Matthew 6:24
Verse
Context
The Lamp of the Body
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!24No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
No man can serve--The word means to "belong wholly and be entirely under command to." 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--Even if the two masters be of one character and have but one object, the servant must take law from one or the other: though he may do what is agreeable to both, he cannot, in the nature of the thing, be servant to more than one. Much less if, as in the present case, their interests are quite different, and even conflicting. In this case, if our affections be in the service of the one--if we "love the one"--we must of necessity "hate the other"; if we determine resolutely to "hold to the one," we must at the same time disregard, and (if he insist on his claims upon us) even "despise the other." Ye cannot serve God and mammon--The word "mamon"--better written with one m--is a foreign one, whose precise derivation cannot certainly be determined, though the most probable one gives it the sense of "what one trusts in." Here, there can be no doubt it is used for riches, considered as an idol master, or god of the heart. The service of this god and the true God together is here, with a kind of indignant curtness, pronounced impossible. But since the teaching of the preceding verses might seem to endanger our falling short of what is requisite for the present life, and so being left destitute, our Lord now comes to speak to that point.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life,.... Since ye cannot serve both God and "mammon", obey one, and neglect the other. Christ does not forbid labour to maintain, support, and preserve, this animal life; nor does he forbid all thought and care about it, but all anxious, immoderate, perplexing, and distressing thoughts and cares; such as arise from diffidence and unbelief, and tend to despair; which are dishonourable to God, as the God of nature and providence, and uncomfortable to men: what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. The several and the only things, which are necessary for the support and comfort of human life, are mentioned; as meat, drink, and clothing; Eating and drinking are necessary to preserve life; and raiment, to cover and defend the body, from the injuries of the heavens: and having these, men have everything necessary, and ought herewith to be content; nor should they be anxiously thoughtful about these: for is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? And yet, God has given these without man's thought: and since these are better, and much more excellent, than food and raiment, as all must and will acknowledge; and God has given these the greater gifts, it may be depended upon, that he will give the lesser; that he will give meat and drink; to uphold that valuable life, which he is the author of; and raiment to clothe that body, which he, with so much wisdom and power, has accurately and wonderfully made.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:24 The term for money (traditionally mammon) is an Aramaic term for profits or material possessions. Since God tolerates no rivals, Jesus repeatedly warns of the danger of accumulating riches (13:22; 19:16-30; 26:14-16; 27:3-10; 28:11-15), which can be an idol (see Eph 5:5; Col 3:5). We must trust God to meet our needs (Matt 4:3-4; 6:8, 11, 25-34; 7:7-11; 10:9-14; 14:15-21; 15:32-38), and the community of disciples is to be mutually supportive (6:2-4; 10:40-42; 19:21; 23:23-24; 25:31-46; 26:6-13; 27:57-61).
Matthew 6:24
The Lamp of the Body
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!24No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Divided Heart
By C.H. Spurgeon17K41:19Spiritual UnityDividedDivided HeartPSA 86:11PRO 4:23HOS 10:2MAT 6:241CO 1:10GAL 5:15EPH 4:3PHP 2:2JAS 1:81JN 1:8C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divided heart is a grievous disease that affects the whole person, causing unhappiness, inconsistency, and hypocrisy. Spurgeon illustrates that this division not only hinders personal faith but also weakens the church's collective strength against evil. He calls for unity of heart in serving God, urging listeners to examine their own hearts and seek true devotion. Ultimately, he offers hope for those with broken hearts, inviting them to trust in Christ for healing and salvation.
(Costa Rica) Another Gospel
By David Wilkerson15K54:46Another GospelPRO 15:28MAT 6:24ACT 1:82TH 2:31TI 6:102TI 4:2JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings and being cautious of preachers who mix the gospel with harmful messages. He shares a story about an encounter with a woman who received an envelope as an offering, but it took a long time for the actual offering to be collected. The preacher warns that even though a preacher may sound deep and deliver a good message, if there is no mention of sin and a lot of focus on money, it may be a sign of a false teaching. He also shares a personal experience of preaching a strong message and feeling fear that he may have wounded God's people, but later realizing that his message was changing hearts. The preacher concludes by warning that another gospel is coming to the church and urges believers to stay true to the gospel and not compromise, even if it may offend people.
