Authenticity in Faith: Seeking God's Approval, Not Man's

 

Summary

Tonight’s study begins a new journey into the words of Jesus, focusing on the teachings he gave while on earth—words that are both familiar and deeply challenging. The focus is on Matthew chapter 6, where Jesus addresses the heart behind our actions, especially in the areas of generosity and prayer. The call is to move away from outward displays meant to impress others and instead cultivate a life that seeks to please God in the secret places of our hearts.

Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for the sake of being seen by others. He uses the term “hypocrite,” which means an actor—someone who puts on a show for the audience but is not genuine inside. The temptation to build a reputation, to seek approval, and to polish our image is strong, both in the world and within the church. Yet, Jesus calls for authenticity, for a faith that is not about brand or image, but about the reality of our relationship with God.

Generosity, Jesus teaches, should be done quietly, without fanfare or self-promotion. The reward for such acts is not the applause of people, but the open reward of the Father who sees what is done in secret. The same principle applies to prayer. Jesus challenges the tendency to make prayer a public performance, whether in church or on the street. True prayer is not about eloquence, volume, or length, but about sincerity and intimacy with God. The secret place is where real spiritual life is cultivated, away from the eyes of others.

There is a subtle but significant difference between inspiring others and seeking their approval. Jesus himself modeled a life of hiddenness, doing good without seeking attention, and calling his followers to do the same. The reward God gives is not for those who act, but for those who are real—who seek him in the quiet, unseen moments. The challenge is simple but profound: to live for the Father’s approval, not for the applause of people.

Key Takeaways

- Authenticity Over Appearance
God is not impressed by outward displays or carefully crafted images. True spirituality is measured by what happens in the secret places of our hearts, not by how we appear to others. The temptation to build a reputation or brand is strong, but God calls us to authenticity, to be the same in private as we are in public. Only God sees the heart, and only his approval truly matters. [08:33]

- Generosity Without Applause
Acts of kindness and generosity are meant to be done quietly, without seeking recognition or praise. When we give to be seen by others, the applause we receive is our only reward. But when we give in secret, God himself promises to reward us openly, in ways that far surpass human approval. The motivation behind our giving reveals the true state of our hearts. [04:51]

- Prayer as Intimacy, Not Performance
Prayer is not a stage for spiritual performance or eloquence. God desires real, heartfelt communication, not empty repetition or dramatic displays. The most powerful prayers are often the simplest and most sincere, offered in the quietness of the secret place where only God is present. It is in this hidden space that true intimacy with God is found. [17:44]

- The Danger of Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is acting out a role, projecting a spiritual image that does not match the reality within. Jesus warns that such behavior is not only empty but also offensive to God. The call is to examine our motives—are we doing good to be seen, or because we genuinely love God and people? The difference is crucial, for only what is real before God will last. [14:40]

- The Secret Place and God’s Reward
There is a consistent promise: what is done in secret, God will reward openly. Whether in giving, praying, or any act of devotion, the Father sees and values what others cannot. This is both a comfort and a challenge—to trust that God’s recognition is enough, and to resist the urge to seek validation from people. The secret place is where faith is refined and rewarded. [20:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:19] - Introduction to the New Series
[02:51] - Why Matthew 6 Matters
[03:54] - Doing Good to Please God
[04:11] - The Meaning of Hypocrisy
[05:12] - The Struggle for Authenticity
[06:05] - Worship in Spirit and Truth
[07:21] - The Danger of Seeking Approval
[08:05] - Jesus’ Hatred of Hypocrisy
[09:18] - The Illusion of Image and Branding
[10:34] - Deception and the Heart
[11:15] - Jesus’ Example of Hiddenness
[12:20] - Seeking God’s Reward
[13:41] - Hypocrisy in Prayer
[15:10] - Public vs. Private Prayer
[17:44] - The Secret Place of Prayer
[20:26] - God’s Open Reward
[21:30] - Sincerity Over Many Words

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living for God’s Approval (Matthew 6)

