Mat 6:16-18 Christian Living Series Pious Service

Mat 6:16-18 And when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, of a sad face. For they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to men to fast. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. (17) But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, (18) so that you do not appear to men to fast, but to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

Introduction Christian living is a service to God Basis of piety is sincerity toward God Fasting provides a good understanding

Fasting Fasting and its Nature Humble oneself Spiritual discipline Devotion to God Mourning and calling to God In the face of great danger Special needs Hence, fasting is very much a toward God, not to man.

What to wear today….

Jesus’ Teaching: No Hypocrisy Anoint your head Wash you face Don’t contort your face God will reward in secret God sees our good deeds although other do not see. God knows and rewards us personally.

Be Salt and…. Light Mat 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the grain-measure, but on a lampstand. And it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.

Answer: God be Glorified A. B. Bruce, “ we are to show when tempted to hide, and hide when tempted to show. John Stott, “ Our good works must be public so that our light shines, our religious devotions must be secret lest we boast about them” “Why are we to keep our piety secret? It is in order that glory may be given to God, rather than man.” It is God who does the work!

Application Question: “When I serve God in some way, Am I doing this righteousness for my benefit, for my interest, my image, my charm or my popularity?” Religious piety has many forms Peer pressure as driving force for good and bad Our piety should be centered in “Glorify God in every thing we do”

Conclusion Christian living is one with charity In Christian living, we beware of hypocrisy Christian living is having a genuine relationship with both man and God