Sermons on Matthew 6:3:

What Is Success?

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

There is really only one question by which we evaluate all of life, and all human activity: Is it pleasing to God?

Paul Aurandt in his book, Destiny tells of the life of Bartholomew Roberts, one of the great sea captains. He commanded 3 ships-The Fortune, The Good Fortune and the Royal Fortune. Back in his day the ships musicians were on call to provide music anytime of the day or night. But his musicians got ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6

Helpful And Harmful Hypocrisy

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

Man is the most clever creature when it comes to figuring out how to get his own way. Hypocrisy, or pretending something that isn't so, is one of his best methods.

Every able bodied man in Russia must serve in the army, but Abe managed to remain quietly on his farm year after year. One day his neighbor asked him, "Abe, how does a strong young man like you manage to get by without being drafted for the Red Army?" "That is what I am asking ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6

Prevent Being Out Of Order

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

With the motivation of love man can turn problems into blessings and bring order out of chaos, and harmony out of discord. By cooperation men can make plans where everyone comes out a winner.

After World War II there were five army dumps in France full of machinery. It was too good to throw away, and yet not good enough to hall back to the United States. It was a major problem. The Quakers saw an opportunity for service, and so they offered the United States Army 200,000 francs for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6

The Reward Motive

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

The evil man out of God's will, and the righteous in center of God's will may both be motivated by the love of reward. It is obviously a subject then that needs to be seen from both the vicious and the virtuous side.

A 16th century German monk discovered the power of religious bribery. The children showed great reluctance in learning their prayers. Scolding and punishing them did not improve things, and so he tried offering them a reward. Tradition has it that he took thin strips of dough and twisted them ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6

The Simple Life Style

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

Each individual Christian needs to keep asking themselves, how can I simplify my life, not for the sake of simplicity, but for the sake of the kingdom of God.

I've always loved the Cinderella story, and have read it to my granddaughter, and listened to it on record many times. It is a story that fits so well in our culture. From rags to riches is the American dream come true. The poor little servant girl escapes from the wash water to live in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8

Successful Prayer

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

If success is pleasing God, and God is not pleased with all kinds of external forms and activities, where the heart is far from him, than it follows that the only road to spiritual success is the road to inner space.

Henry Brown prayed for a way to escape. He was a slave in Richmond, Virginia, and desperately wanted to be free. He finally felt his prayer was answered when he was inspired by a unique idea. He had the plantation carpenter construct a box the same size of the largest boxes that were shipped in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8

Success In Simplicity

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

Jesus simplified everything he touched. The Old Testament saints had ten commandments to guide them, but Jesus said you can simplify these ten, and reduce them to two. Love God with all your being, and your neighbor as yourself.

C. S. Lewis, the brilliant atheist who became one of the most famous Christians of the 20th century, said, "It is no good asking for a simple religion after all, real things are not simple." Little did he realize, when he wrote those words in his early book, Mere Christianity, just how ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8

Quiet Generosity Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 15, 2019

If you want a real reward from God, and not just the praise of people, don’t put on a show with your giving, and don’t make a sound. Instead, give in secret, and God will reward you publicly one day.

Genia Obal, from Montrose, British Columbia, talks about the time her 7-year-old daughter had just won $2.00 for her memory work in Sunday school. After the morning service, the pastor's wife congratulated her. The little girl proudly announced, “And I put it all in the morning's ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Christian And Tithing Series

Contributed by Grant Adams on Nov 26, 2019

Alms spoken of in this section of God’s word covers a multitude of things, but means in general “giving or an act of charity” which means anything that we give to relieve spiritual or physical needs, can be considered alms.

The Christian and Tithing Matthew 6:1-4 Alms spoken of in this section of God’s word covers a multitude of things, but means in general “giving or an act of charity” which means anything that we give to relieve spiritual or physical needs, can be considered alms. I. The Disciple and His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Sermon On The Mount (Part 14) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Dec 9, 2019

Today we start chapter six. Throughout chapter five we saw the phrase, "you have heard it was said". Jesus no longer starts out that way. Jesus isn't challenging contradictory teachings but contradictory practices. Today's lesson is on why we do good deeds.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (part 14) Matthew 6:1-4 Today we start chapter six. We'll notice that Jesus doesn't introduce his topics as he has up to this point. Throughout chapter five we saw the now familiar phrase, "you have heard it was said". But Jesus doesn't start out that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4, Mark 12:41-44, 2 Corinthians 8:12, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 11:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christian Challenge Sermon Vii: Disciplined Christian Living Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Dec 12, 2019

In times like these, disciplined Christian living comes naturally to kingdom dwellers who truly desire to follow in the steps of Jesus and therefore give priority to giving, praying, doing.

CHRISTIAN CHALLENGE SERMON VII: DISCIPLINED CHRISTIAN LIVING Long ago the psalmist said poetically what you and I have learned as the years have gone by: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18

Tithing Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 23, 2017

Responsibilities in Giving

A. INTRODUCTION: MATTHEW 6:1-4 1. What is most imperative? (Three lessons from Matthew 6). • “When you give” (Matt. 6:2-3) – Relationship to others. • “When you pray” (Matt. 6:5-6) – Relationship to God. • “When you fast” (Matt. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-33

Denomination: Baptist

This Is Us - Pt. 4 Extras Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Mar 22, 2017

Do we know who we are? With all of our hang-ups, challenges, gifts, warts and all, “THIS IS US!” Understanding our identity is essential for our health.

This Is US! Pt. 4 - Extras I. Introduction “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” That was the declaration of the Ralph Ellison who was the author of the Invisible Man. Do you know who you are? If you do not, then it isn't Jesus' fault because He climbs a mountain, sits down ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Showboat Religion Series

Contributed by Jerry Owen on Mar 30, 2017

Jesus teaches about the proper way to give, to pray, and to fast. He condemns public displays of religious acts where the intent is to garner praise from people who are watching.

SHOWBOAT RELIGION MATTHEW 6:1-8, 16-18 A "showboat" is someone who tries to draw all the attention to himself. They want all the glory, all the praise. You see it on the football field and other places where people compete. The touchdown or big play antics are performed to draw attention. Many ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Lent? Series

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Apr 15, 2017

explanation of the season of Lent

WHAT IS LENT? Last Wednesday we celebrated Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. While I was eating my share of pancakes at a Shrove Tuesday dinner, someone asked me just exactly what is Lent, which started me thinking. For those of us raised in the church (particularly the Roman ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 103:1-22, Matthew 6:1-21

Denomination: Episcopal