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### Bible Reading

- Matthew 6:1-8 (NKJV)
> “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Jesus in Matthew 6, what is the main reason we should avoid doing good deeds or praying just to be seen by others? ([03:54])
2. What does the word “hypocrite” mean as explained in the sermon, and why does Jesus use this term? ([04:11])
3. What instructions does Jesus give about how to give to the needy and how to pray? ([04:51])
4. In the sermon, what example did the pastor give about Jesus doing good in secret, and what does this show us? ([11:15])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus place so much emphasis on what happens “in secret” rather than in public? What does this reveal about God’s priorities? ([06:37])
2. The sermon mentions the temptation to build a reputation or brand, even in the church. Why is this so dangerous for our spiritual lives? ([08:33])
3. How does the difference between inspiring others and seeking their approval play out in real life? Can you think of situations where this line is blurred? ([11:01])
4. What does it mean for prayer to be “intimacy, not performance”? How can someone tell if their prayer life is more about God or about impressing others? ([17:44])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “We always want to be seen…because that’s how we build…reputation.” ([05:29]) In what areas of your life do you feel tempted to do good things mainly for recognition? How can you shift your motivation?
2. Jesus warns against hypocrisy, saying it’s like being an actor on a stage. ([14:40]) Are there ways you sometimes “act” spiritual around others that don’t match what’s really going on inside? What would it look like to be more authentic?
3. The sermon talked about giving and serving “without fanfare or self-promotion.” ([04:51]) Can you think of a recent time you gave or served quietly, without anyone knowing? How did that feel compared to times when others noticed?
4. When it comes to prayer, the pastor said, “Prayer is primarily to God, not to people.” ([16:14]) How do you feel about praying in public versus in private? Is there a way you can make your private prayer life more real and honest?
5. The pastor mentioned that Jesus modeled “hiddenness”—doing good without seeking attention. ([11:15]) What is one practical step you can take this week to do something good for someone without telling anyone else?
6. The sermon said, “Only God sees the heart, and only his approval truly matters.” ([08:33]) What would change in your daily life if you really believed this? Is there a specific situation where you need to let go of seeking people’s approval?
7. Jesus promises that “what is done in secret, God will reward openly.” ([20:26]) How does this promise encourage you? Is there an area where you need to trust God for reward instead of looking for immediate recognition?

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you live for His approval alone, to give and pray with a sincere heart, and to find joy in the secret place with Him.

Devotional

Day 1: Do Good to Please God, Not People
True acts of kindness and generosity are meant to be done with a heart focused on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval or applause of others. When good deeds are performed for public recognition, the only reward received is the fleeting praise of people, but when done in secret, God, who sees all things, promises to reward openly. The challenge is to examine our motives and ensure that our service and charity are not about building our own reputation or brand, but about honoring God in humility and sincerity. [03:54]

Matthew 6:1-4 (NKJV)
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

Reflection: Think of a recent good deed you did—was your motivation to please God or to be seen by others? How can you shift your focus to seek God’s approval alone in your next act of kindness?


Day 2: God Sees the Heart, Not the Image
While people are often captivated by outward appearances and public displays, God looks beyond the surface and sees the true intentions and condition of the heart. The temptation to build a personal brand or project a certain image can lead to deception and hypocrisy, but God is not impressed by what is visible to others; He values authenticity and sincerity that come from within. The call is to live for God’s approval, knowing that He alone truly knows and rewards what is done in secret. [10:18]

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”

Reflection: In what area of your life are you most tempted to project an image for others? What would it look like to let go of that image and focus on being authentic before God today?


Day 3: Prayer Is Meant for God, Not for Show
Prayer is a sacred conversation between you and God, not a performance for others to witness or admire. Jesus warns against praying to impress people with eloquent words or dramatic displays; instead, He invites you to seek a private place, shut the door, and pour out your heart to the Father who is in the secret place. The true measure of prayer is not its length or volume, but its sincerity and the desire to connect with God alone. [17:44]

Matthew 6:5-6 (NKJV)
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Reflection: Where and how can you create space today to pray privately and honestly before God, without concern for what others might think?


Day 4: Sincerity in Prayer Matters More Than Many Words
God is not moved by the quantity or extravagance of our words, but by the sincerity and depth of our hearts when we pray. Vain repetitions and long, showy prayers do not impress God; a simple, heartfelt prayer offered in faith is more powerful and effective. The encouragement is to approach God with genuine words, trusting that He hears and values what is real and true, rather than what is meant to impress. [21:13]

Matthew 6:7-8 (NKJV)
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

Reflection: What is one honest, simple prayer you need to bring to God today, trusting that He hears you without the need for many words?


Day 5: Jesus as the Model of Humble Service
Jesus lived as the perfect example of humility, never seeking to draw attention to Himself or perform for the crowds, but always acting to please the Father. Even in His miracles and acts of compassion, He often chose to serve quietly and without fanfare, teaching us that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humble, selfless service. Following Jesus means rejecting the desire to be a “showman” and instead embracing a life that seeks God’s glory above all. [11:15]

Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Reflection: How can you follow Jesus’ example of humble service today, choosing to serve quietly and for God’s glory rather than for recognition?

