INTRODUCTION
Chapter 5 began the sermon on mount with definition of “Happiness”:
If you will look, and search – If you really hunger and thirst –
IF you truly SEEK God with all of your heart THEN your actions will show it –
And The RESULT will be “Happiness” as God defines it to be!
Chapter 5 speaks of the righteousness those of the kingdom must possess.
Chapter 6 speaks of the righteousness those of the kingdom must practice.
What is your MOTIVE (asking) WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
ILLUSTRATIONS – 3 to Explain Our Study
Why do you do your acts of kindness? Why do you serve in the church?
Why do you tithe? Why do you pray? Why do you support certain charities
Again, using the Pharisees in his lesson to the disciples, Jesus reminds them that because they belong to Christ, their acts of righteousness are to be from the heart and not unto men.
TEXT FROM SERMON ON THE MOUNT #5 – MATTHEW 6:1-18
READ VERSE 1
Jesus uses 3 Different “Acts of Righteousness”: Giving, Prayer & Fasting
3 Customs the Pharisees did in a public manner.
Jesus exposes their motives behind the acts and cautions the disciples to guard their heart.
Jesus in 5.20 had already told the disciples that their lifestyle was going to have to be of a better lifestyle than that of the Pharisee in order to enter the kingdom of heaven.
While last week, we looked and saw that the problem of sin in one’s life is not the REAL problem but a symptom of a bigger problem, and that being their relationship with God.
ACT #1: ON GIVING
READ VERSE 2a
It was their custom (for one wanting to offer money or other acts of charity) to go down to a busy street corner and blow a trumpet. The original PURPOSE was to call the poor and needy to receive the gifts.
“to be honored by men” – The Purpose has changed!
READ VERSE 2b
“I tell you…they have received…” they had received exactly what they asked for:
READ VERSE 3 & 4
Don’t put one hand in your pocket to grab your money while waiving your other hand for others to see – Jesus says, “do it in secret”
YOUR GIFT IS BETWEEN YOU AND GOD
Money, An act of service, Teaching, Encouraging, a Ministry, etc.
APPLICATION
1. I have had to rethink our OUTREACH which is where StreetNITE comes from.
2. Our team of 6 had a great night this past Thursday and was welcomed into every home we came in contact. But our intent was NOT to selfishly grow the church but to MINISTER to the community.
Cards are mailed, phone calls are made, and other visits (2 this past Friday) - follow up efforts to MINISTER. And if GOD decides to send them to this church, then we will praise His NAME!
Jesus simply says consider your motive for what you give and make sure it is for God’s glory and not man’s glory. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
ACT #2: ON PRAYER
READ VERSE 5a
VERSE 5b - Jesus says again that he gets what he wants – recognition – to be seen of men. BUT his prayer never gets off the ground.
READ VERSE 6
- Is he saying that you should not have PUBLIC PRAYER? Not Literal.
- But our prayer is to be sincere and between US and GOD.
If you feel like your prayers are not getting higher than the ceiling could it be you are not really directing your conversation to God?
READ VERSE 7
- Nothing fancy about prayer! God knows your heart so share it honestly.
- Without crazy repetition using big words & saying the same thing over & over.
READ VERSE 8
“don’t be like them” - BE YOURSELF – NOT LIKE SOMEONE ELSE!
You can’t outwit, outfox, or impress God. He knows every thought, every pain, every need, every purpose. Does He want to hear from you? YES. But he wants a real close and personal conversation!
The LORD’S PRAYER? He uses an example that we have called “The Lord’s…”
Is this the LORD’s prayer? Is this a MODEL prayer? Does it give the PATTERN of prayer? Again, remember this section deals with your intentions – your actions – Jesus before and after these verses is disputing the actions of the Pharisees.
READ VERSES 9-13
a. WHAT IT’S NOT - the Lord’s Prayer
Vs. 11 – Jesus was never in need of food
Vs. 12 – Jesus never sinned and did not need to be forgiven
Vs. 13 – James says God can not be tempted nor can He tempt anyone
b. WHAT IT IS - A Pattern for Prayer to Prevent Abuse
He gave this prayer to keep us from using vain repetitions. He had just in Vs. 7 & 8 said that our prayers should be simple and to the point without babbling.
In the LIT. text, He said, "Pray after this manner";
9-10 This IS the God of the Universe – Revere Him, Respect, Honor, Understand who you are talking to!
11 - Grant me my ‘today’s needs’
12 - Forgive me of my sins as you’ve taught me to forgive others
24 - Not ‘lead’ because God doesn’t ‘tempt’ anyone – Jas. 1.13
READ 14 15
- He was not teaching that believers earned God’s forgiveness by forgiving; this would be contrary to God’s free grace and mercy.
- However, if we have truly experienced God’s forgiveness, then we will have a readiness to forgive others —AND our FAILURE to do so would show that Christ never came into our heart!
ACT #3: ON FASTING
The next subject is one many believers share confusing opinions on. IS FASTING a NT PRINCIPLE? I personally believe it is. It is a matter of Personal Preference.
The example is exactly what Jesus has been teaching – What was designed to be a way to draw one closer to God was being done so that others would think they were more spiritual.
NOTICE – READ 16
The Pharisees fasted each Monday and Thursday and in a way that people knew. Their purpose was to win the praise of men. THEY RECEIVED WHAT THEY ASKED FOR – RECOGNITION.
READ VERSE 17 - 18
When you are searching, or hurting, and really wanting to seek God, and you DENY a meal or something you enjoy for a PERIOD OF TIME and REPLACE it with a time secret prayer and worship, then as in Vs. 18 the Father will reward you.
Fasting shows one’s seriousness in what they are searching for by their being willing to give up something of value in order to worship God!
Should you fast? I believe that’s a matter of personal preference.
SUMMARY
Three examples of “ACTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS” and the MOTIVE BEHIND THEM to ask the question:
WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
