Authenticity in Faith: Living Beyond Hypocrisy

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we delved deeply into the Sermon on the Mount, focusing particularly on Matthew chapters 5 through 7, with a specific emphasis on Matthew 6:5-15. We explored the profound themes of authenticity in our spiritual practices, particularly in prayer, giving, and fasting, as Jesus taught.

We began by addressing the common perception of hypocrisy within the church. I highlighted the unfortunate reality that many people avoid church because they perceive it as a place filled with hypocrites. This perception challenges us to examine our actions and ensure our external behaviors align with our internal convictions.

We discussed the importance of genuine prayer as opposed to praying merely to be seen by others. Jesus emphasizes the value of praying in secret, where our Father who sees in secret will reward us. This teaches us that our relationship with God should not be for show, but a genuine, heartfelt connection.

In our giving, we reflected on how our offerings should not be made with fanfare or with the intention of being seen by others, but should be made in humility and secrecy to God who sees all. This principle was vividly illustrated through the example of the Pharisees who would convert their offerings into the smallest coins to make more noise and draw attention to their acts of giving.

We also touched on the topic of fasting, underscoring that it should not be done for public accolade but as a private discipline to deepen one's spiritual commitments and relationship with God.

Throughout the sermon, we revisited the core idea that our spiritual practices, whether they be prayer, fasting, or giving, should not be performed for the approval of others, but should stem from a sincere heart towards God. This call to authenticity is crucial in cultivating a faith that is not only professed but also deeply lived.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authentic Prayer: When we pray, it should not be for the admiration of others but for the intimate communication with God. Jesus teaches us to enter our room, close the door, and pray to our Father in secret. This form of prayer fosters a personal and private relationship with God, free from the distractions and approvals of the world. [11:03]

2. Genuine Giving: Our giving should be an act of worship, not a public spectacle. Jesus criticized those who made a show of their giving, suggesting instead that we should give in such a way that our left hand does not know what our right hand is doing. This approach helps keep our motives pure and our focus on God rather than on human recognition. [35:05]

3. Sincere Fasting: Fasting, like prayer and giving, should be done with a heart solely focused on God. It is not for showing others our spiritual discipline but for deepening our own spiritual resolve and connection with God. By keeping our fasting private, we honor the sacredness of the discipline and ensure it remains a genuine act of faith. [36:25]

4. Avoiding Hypocrisy: We must continually examine our hearts and motives in our spiritual practices. The danger of hypocrisy is that it can infiltrate our actions, making us actors rather than genuine believers. By focusing on being authentic in our walk with God, we guard against the leaven of the Pharisees—hypocrisy. [38:23]

5. Living an Integrated Life: Our external actions should reflect our internal beliefs. This integration of belief and action is what Jesus calls us to in the Sermon on the Mount. It's not enough to appear righteous; our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees by being deeply rooted in a genuine relationship with God. [42:53]

Chapters:
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 00:41 - Introduction and Context of Giving
- 09:48 - Exploring the Sermon on the Mount
- 11:03 - The Importance of Authentic Prayer
- 35:05 - The Heart Behind Our Giving
- 36:25 - The Discipline of Fasting
- 38:23 - Confronting Hypocrisy in Spiritual Practices
- 42:53 - Closing Thoughts on Authentic Living

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:5-15
- Matthew 6:1-4
- Matthew 6:16-18

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:5-6, what does Jesus say about the way we should pray? How does this contrast with the behavior of the hypocrites? [11:03]
2. In Matthew 6:1-4, what instructions does Jesus give about giving to the needy? What is the significance of doing it in secret? [35:05]
3. How does Jesus describe the proper way to fast in Matthew 6:16-18? What is the main point He is making about the attitude behind fasting? [36:25]
4. What are some of the reasons people avoid church according to the sermon, and how does the perception of hypocrisy play into this? [12:20]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of secrecy in our spiritual practices such as prayer, giving, and fasting? How does this relate to the concept of authenticity in our faith? [11:03]
2. How does the example of the Pharisees' giving practices in Matthew 6:1-4 illustrate the dangers of seeking human approval in our spiritual lives? [35:05]
3. What does it mean to have a "sincere heart towards God" in the context of fasting, as discussed in Matthew 6:16-18? How can this principle be applied to other areas of our spiritual life? [36:25]
4. The sermon mentioned that hypocrisy can infiltrate our actions, making us actors rather than genuine believers. How can we guard against this in our daily walk with God? [38:23]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Do you find yourself praying more in public or in private? How can you cultivate a more intimate and private prayer life with God? [11:03]
2. Think about your giving practices. Are there times when you give to be seen by others? How can you ensure that your giving is done with the right motives and in humility? [35:05]
3. When was the last time you fasted? Was it a private discipline or something you shared with others? How can you make your fasting a more sincere act of faith? [36:25]
4. Have you ever felt like you were putting on a "mask" in your spiritual life to conform to social pressures? What steps can you take to be more authentic in your relationship with God and others? [23:27]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of living an integrated life where our external actions reflect our internal beliefs. Can you identify any areas in your life where there is a disconnect between what you profess and how you act? How can you work on aligning these areas? [42:53]
6. How do you respond to the perception that the church is full of hypocrites? What can you do personally to change this perception and demonstrate authentic faith to those around you? [12:20]
7. Jesus calls us to avoid hypocrisy and live authentically. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that your spiritual practices are genuine and not for show? [38:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Authentic Prayer
Prayer is not a public performance but a private communion with God. When we pray, it should be a time of honest and open conversation with our Creator, not a display for the admiration of others. Jesus teaches us to enter our room, close the door, and pray to our Father in secret. This form of prayer fosters a personal and private relationship with God, free from the distractions and approvals of the world. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper, more meaningful spiritual life that is not influenced by external validation but is a true reflection of our inner faith and devotion. [11:03]

