Authentic Devotion: Living for the Audience of One
Summary
Today’s focus is on the call to authentic, personal devotion to Jesus—a life lived for the “audience of one.” In a world where it’s increasingly difficult to distinguish what’s real from what’s artificial, even in our faith, the challenge is to move beyond simply belonging to a community or performing religious acts for others’ approval. Instead, the invitation is to cultivate a genuine relationship with Christ that overflows into every area of life. This is not about faking spirituality to fit in, but about seeking the living God with sincerity and depth.
The trend in our culture has shifted: people are no longer satisfied with mere religious institutions or inherited traditions. Many are searching for the real Jesus, often encountering Him before ever stepping into a church. The question then becomes: how do we ensure our faith is authentic, not just a performance for others? The answer is to prioritize intimacy with God above all else, letting our spiritual practices—like giving, prayer, and fasting—flow from that relationship, not as a means to gain status or affirmation from those around us.
Fasting, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6, is a powerful spiritual practice meant to deepen our connection with God. Throughout Scripture, fasting is seen in moments of transition, pain, seeking direction, or needing God’s favor. Yet, Jesus warns against making fasting (or any spiritual discipline) a public display for the sake of reputation. Instead, He calls us to “wash our face and anoint our head”—to go about our day normally, keeping our devotion between us and God. The reward for such secret devotion is not the fleeting praise of people, but the lasting transformation and blessing that comes from God Himself.
This principle applies to all spiritual practices: worship, prayer, generosity, and more. The heart of the matter is to live as if Jesus is the only one in the room, seeking His approval and presence above all else. When we do this, we create a “secret place” in our lives where God meets us, transforms us, and empowers us to live out our faith authentically in community. The invitation is open to all—to turn from old ways, invite Jesus in, and begin a journey of real, life-changing relationship with Him.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic faith is not about performing for a community, but about cultivating a genuine relationship with Jesus. When spiritual practices become a means to gain approval or status, they lose their transformative power. True devotion is rooted in seeking God for Himself, not for what others might think of us. [01:01:51]
- The trend of people leaving institutional religion is giving way to a hunger for the real Jesus. Many now encounter Christ outside traditional settings and come to church seeking authenticity, not ritual. This shift challenges us to ensure our own faith is real and not just inherited or performed. [01:04:29]
- Fasting, prayer, and generosity are meant to be expressions of intimacy with God, not tools for public recognition. Jesus teaches that the reward for secret devotion is far greater than any human praise. The “secret place” is where God sees and rewards us, shaping us from the inside out. [01:09:48]
- The danger of hypocrisy is ever-present when spiritual disciplines are practiced for show. Jesus calls out the tendency to act spiritual for the sake of community affirmation, reminding us that God is interested in wholehearted devotion, not outward appearances. Living for the audience of one means our faith is consistent both in public and in private. [01:21:14]
- Every believer is invited to create a “secret place” with God—a space where spiritual practices are done for Him alone. Whether fasting, praying, or worshiping, the focus must remain on encountering and knowing Jesus. This private devotion fuels authentic community and empowers us to live transformed lives. [01:26:57]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Testimony: Liliana’s Vision and Equip Nights
[03:30] - Announcements: Testimonies and Summer Events
[07:40] - Coffee Break: Connecting and Giving
[13:00] - Gathering Back: Preparing for the Word
[14:00] - Introduction: The Power of Focused Devotion
[15:06] - AI, Authenticity, and Real Faith
[17:51] - Moralistic Deism vs. True Relationship
[19:14] - The Shift: From Institution to Authentic Jesus
[22:32] - Living for the Audience of One
[25:17] - The Sermon on the Mount: Spiritual Practices
[27:48] - Fasting in Scripture: Examples and Purpose
[33:01] - Jesus’ Teaching on Fasting: Matthew 6
[36:01] - Hypocrisy and the Danger of Performance
[41:14] - The Secret Place: Cultivating Private Devotion
[46:57] - Invitation to Authentic Relationship with Jesus
[50:00] - Prayer, Response, and Closing Worship
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living for the Audience of One
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
- 2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:16-18, what does Jesus say about how we should act when we fast? What does He warn against?
