15:13COL 1:151TI 1:171TI 6:16Horatius Bonar emphasizes the natural and necessary relationship between God and humanity, asserting that open and direct communication with our Creator is essential to our existence. He explains that God, being our Creator, desires fellowship with us, and this connection is not hindered by any barriers except those we create ourselves. Bonar illustrates that the distance from God is unnatural and contrary to our design, as we were made to delight in Him and He in us. He encourages believers to recognize their inherent need for God, as true fulfillment and joy come from this divine relationship. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that God longs for our return and restoration to Him, highlighting His unwavering desire for communion with His creation.
Day 147, Luke 11
By David Servant0MAT 6:9MAT 6:22LUK 11:8David Servant preaches on the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing what is most important in our prayers and desiring that our Father's name be hallowed. He delves into the concept of boldness in prayer, highlighting the need to ask according to God's will and to ask boldly, as illustrated in Scripture. Servant also discusses the significance of not demanding signs from God but rather having faith and clear eyes to see God's truth and follow His word.
A Single and an Evil Eye
By Charles Finney0Consecration to GodSpiritual ClarityMAT 6:22Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of having a 'single eye' versus an 'evil eye' in our spiritual lives. A single eye represents a mind focused solely on God, leading to clarity, truth, and a deep understanding of duty, while an evil eye reflects a selfish mindset that results in darkness and delusion regarding doctrine and duty. Finney explains that true knowledge and communion with God stem from a state of entire consecration, whereas selfishness clouds judgment and understanding, making the Bible unintelligible. He warns that a selfish minister can mislead their congregation, as they lack spiritual insight. Ultimately, Finney calls for a return to a single-minded devotion to God to dispel darkness and promote unity within the Church.
Matthew 6:19-23. Christ Forbids Covetousness and Double-Mindedness.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 6:19MAT 6:22LUK 12:342CO 4:6EPH 1:18COL 3:11TI 6:17REV 14:13Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the folly of covetousness and the importance of laying up treasures in heaven through good works. He emphasizes that while we cannot gain heaven by good works, they are the fruits of faith and a way to please God. Mortimer highlights the need for the eyes of our minds to be enlightened by God's Holy Spirit to see the glory of God in Christ Jesus. He explains that our actions reveal whether we are spiritually blind or awakened to the truth of God's love and salvation.
Living "Before the Lord" and "Unto the Lord"
By T. Austin-Sparks01SA 2:18MAT 6:22MAT 18:3COL 3:23T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the growth and spiritual increase of Samuel, emphasizing the importance of living our lives primarily before the Lord, with transparency, truth, and purity. He highlights the need to minister unto the Lord in all spheres of life, maintaining a focus on God despite the corruption and challenges around us. Submission, patience, and a genuine heart for the Lord are key to spiritual growth and maturity, as seen in Samuel's example of serving the Lord faithfully even in difficult circumstances.
Spiritual Superglue
By Ed Wrather0MAT 6:22EPH 1:182PE 2:141JN 2:15Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of guarding our spiritual eyes against lust, comparing the damaging effects of lust to putting superglue in our physical eyes. He highlights how lust, whether for material possessions, power, or other desires, can blind us spiritually and hinder our relationship with God, as mentioned in Matthew 5:28 and 1 John 2:15-16. Wrather urges believers to be vigilant in protecting their spiritual eyes from the allure of lust, which can lead to significant spiritual harm.
True Integrity
By Frederick W. Robertson0PSA 26:11PRO 10:9PRO 11:3MAT 6:22LUK 16:10Frederick W. Robertson emphasizes the importance of integrity, defining it as entireness, wholeness, and soundness of character. He highlights that integrity is tested in small matters more than in great ones, revealing the true allegiance of the soul to truth. Robertson challenges the notion that integrity is merely about sincerity or honesty, pointing out that true integrity involves hating untruth for what it is, regardless of the harm it may or may not cause.
Of the Super-Sensual Life
By Jacob Boehme0MAT 6:22JHN 4:241CO 2:7COL 3:2Jacob Boehme preaches about the journey to the Supersensual Life, emphasizing the need to break down the partition wall in the soul separating it from God. He discusses the two wills and two eyes within the fallen soul, highlighting the importance of uniting them to attain divine vision and hearing. Boehme stresses the significance of surrendering the creaturely will to God's will, seeking the divine light to regulate and ennoble the natural light within the soul. He encourages seeking the unity of will and vision by entering fully into the will of Christ and focusing on the eternal light to bring harmony to the soul.
Moral Blindness
By E.L. Bevir0PRO 16:18JER 18:12MAT 6:22LUK 17:271TH 5:3JAS 4:6E.L. Bevir preaches about moral blindness throughout history, highlighting how infatuation and pride have led to destruction in various civilizations, including the Jewish nation, the antediluvians, and Christendom. He warns against the dangers of ecclesiastical power asserting itself on human principles, leading to judgment and destruction. Bevir emphasizes the importance of humility, seeking true wisdom and power from the Lord, and avoiding ignorance and presumption in religious zeal.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The light--the lamp. of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single--simple, clear. As applied to the outward eye, this means general soundness; particularly, not looking two ways. Here, as also in classical Greek, it is used figuratively to denote the simplicity of the mind's eye, singleness of purpose, looking right at its object, as opposed to having two ends in view. (See Pro 4:25-27). thy whole body shall be full of light--illuminated. As with the bodily vision, the man who looks with a good, sound eye, walks in light, seeing every object clear; so a simple and persistent purpose to serve and please God in everything will make the whole character consistent and bright.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if thine eye be evil,.... If thou art of a sordid disposition, of an avaricious temper, if the sin of covetousness prevails over thee, thy whole body will be full of darkness: thy judgment will be so influenced by that sordid principle, that thou wilt not be able to discern what is agreeable to the law of God, or human reason; what is fitting to be done for thyself, for God, or for thy fellow creatures; all the powers and faculties of thy soul will be enslaved by it, and all be intent upon, and employed in the gratification of it: thy mind will be always sad and sorrowful, harassed and distressed; and thy estate, and condition, will be most miserable and uncomfortable: if therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! as it is in the body, so it is with the mind; as when the eye, the light of the body, is put out by any means, all the members of the body are in entire darkness; so when the light of reason in the mind is so far extinguished by any prevailing iniquity, particularly the sin of covetousness, so that it is wholly influenced and governed by it, what irregular actions is it led into! What deeds of darkness does it perform! and what will be the consequence of it, but utter and eternal darkness, if grace prevent not!
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:22 Your eye is like a lamp: It gives light to the body and so enlightens the entire person. • Healthy means morally healthy, with simple, wholehearted devotion to God (6:24). Here it connotes generosity.