Thundering in Nashville
By Andrew Strom14K46:05MAT 3:2MAT 6:24MAT 7:21MAT 23:33ACT 2:37HEB 12:141JN 3:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the decline of American TV and the need for God's people to take Him seriously and repent. He emphasizes the cultural sins that people may not even realize they are committing and the importance of true prophets who will bring conviction and repentance. The preacher calls for a John the Baptist-like figure to rise up and deliver a searing message that exposes the emptiness of material possessions and challenges the church's allegiance to money. He references biblical figures like John the Baptist and Charles Finney to illustrate the kind of preaching that is needed in today's society.
What Is a Christian
By Alan Redpath6.0K43:42ChristianMAT 6:24MAT 10:37MAT 16:25ACT 26:281PE 3:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being a businessman who was torn between pursuing worldly success and following God's calling. He emphasizes the importance of making a decision to fully commit to God and His gospel. The speaker uses the story of a tightrope walker and a boy in the crowd to illustrate the difference between intellectual belief and wholehearted commitment. He also shares a story about a grocer and his son to highlight the need to trust in God even when we can't see the way forward. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their own commitment to God and make a decision to fully surrender their lives to Him.
Married and Buried
By Warren Wiersbe5.1K40:54MAT 6:24JHN 14:2ROM 6:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of bondage and how many people live their lives feeling enslaved. He emphasizes that while Jesus is our master, he is also our loving husband, and we should not treat him as a harsh taskmaster. The preacher warns against living a Christian life based on obligation and guilt, as this is legalism. Instead, he encourages listeners to enter into a deep, loving relationship with Jesus by saying "I will" and surrendering to him. The preacher also compares salvation to a marriage, highlighting the importance of burying the old nature and serving only Jesus.
"Rebuke to Prosperity Preachers"
By Leonard Ravenhill5.1K00:20PRO 11:28ECC 5:10MAT 6:24MAT 19:24MRK 10:25LUK 6:24LUK 12:151TI 6:10JAS 5:1This sermon challenges the notion of prosperity gospel by questioning why God rebukes those who claim to be rich and increased with goods. It delves into the discrepancy between the message of prosperity preached by some and the biblical rebuke towards those who boast in material wealth, highlighting the importance of aligning our beliefs with the true teachings of the Bible.
A Religion Without Righteousness
By Joshua Daniel3.9K28:31DEU 18:9PRO 22:6MAT 6:24LUK 8:5LUK 8:11GAL 6:7EPH 6:141TI 6:10JAS 1:221JN 3:8This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of not letting the Word of God be taken away by the devil after hearing it, highlighting the need for true salvation and righteousness in our lives. Joshua Daniel shares examples of how materialism and superstitions can hinder our spiritual growth, urging believers to prioritize spreading the good news and standing for righteousness. The message calls for a genuine commitment to God's Word and a rejection of abominable practices that go against His teachings.
Don't Preach About Hell! (Compilation)
By Compilations3.8K22:58CompilationPRO 22:16MAT 6:24MAT 19:24MRK 8:36LUK 12:151TI 6:10JAS 5:1The video is a sermon that emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as a child of God. The speaker repeats the phrase "You are my child" multiple times to drive this point home. The sermon also touches on the need for individuals to create a new style or way of living that aligns with God's teachings. The speaker acknowledges the challenges and temptations faced in life but encourages listeners to stay focused on their faith. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the love and guidance of God and encourages listeners to embrace their identity as children of God.
"One Life Will Soon Be Past"
By Leonard Ravenhill3.7K00:50MAT 6:24COL 3:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life dedicated to God, highlighting the eternal impact of what is done for Him. It challenges the notion that all Christians die happy, pointing out that some may face regret for not fully utilizing their time and opportunities to serve God. The key to victory and a fulfilling Christian life is found in personal devotion, adoration, and love for Jesus Christ, going beyond mere service or financial contributions.
