In Order To Be Seen By Others | The Sermon on the Mount
Sermon on The Mount: “Kingdom Righteousness”
Matthew 6:1-4
I’m guessing I’m not the only person who’s ever found themselves doing something GOOD with an ULTERIOR motivation.
The GOSPEL of Jesus gives us BLESSING for TODAY and HOPE for TOMORROW.
In Jesus’ Kingdom, the condition of our HEARTS is what our Heavens Father values most.
Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus’ teaching in this section of his sermon isn’t really about GIVING, it’s about RELATIONSHIPS.
In a personal relationship if something is made PUBLIC that is meant to be PRIVATE the relationship is DAMAGED.
v.1 “Be CAREFUL not to do your ACTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS in front of others to be SEEN by THEM…”
v.1 “Be CAREFUL not to do your GOOD WORKS in front of others to be SEEN by THEM, if you do you will have no REWARD from your FATHER in heaven.”
“In the same way, let your light SHINE before others, that they may see your GOOD WORKS and glorify your FATHER in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
This Jesus addressing our MOTIVATIONS.
Jesus is very interested in our BEHAVIOR. But, for Jesus right behavior is never enough.
Jesus is always more concerned with the MOTIVATION of the HEART behind our behavior.
v.2 “So WHEN you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be HONORED BY OTHERS. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.”
v.3 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then YOUR FATHER who sees what is done in secret, WILL REWARD YOU.”