An Offering Given In Purity Series

An Offering Given in Purity

Matthew 6: 1-4

Today we begin a new chapter in our study of the Sermon on the Mount, but it is just a continuation of what we have studied in the past. We are still dealing with the message Jesus preached to the multitudes. His focus has shifted somewhat, but He continues dealing with the conduct of believers. Many of the past verses dealt with the perception and behavior of people in contrast with what the Bible taught. As we continue, Jesus offers guidance and direction for holy and upright living.

These verses deal with alms giving. One of the commentaries that I use titled this passage: Counsel About Philanthropy. That is an interesting thought. Webster defines philanthropy as: goodwill to fellowmen; an active effort to promote human welfare. This is certainly a Christian principle that our Lord taught and practiced. Every believer ought to be a philanthropist in that they seek the welfare of those around them. That is not to say that we support ungodly behavior, but that we seek to assist those in need. Jam.2:15-17 – If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Let’s take a few moments to consider the teachings of our Lord as we think on: An Offering Given in Purity. Once again Jesus offers a contrast in these verses.

I. The Directive for Sacrifice – It is evident that Jesus encouraged and even commanded that we be willing to sacrifice for the good of others. Let’s see if we can put things in their context.

A. The Explanation – In these verses Jesus spoke of alms giving. The word alms has the idea of “mercy, pity, charity; a donation to the poor.” This is not dealing with the tithes or offerings that we give to the church, although the same principles would apply. The focus here is giving of ourselves for the needs of others. It is the willingness to sacrifice for those in need.

As with all things, our alms giving must be done decently and in order. If there is a genuine need, we are obligated to do what we can to alleviate that need. I know that all who seek help or benefit from the church are not really in need, but there are real needs the church should seek to meet. We have not been called to develop large bank accounts while those around us suffer. Personally, we have an obligation as well. If God has blessed us, and I am certain that He has, we should be willing to give of our abundance for the good of others.

B. The Expectation (2) – When thou doest thine alms…This is not a mere suggestion. Jesus did not present an idea that He wanted His followers to consider. He did not say, if you offer charity, but when!

This is really no surprise to any of us. Our very human nature demands compassion. I am aware that some are more compassionate than others, but with the exception of a few coldhearted people, the majority of humanity has compassion. It isn’t a matter of whether we sense the needs of others; we all do, but the question is whether we respond to that which we know we ought to do. We are never more like Christ than when we give of ourselves!

II. The Display of Self-Righteousness (1-2) – As we look at these verses, I want to point out that these were not guilty of withholding charity. They gave of themselves, but their motives were wrong. If we are to please the Lord with our alms, they must be given properly. Jesus offered a stern warning regarding alms giving: Take heed. As we will see, these gave for their own benefit. There is something within our nature that craves attention and praise. Consider:

A. The Publicity (1a) – Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them. Jesus was aware of those in His day who gave their alms publicly to be seen of men. They had given charity, but it was paraded openly for all to see.

Have we not all met those who used their charity as a means of publicity? Many are willing to freely give as long as their name is mentioned or placed upon a plaque. Most of us have probably been guilty at some point in time. We all like to hear our name mentioned or posted in the bulletin. We must be cautious that we are not parading our charity just so the world can see.