Introduction

Good morning, beloved in Christ. I stand before you today, with joy in my heart and a message on my lips. A message that is as timeless as the stars, as enduring as the mountains, and as profound as the deepest ocean. It is a message that has the power to transform lives, to heal broken hearts, and to set captives free. It is a message that I am privileged to share with you today.

Humble Hearts

The idea of humility is a cornerstone in the teachings of Jesus. It is a trait that He not only preached about but also embodied in His life. The passage we read from Matthew 6:1-8 is a clear call to humility. It is a call to live our lives not for the applause of others, but for the approval of our Heavenly Father.

Humility starts in the heart. It is an inward disposition that affects our outward actions. It is a recognition of our own limitations, our own weaknesses, and our own need for God. It is acknowledging that we are not the center of the universe, but rather, we are part of a larger story - God's story.

In the passage, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others. This is a form of pride, a desire for recognition and applause. It is the opposite of humility. When we give to the needy or pray, it should not be for the purpose of gaining attention or praise. Instead, our giving and our praying should be done in secret, seen only by our Father in heaven.

Jesus also warns against babbling on and on in our prayers, thinking that we will be heard because of our many words. This too is a form of pride, a belief that we can manipulate God through our words. But God is not impressed by our eloquence or our verbosity. He knows what we need before we even ask.

Humility is also about recognizing our dependence on God. We are not self-sufficient; we are not the masters of our own destiny. We need God's grace, His mercy, and His strength. We need His guidance and His wisdom.

Recognizing our dependence on God is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom. It is acknowledging reality as it is. It is living in the truth. And the truth is, we are not God; we are not in control. But we have a loving Father who is in control, who cares for us and provides for us.

Humility is also not about thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It is about putting God first, others second, and ourselves last. It is about serving rather than being served.

Finally, humility is not a natural, fallen human trait. It is counter-cultural. It goes against our human nature, which is to exalt ourselves, to seek our own interests, to strive for recognition and applause. But it is a trait that God values, a trait that He rewards.

Heavenly Rewards

As we continue our reflection on Matthew 6:1-8, we turn our attention to the promise of heavenly rewards ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO