Studies in the Sermon on the Mount

Giving, Praying and Fasting Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18

Three Acts of Religious Service

1.Charitable Deeds (NKJV), Alms (KJV), Practicing Your Righteousness (NASB, ESV)

Three Acts of Religious Service 1.Charitable Deeds (NKJV), Alms (KJV), Practicing Your Righteousness (NASB, ESV) 2.Praying

Three Acts of Religious Service 1.Charitable Deeds (NKJV), Alms (KJV), Practicing Your Righteousness (NASB, ESV) 2.Praying 3.Fasting

Our Motives Matter “take heed” or “beware” (v. 6) What made these practices unacceptable to God was the motive behind them.

“Hypocrites” Translated from the Greek word hupokrisis. The word referred to an actor. A hypocrite is someone pretending to be something they are not. The righteousness of the Pharisees was an act to gain the praise and admiration of men.

“Secret” Poses a challenge: How are we to let others “see our good works” (5:16) and be careful to do them “in secret”? Jesus is addressing the problem of pride: that within us which desires and strives for recognition and praise from men.

“Reward” The reward of the Pharisees was the immediate praise of men. – John 12:42-43 If we will perform these tasks secretly (God focused), then God will reward us openly. – We have God’s praise (John 12:43; Matt. 25:21) – We have an eternal reward (Luke 14:13-14)

“Therefore do not be like them!” Not only must we do the right thing the right way, but we must make sure we are doing it for the right reason. Our service must be God-focused. Whose applause do we desire? Whose praise do we seek? Which reward do we want?