Scripture References: Matthew 6:1-18; Hebrews 11:6

Intro: Welcome to this sermon exploring Matthew 6:1-18. After calling us to a righteousness exceeding mere rule-following (Matt 5), Jesus now addresses how we practice key spiritual disciplines—giving, praying, and fasting. He warns against performing these acts for human applause, urging us instead towards secret devotion aimed at God's approval alone.

Key Points:

1. Motive Matters: Who Are You Performing For? (v. 1): Jesus begins with a warning: "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them." The crucial distinction isn't if we practice righteousness, but why and for whom.
2. Giving: Secret Generosity vs. Showy Display (vv. 2-4): Giving to the needy is assumed. However, doing it publicly like hypocrites ("sounding a trumpet") earns only temporary human praise. Secret giving ("left hand not knowing") is seen and rewarded by our Father.
3. Prayer: Secret Intimacy vs. Public Performance (vv. 5-8): Prayer is assumed. But praying performatively on street corners or heaping up empty phrases like pagans misses the point. True prayer is secret, intimate communion with a Father who already knows our needs.
4. Prayer: The Lord's Model (vv. 9-15): Jesus provides a model prayer balancing God's priorities ("Your name, kingdom, will") with our dependence ("Give us, forgive us, lead us, deliver us"). It emphasizes relationship ("Our Father") and reliance, including the vital link between receiving and granting forgiveness.
5. Fasting: Secret Devotion vs. Gloomy Show (vv. 16-18): Self-denial (fasting) is assumed. Making a public spectacle of it with a gloomy face earns only human notice. Fasting done secretly, with normal appearance, is seen and rewarded by the Father.
6. The True Reward: God Sees and Approves (Heb 11:6): The recurring promise is that our Father sees secret devotion and rewards it. This counters the temptation to seek fleeting human approval. Believing God exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him fuels authentic faith and meets our deep need for significance and affirmation in Him alone.

Conclusion: Jesus calls us away from hypocrisy—performing religious acts for human praise—towards authentic righteousness practiced sincerely before God. The reward isn't fleeting applause but the Father's eternal approval and blessing, which truly satisfies.

Call to Action: Examine the motives behind your giving, prayer, and fasting. Are you more concerned with what people see or what God sees? Intentionally practice secret acts of devotion this week. Bring your deep need for approval to your Heavenly Father, trusting He sees and rewards.

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The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus and the End of Hypocrisy  (Matthew 6:1-18)
with Travis Aicklen

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