Quotes

Do not sound trumpet before you as the hypocrite do in the synagogue and in the street that they may have glory from men. Assurely I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not left let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. That your charitable deed may be in secret. And your father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly. [00:04:32]

Genuine Christianity is all about what is happening in the inside of you. And you know when Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman when he said the time is coming and the time is now where the true worshippers will worship the father in spirit and in truth and spirit is not what everybody says because spiritual world is a hidden world from the natural eyes. [00:05:59]

Because God is spirit and whatever God approved is always something that is done beyond behind the eyes behind the public and and and and that is an invitation. I believe what Jesus is saying here is to always look forward to please the father not than to please people. Please the father than please people. [00:06:35]

So he say when you apply when you doing your righteous your good deed when you doing things for people in the name of Christianity in the name of God do it having God in mind not people and it's quite of a hard one. We all kind of struggle with that. I struggle with that personally but by the grace of God I'm applying slowly. [00:06:57]

If you do that openly, you'll get your reward from people. You know, like when you put a good deed, I'm not saying there's nothing wrong with that, but if your intention is just to win people approval and you do a good deal and you put on Facebook, let's say publicly, and you get a million view, a,000 view or 2,000 view, that's your reward for posting it there. [00:07:28]

Jesus hate hypocrisy a lot. He hate hypocrisy because hypocrisy is all about your name. It's all about your reputation. is all about your brand. And that's one of the fight he has the Pharisee. He even went as far as to say in Matthew chapter 23 that they are like the tombs, you know, which is beautiful in the outside but inside full of dead bones and stuff, rotten stuff. [00:08:10]

The entire business or the entire activity that have to do with repetition of what you want people to see it lead lot of it lead us into lot of deception because no one sees the heart only God sees it. So Jesus is saying whatever you do be extremely careful but your tableable deed or your good works is not about just polishing and painting a certain image that you want people to see. [00:10:16]

There's a thin line between just doing it to inspire people and trying to portray a certain I mean how trying to display a certain image and may God help us and Jesus himself was like that you know that when Jesus was on earth he was not a showman Jesus didn't go around guys I'm a miracle worker come and get a miracle he doesn't do that because everything Jesus was doing so please the father. [00:10:54]

We are in faith for God. We are in good works for God. And the Bible says Jesus say yes we want reward is our motivation. We want reward from people and that's why we do it the way we do it. But God is saying do not look for reward that way. God will reward you publicly. Don't worry. But do it with the intention of pleasing him and him alone. [00:12:11]

You can have multiple uh degrees I mean multiple revelation and levels of understanding of the gospel but something that's basically like this if you're struggling to apply it you are not a Christian according to the to the to the to the description of Jesus himself you know as a disciple of Christ let us not do things for the sake of just winning people's approval but we do it to win the father approval. [00:12:47]

Christianity is not about acting, you know, and acting is always about projecting a a personality or a character that is not the reflection of who you are in the inside of you. Amen. [00:14:43]

Jesus is saying prayer primality is to God not to uh how can I put it not to show people that you are spiritual it's all about displaying a spirituality it's all about showing off that I'm a spiritual man I know scripture I know how to pray no Jesus is saying prayer is primarily to God not to people is to God so when you're doing it because God is a spirit. [00:16:03]

Your faith is not about how loud you pray and how you can you know you can you can you know I can drop so many big words and big spiritual words. No no that does it's not a mark the mark of your spirituality is not about that. It's God that can see and say okay this one is truly spiritual. [00:17:09]

When you pray, go into your room and when you have shut the door, pray to your father who is in a secret place. That's the that's the that's the word. your father who is in the secret place. In other words, to please God, you know, secret do thing in secret. I mean, outside, you know, out of the view and the knowledge of the people is what God want is what God require of us. [00:17:39]

No, God is not that. Stop bribing God with your word. A prayer that is sincere, that deep from the heart, there just one minute will have more results than an hypocritical, hypocrital. How can I put it? Hypocritical. Yeah. An hypocrite prayer. My apologies for that. An hypocrite prayer of five hours is nothing compared for a one minute prayer who sincere, who's come deep from the soul, who come from the heart. God will answer that one. [00:21:21]

It's not about many words Jesus saying. It's not about how loud you are. It's not about how dramatic you are. Oh, so about how rolling on the floor, screaming and crying, whatever. No, there's room for that. But that's not what really validates your prayer. The prayer that God wants is the one that come deep from the heart that is for him. The prayer is to for God. [00:22:00]

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Transcript
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