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: How can you make your prayer life more focused on God rather than on how it is perceived by others?

Day 2: The Heart of Giving
True giving is an act of worship that should be done in secrecy and humility, focusing on the divine rather than human recognition. Jesus criticized those who made a show of their giving, suggesting instead that we should give in such a way that our left hand does not know what our right hand is doing. This approach helps keep our motives pure and our focus on God. When we give not to be seen but out of a genuine heart, we align our actions with the teachings of Christ, fostering a spirit of true generosity and selflessness. [35:05]

Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV): "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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Reflection: What are some ways you can practice giving more discreetly to focus solely on the act of worship rather than on recognition?

Day 3: Fasting with Sincerity
Fasting should be a private discipline practiced not for public accolade but as a means to deepen one's spiritual commitments and relationship with God. By keeping our fasting private, we honor the sacredness of the discipline and ensure it remains a genuine act of faith. This practice helps us to refocus our spirits and strengthen our dependence on God, rather than on worldly approval or recognition. [36:25]

Isaiah 58:3-4 (ESV): "'Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?' Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers."

Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your fasting remains a deeply personal practice focused on God rather than on outward appearances?

Day 4: Guarding Against Hypocrisy
We must continually examine our hearts and motives in our spiritual practices to avoid the pitfall of hypocrisy. The danger of hypocrisy is that it can infiltrate our actions, making us actors rather than genuine believers. By focusing on being authentic in our walk with God, we guard against the leaven of the Pharisees—hypocrisy. This self-examination helps us to live out our faith genuinely and sincerely, without falling into the trap of performing for others. [38:23]

Luke 12:1-2 (ESV): "In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.'"

Reflection: How can you actively check your motives in your spiritual practices to ensure they remain pure and focused on God?

Day 5: Living an Integrated Life
Our external actions should reflect our internal beliefs. This integration of belief and action is what Jesus calls us to in the Sermon on the Mount. It's not enough to appear righteous; our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees by being deeply rooted in a genuine relationship with God. By aligning our outward behaviors with our inner convictions, we live an authentic Christian life that truly glorifies God. [42:53]

James 1:22-24 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where your actions could better reflect your true beliefs, and how can you begin to make that change today?

Quotes

"It's all about Jesus has come and given his life so that you can have a relationship with the Father and he's calling you to have authentic relationships with the Father and with each other without them. The church is powerless because we're all wearing a mask about something different places. In our spiritual life in our spiritual journey. It's time to lay down the mask. It's time to get real before God." [46:42]( | | )

"Jesus said in Matthew chapter 5 earlier on you said unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees. You shall not enter the kingdom of God. What's he talking about us beginning to realize I can't do it. I can't be that person. I can't be the super spiritual religious person. I can't be these things. Apart from the working of Christ and his Holy Spirit in my life." [38:23]( | | )

"Paul talks about hypocrisy in the book of Galatians. Peter talks about hypocrisy in first Peter chapter 2 really beginning in verse 1. He says lay aside hypocrisy talking to the church talking to those of us who believe he's not writing to the lost people. He's writing to people who believe lay aside your hypocrisy. Don't be something that you're not." [40:52]( | | )

"I thank God that he's transforming me every day every moment as I pray. As I give as I fast that God as at work in me glory to God and so from that as we think about this just a moment and I'm going to and I'm going to close with this thought and this will be a challenging thought so I want you just to take a moment." [42:53]( | | )

"Jesus says do not be like the hypocrites who love to sound the trumpet that word sound the trumpet actually is not it's not playing a trumpet instrument. It's that they have a brass bowl a brass container in the temple for their giving and and the Pharisees those who wanted to be seen with." [35:05]( | | )

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Transcript
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