Thundering in Nigeria
By Andrew Strom3.4K1:03:19NigeriaMAT 6:24MRK 10:25LUK 6:20LUK 6:24JHN 2:13In this sermon, Pastor Carter Conlon shares his experience of visiting a Central African country and witnessing extreme poverty alongside pastors driving luxury cars. He rebukes these pastors for their greed and warns them of impending judgment if they do not repent. He highlights the biblical teachings on the dangers of loving money and how it has led to the downfall of nations. Pastor Conlon also criticizes the spread of a false gospel of prosperity, particularly in Nigeria, and calls on preachers to choose between serving Mammon or Jesus.
(Basics) 45. God and Money Are Opposites
By Zac Poonen3.4K13:01PRO 22:7ECC 5:10MAT 6:24MAT 23:3LUK 16:131TI 6:10HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a choice between serving God or serving money. He compares money to fire, stating that while it can be a useful servant, it can also be a destructive master if not handled carefully. The speaker encourages listeners to be cautious and responsible in their handling of money, as it can have a significant impact on their lives. He uses Jesus as an example, highlighting that Jesus worked as a carpenter and earned a living, but was not attached to material possessions.
(Basics) 7. Repentance
By Zac Poonen3.1K12:51MAT 6:24MRK 8:34LUK 14:33ACT 3:19ROM 2:42CO 7:101TH 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difficulty people have in asking for forgiveness due to their pride. He explains that in order to receive forgiveness from God, one must turn towards Him and away from their old way of life. Repentance is described as a simple act of turning around, just like in a military parade. The speaker also highlights the importance of genuine repentance, which is demonstrated through actions and a willingness to make amends with others. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that forgiveness is not cheap, as it required the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
(Basics) 46. the Love of Money Is Evil
By Zac Poonen3.1K13:11MAT 6:24MAT 6:33MRK 8:361TI 6:9In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of a girl's change of heart towards two different young men to illustrate how our love for money and material things can be replaced by a love for God. The preacher emphasizes that love cannot be forced and that it is only when we truly appreciate the goodness and love of Jesus that our attraction to earthly things will vanish. The sermon warns that if we claim to be believers but still love money, we do not truly love God. The preacher encourages the audience to examine their hearts and prioritize their love for God over material possessions.
(Basics) 57. Praying for Our Material Needs
By Zac Poonen3.0K12:39MAT 6:7MAT 6:13MAT 6:24MAT 6:33PHP 4:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and prayers. He highlights that we should not prioritize our business, studies, family, or possessions above God. The speaker then discusses the Lord's Prayer and points out that it does not contain any self-centered words like "I" or "me." Instead, it focuses on seeking God's kingdom, will, and provision for ourselves and others. The speaker concludes by encouraging believers to put God first and trust Him to intervene and help them overcome their problems.
The Fourth Tabernacle (Birmingham Conference)
By David Wilkerson3.0K29:46ConferenceGEN 6:13EXO 25:81CH 28:12ISA 53:5MAT 6:6MAT 6:24JHN 4:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of inviting the Holy Spirit into our gatherings and lives. He prays for the Spirit to fill the house and acknowledges that without the Spirit, their meeting would be just another gathering. The preacher then introduces the concept of the fourth tabernacle as the ultimate purpose of the cross of Jesus Christ. He explains that the tabernacle represents where God lives and abides, and that Jesus came to establish the fourth tabernacle, which is the body of believers on earth. The preacher concludes by highlighting the significance of our bodies as temples of God and encourages the audience to understand the depth of the cross and embrace their role as the tabernacle of God in the last days.
