1. OBSTACLES TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD MATTHEW 6

2. Religious Hypocrisy Matthew 6:1-18 Giving alms to impress people 6:1-4 Already have their reward No more reward for them Not wrong if others see what you do; wrong to do it for purpose of being seen Praying to impress people 6:5-15 Making a show of fasting to impress people 6:16-18 Seeking to please or impress people alienates God! James 4:4, Galatians 1:10

3. Materialism Matthew 6:19-34 Making treasures on earth your goal 6:19-24 Contradicts Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, 2:4-11 Saving not prohibited “Not…but…” Emphasis is on treasure in heaven (can’t lose it) Conflicting values: two goals, two masters Worry 6:25-34 Worry is not productive Trust in God’s character and competence Seek first God’s will Matt. 6:33