DIGGING DEEPER

SERMON ON THE MOUNT:

Matthew 6:1-8, 16-19

1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 

2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him…

16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.



Read Matthew 6:1-8, 16-19. How committed are you to the habits or practices of giving, prayer, and fasting right now?

What helps and hinders you from doing these things?

Why do you think Jesus says “when” not “if”?

How prone are you to do something “spiritual” mainly to be seen or praised?

How might we discern whether our motives are to please God or to impress others?

How does giving, praying, and fasting in secret help shape our hearts differently than doing these things publicly?

What does this passage teach us about the kind of relationship God wants with us?

What spiritual discipline could you practice in greater secrecy this week? Wait, don’t answer that. Keep it a secret, but if you’re in a group, pray for others to have a richly rewarding personal relationship with the Lord that is based on His favor not public recognition.

Looking for questions based on a past sermon?