Cross Talk Show 1 - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan2.9K08:33MAT 6:21MAT 6:24MRK 8:36LUK 16:10ROM 10:14ROM 10:171CO 9:161TI 6:101JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel with those who have not heard, highlighting the need for believers to submit their will and resources to God, be good stewards, and make sacrifices for the Kingdom. It challenges listeners to evaluate their love for the world and to prioritize the eternal over the temporary, especially in the small things that may hinder their fruitfulness for God's kingdom.
(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today
By Zac Poonen2.6K42:56PRO 16:18PRO 22:4MAT 6:24LUK 16:101CO 1:27GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 1:22JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns against the dangers of pride, material prosperity leading to spiritual decline, and the need to remain faithful, humble, and obedient to the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges listeners to prioritize seeking God, valuing godly examples, and living a life of simplicity and faithfulness.
It Will Cost You Everything
By Steven J. Lawson2.6K11:03MAT 6:24MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23LUK 14:26This sermon emphasizes the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, highlighting that it will require giving up popularity, promotions, an easy life, and the need for discipline and self-control. It stresses the importance of saying no to temptation, the world, and standing alone for Christ, even in the face of persecution. The speaker underscores the necessity of surrendering all possessions and transferring ownership of one's life, time, possessions, future, and treasure to Christ, meeting His terms of peace through complete surrender.
Winning God's Approval - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.5K49:25ApprovalJOB 1:21JOB 29:15JOB 31:1MAT 5:28MAT 6:24MAT 25:35GAL 3:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses two types of preachers: those who focus on visions and dreams, and those who cling to traditions. He emphasizes the importance of not changing what our forefathers believed and challenges the listener to see if God will accept that challenge. The preacher then shifts to discussing the book of Job and how Job's response was not always perfect, but God still blessed him. He highlights the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, stating that in the Old Covenant, God treated people like children, but in the New Covenant, God treats us like adult sons. The preacher concludes by discussing the three-fold hedge of protection that God puts around believers and how it brings comfort in times of trouble.
How to Change Your Heart
By Charles Finney2.5K40:08Audio BooksPRO 29:1MAT 6:24LUK 13:3ACT 2:37ROM 8:7HEB 9:271JN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher urges the listeners to cease their rebellion against God and enlist in the service of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus has come to destroy the works of the devil and establish the government of God in the hearts of men. The preacher asks if the listeners are willing to allow Jesus to govern the world and if they would obey him themselves. He addresses the concern of being a great sinner and assures that there is mercy available for all. The sermon also discusses the two classes of evidence of a change of heart, which are vivid emotions of love for God, repentance for sin, and faith in Christ. The importance of understanding the philosophy of conversion is highlighted, as many sermons fail to secure the sinner's attention or direct it to irrelevant matters. The preacher encourages the listeners to seize the present moment, while they are awake and strong, to make a new heart and spirit and embrace eternal life.
All to Jesus Compilation (Full Version)
By Compilations2.5K27:17ISA 6:3MAT 6:24MAT 11:28MAT 16:24LUK 9:23LUK 14:262CO 5:17GAL 2:20PHP 3:8JAS 4:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of true surrender to Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to move beyond a superficial understanding of salvation to a deep, transformative relationship with Him. It challenges believers to prioritize Christ above all else, including relationships, ambitions, and worldly desires. The sermon underscores the necessity of encountering the holy, sovereign God and living solely for His glory, forsaking all for the sake of following Christ wholeheartedly.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead2.4K09:57JDG 17:6PRO 14:12MAT 6:24JAS 4:41JN 2:15This sermon delves into the story of Micah in Judges 17, exploring the consequences of mixing worldly practices with worship of God, the dangers of compromising one's faith for personal gain, and the importance of seeking God's will rather than doing what seems right in our own eyes. It highlights the need for true devotion and obedience to God, even in the midst of societal pressures and temptations.
We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 4
By Andrew Strom2.3K09:59MAT 6:24MAT 7:15MAT 23:23LUK 12:15JHN 6:101TI 6:102TI 4:3JAS 5:11JN 4:1This sermon addresses the housing crisis and the prevalence of deception in the church, particularly related to prosperity gospel teachings. It emphasizes the importance of standing up for truth, even when it goes against popular beliefs, and draws parallels to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, highlighting the power of speaking truth in times of crisis and deception.