2. What are some of the reasons people in the Bible fasted, as mentioned in the sermon? (Moses, David, Esther, Jesus, early church) [01:13:01]
3. In the sermon, what does the phrase “audience of one” mean? [01:08:17]
4. What does Jesus promise as a reward for secret devotion, according to Matthew 6:18?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus is so concerned about people doing spiritual practices for public recognition instead of for God? [01:18:01]
2. The sermon mentions that spiritual practices like fasting, prayer, and giving can lose their power if done for the wrong reasons. Why is the motivation behind these practices so important? [01:21:14]
3. How does the idea of a “secret place” with God challenge the way we usually think about faith and community? [01:26:57]
4. The sermon talks about a shift in culture where people are looking for the “real Jesus” instead of just religious tradition. What might be some signs that someone’s faith is authentic and not just inherited or performed? [01:04:29]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to ask: “Am I actually cultivating a life of true, deep devotion to Jesus, or am I just faking a relationship to fit in?” How can you tell the difference in your own life? Are there areas where you feel tempted to “perform” spiritually for others? [01:01:51]
2. Think about your spiritual practices (prayer, giving, worship, fasting, etc.). Are there any you tend to do more for the approval of others than for God? What would it look like to shift your focus to the “audience of one”? [01:21:14]
3. The sermon says, “Live like Jesus is the only one in the room.” What is one practical way you can do this in your daily routine this week? [01:28:14]
4. Have you ever experienced the “secret place” with God—a time or space where it’s just you and Him? What was that like? If not, what’s one step you could take to create that space? [01:26:57]
5. Fasting was described as a way to seek God’s direction, favor, or help in times of transition or pain. Is there an area in your life right now where you need God’s guidance or breakthrough? Would you consider fasting or another spiritual practice to seek Him about it? [01:13:01]
6. The sermon warns about the danger of hypocrisy—acting spiritual for the sake of community affirmation. How can we encourage each other in our group to be real and honest about where we are with God, instead of pretending? [01:21:14]
7. The message ended with an invitation to turn from old ways and begin a real relationship with Jesus. If you feel like your faith has been more about tradition or community than about Jesus Himself, what is one thing you can do this week to invite Him in more personally? [01:30:07]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus, asking God to help each person live for the “audience of one” and to meet them in the secret place.
Devotional
Day 1: Living for the Audience of One
True spiritual practices are meant for God alone, not for public approval.
In a world where appearances often matter more than authenticity, it is easy to fall into the trap of performing spiritual acts for the recognition of others. Yet, the heart of genuine faith is to seek God in the secret place, making Him the sole focus of our devotion. Whether it is fasting, praying, or giving, these practices are not about elevating our status in the eyes of the community but about deepening our relationship with the living God. When we live for the audience of One, our hearts are transformed, and our actions become an outflow of our love for Him, not a means to gain affirmation from those around us. [01:08:17]
Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
“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. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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.”
Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life are you most tempted to seek the approval of others rather than focusing on God alone? How can you intentionally shift your focus to make your next act of devotion truly about Him?
Day 2: The Power and Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual practice to seek God, not to impress others.
Fasting has always been a powerful way to connect with God, seen throughout the stories of Moses, David, Esther, Daniel, and even Jesus Himself. It is not about depriving ourselves for the sake of discipline or public recognition, but about creating space for God to move in our hearts, to bring clarity, direction, and transformation. When we fast, we are invited to do so with humility and sincerity, seeking God’s presence and guidance rather than the admiration of people. This practice, when done for the right reasons, opens us up to deep encounters with the Lord and aligns our hearts with His will. [01:13:01]
Isaiah 58:6 (ESV)
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”
Reflection: If you have never fasted or have only done so out of routine, what is one way you could approach fasting this week as a genuine act of seeking God’s presence and direction in your life?
Day 3: Authenticity Over Appearance
God desires authenticity in our relationship with Him, not outward show.
It is easy to fall into the pattern of acting spiritual for the sake of community acceptance or to appear righteous, but God looks beyond our outward actions to the motives of our hearts. True faith is not about play-acting or checking religious boxes; it is about honestly seeking God, even when no one else is watching. When we cultivate authenticity, our spiritual practices become life-giving and transformative, drawing us closer to God and allowing His power to work in us. The reward is not the praise of people, but the deep, lasting change that comes from knowing and being known by God. [01:21:54]
Psalm 51:6 (ESV)
“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
Reflection: When was the last time you spent time with God in complete honesty, without worrying about how you appeared to others? What would it look like to bring your true self before Him today?
Day 4: Cultivating the Secret Place
Spiritual growth happens in the secret place, away from public view.
The most profound moments of spiritual growth often happen when we are alone with God, away from the eyes of others. Jesus calls us to develop a “secret place” in our lives—a space where we can pray, fast, give, and worship with no other audience but Him. It is in these hidden moments that our faith is refined, our hearts are healed, and our relationship with God deepens. The secret place is not about isolation, but about intimacy with the One who sees and rewards what is done in secret. [01:26:57]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
“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.”
Reflection: Where and when can you intentionally create space this week to meet with God in the “secret place,” away from distractions and the expectations of others?
Day 5: Wholehearted Devotion Brings God’s Reward
God seeks those who are fully devoted to Him and rewards their faithfulness.
God’s eyes search the earth for those whose hearts are fully His, longing to show Himself strong on their behalf. When we live with wholehearted devotion—making Jesus the center of every spiritual practice and every moment—we invite His power, blessing, and transformation into our lives. This kind of devotion is not about perfection, but about a sincere desire to know and follow Him above all else. As we pursue Him with undivided hearts, we can trust that He will meet us, reward us, and use us to impact the world around us. [01:28:14]
2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV)
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can move from half-hearted participation to wholehearted devotion to God this week? What step can you take today to pursue Him with greater sincerity?
Quotes
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