Running, Kneeling, Asking
By Leonard Ravenhill2.3K53:30Prayer LifeMAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:33MAT 19:16MRK 1:9MRK 10:13MRK 10:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is only one gospel, which is told by four different people in the Bible. He encourages the audience to read all four Gospels to get a complete understanding of the story. The speaker then shares a story about a man whose life was shattered by tragedy, causing him to lose his sight. The sermon also focuses on a passage from Mark chapter one, where Jesus encounters a rich young man and instructs him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven.
(1 Samuel) Blessings to the Barren
By David Guzik2.2K36:02GEN 2:241SA 1:18MAT 6:24In this sermon, the speaker introduces the book of 1 Samuel and expresses their excitement about studying it. They highlight the authenticity of the Bible compared to movies, novels, and television shows, emphasizing that the characters and events in the Bible are relatable and real. The speaker then begins to delve into the first chapter of 1 Samuel, introducing the main characters, Elkanah, Hannah, and Penaniah. They also discuss the use of human language to describe God's actions and the significance of feasts and celebrations in the Bible.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
No man can serve--The word means to "belong wholly and be entirely under command to." 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--Even if the two masters be of one character and have but one object, the servant must take law from one or the other: though he may do what is agreeable to both, he cannot, in the nature of the thing, be servant to more than one. Much less if, as in the present case, their interests are quite different, and even conflicting. In this case, if our affections be in the service of the one--if we "love the one"--we must of necessity "hate the other"; if we determine resolutely to "hold to the one," we must at the same time disregard, and (if he insist on his claims upon us) even "despise the other." Ye cannot serve God and mammon--The word "mamon"--better written with one m--is a foreign one, whose precise derivation cannot certainly be determined, though the most probable one gives it the sense of "what one trusts in." Here, there can be no doubt it is used for riches, considered as an idol master, or god of the heart. The service of this god and the true God together is here, with a kind of indignant curtness, pronounced impossible. But since the teaching of the preceding verses might seem to endanger our falling short of what is requisite for the present life, and so being left destitute, our Lord now comes to speak to that point.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life,.... Since ye cannot serve both God and "mammon", obey one, and neglect the other. Christ does not forbid labour to maintain, support, and preserve, this animal life; nor does he forbid all thought and care about it, but all anxious, immoderate, perplexing, and distressing thoughts and cares; such as arise from diffidence and unbelief, and tend to despair; which are dishonourable to God, as the God of nature and providence, and uncomfortable to men: what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. The several and the only things, which are necessary for the support and comfort of human life, are mentioned; as meat, drink, and clothing; Eating and drinking are necessary to preserve life; and raiment, to cover and defend the body, from the injuries of the heavens: and having these, men have everything necessary, and ought herewith to be content; nor should they be anxiously thoughtful about these: for is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? And yet, God has given these without man's thought: and since these are better, and much more excellent, than food and raiment, as all must and will acknowledge; and God has given these the greater gifts, it may be depended upon, that he will give the lesser; that he will give meat and drink; to uphold that valuable life, which he is the author of; and raiment to clothe that body, which he, with so much wisdom and power, has accurately and wonderfully made.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:24 The term for money (traditionally mammon) is an Aramaic term for profits or material possessions. Since God tolerates no rivals, Jesus repeatedly warns of the danger of accumulating riches (13:22; 19:16-30; 26:14-16; 27:3-10; 28:11-15), which can be an idol (see Eph 5:5; Col 3:5). We must trust God to meet our needs (Matt 4:3-4; 6:8, 11, 25-34; 7:7-11; 10:9-14; 14:15-21; 15:32-38), and the community of disciples is to be mutually supportive (6:2-4; 10:40-42; 19:21; 23:23-24; 25:31-46; 26:6-13; 27:57-61).