Authenticity in Faith: Sincerity Over Performance
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Matthew chapter 6, focusing on Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity in our spiritual practices—charitable giving, prayer, and fasting. He contrasts the actions of the hypocrites, who seek the approval and glory from men, with the genuine devotion that seeks the reward from the Father. Jesus uses the term "hypocrite" to describe those who perform religious acts for public recognition rather than from a sincere heart. The Greek word for hypocrite originally referred to actors, highlighting the pretense involved in their actions.
Jesus teaches that our spiritual practices should be done in secret, where only God sees, and He will reward us openly. This reward is not a wage earned but a gift from God's own resources, signifying a deeper, more meaningful connection with Him. The approval of others can be seductive and can lead us to form our identity based on external validation rather than our relationship with God.
Jesus is not merely offering a better way to perform religious duties but a transformative way of being that stems from a sincere heart connected to the Father. This transformation is about moving from doing to being, where our actions flow authentically from who we are becoming in Christ. This change is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who transforms us into the image of Jesus, enabling us to live out the kind of life described in the Sermon on the Mount.
In essence, Jesus invites us to a life of authenticity, free from the need to perform for others' approval. He offers a relationship with the Father, who rewards us not based on our deeds but on His love and grace. This new way of being leads to genuine spiritual practices that reflect our true identity in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Sincerity in Spiritual Practices: Jesus emphasizes that our charitable deeds, prayers, and fasting should be done in secret, not for public recognition. The reward from the Father is not a wage but a gift from His own resources, signifying a deeper connection with Him. This teaches us the importance of sincerity and authenticity in our spiritual lives. [53:18]
2. The Danger of Seeking Approval: The approval of others can be very seductive and can lead us to form our identity based on external validation. Jesus warns against this by highlighting the behavior of the hypocrites, who seek glory from men. Instead, we should seek our identity and worth in our relationship with God. [55:43]
3. Transformation Over Performance: Jesus is not offering a better way to perform religious duties but a transformative way of being that comes from a sincere heart connected to the Father. This transformation is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who changes us into the image of Jesus, enabling us to live out the kind of life described in the Sermon on the Mount. [01:04:29]
4. From Doing to Being: Our actions should flow authentically from who we are becoming in Christ. Being who we are in Christ leads to genuine actions, whereas merely doing without being can lead to hollow and insincere practices. This shift from doing to being is crucial for a sincere and authentic spiritual life. [01:05:59]
5. A Relationship with the Father: Jesus invites us to a relationship with the Father, who rewards us not based on our deeds but on His love and grace. This relationship frees us from the need to perform for others' approval and allows us to live a life of authenticity and sincerity. This is the essence of the life Jesus describes in Matthew chapter 6. [01:11:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[52:31] - Introduction to Matthew 6
[53:18] - Charitable Deeds in Secret
[54:10] - The Lord's Prayer
[55:04] - Fasting in Secret
[55:43] - The Pattern of Hypocrisy
[56:28] - Importance of Approval
[57:14] - Hallmarks of Piety
[58:07] - Meaning of Hypocrite
[59:16] - Different Types of Rewards
[01:00:48] - Seduction of Approval
[01:02:06] - Personal Story: Chess Game
[01:04:29] - From Doing to Being
[01:06:20] - Authenticity in Actions
[01:07:21] - Transformation by the Holy Spirit
[01:11:28] - Relationship with the Father
[01:15:05] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:1-18 - Jesus' teachings on charitable giving, prayer, and fasting.
2. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformation into the image of Jesus by the Holy Spirit.
3. 2 Peter 1:5-8 - The qualities that should be added to faith to ensure a fruitful life in Christ.
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions does Jesus give about how to perform charitable deeds, pray, and fast in Matthew 6:1-18?
2. How does Jesus describe the behavior of hypocrites in their spiritual practices? ([55:43])
3. What does Jesus promise will happen when we perform our spiritual practices in secret? ([53:18])
4. According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in our transformation?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize performing spiritual practices in secret rather than publicly? What does this reveal about the nature of true devotion? ([53:18])
2. How can the approval of others be seductive, and what dangers does it pose to our spiritual life? ([56:28])
3. What does it mean to move from "doing" to "being" in the context of our spiritual life, as described in the sermon? ([01:05:59])
4. How does 2 Peter 1:5-8 describe the process of spiritual growth and the qualities that should be evident in a believer's life?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual practices. Are there areas where you seek the approval of others rather than focusing on your relationship with God? How can you shift your focus to be more sincere and authentic? ([56:28])
2. Think about a time when you performed a good deed or spiritual practice for public recognition. How did it make you feel, and how can you change your approach to align more with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6? ([55:43])
3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper, more meaningful connection with God in your daily life? Consider specific actions you can take to ensure your spiritual practices are done in secret and with sincerity. ([53:18])
4. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform you into the image of Jesus, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18? What practical steps can you take to be more open to this transformation?
5. Identify one quality from 2 Peter 1:5-8 that you feel is lacking in your life. What specific actions can you take this week to develop this quality and ensure your spiritual growth is fruitful?
6. Jesus invites us to a relationship with the Father based on love and grace rather than deeds. How can you remind yourself of this truth daily and live out your true identity in Christ? ([01:11:28])
7. Consider the concept of moving from "doing" to "being." How can you ensure that your actions flow authentically from who you are becoming in Christ? What changes might you need to make in your life to achieve this? ([01:05:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Sincerity in Spiritual Practices
Our spiritual practices—charitable deeds, prayers, and fasting—should be done in secret, not for public recognition. Jesus teaches that the reward from the Father is not a wage but a gift from His own resources, signifying a deeper connection with Him. This teaches us the importance of sincerity and authenticity in our spiritual lives. When we perform these acts in secret, we cultivate a genuine relationship with God, free from the need for external validation. This sincerity allows us to experience the true joy and fulfillment that comes from a heartfelt connection with the Father. [53:18]
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: Think of a recent act of kindness or charity you performed. Did you seek recognition for it? How can you practice doing good deeds in secret this week to deepen your sincerity in your spiritual life?
Day 2: The Danger of Seeking Approval
The approval of others can be very seductive and can lead us to form our identity based on external validation. Jesus warns against this by highlighting the behavior of the hypocrites, who seek glory from men. Instead, we should seek our identity and worth in our relationship with God. When we focus on God's approval rather than human praise, we align our actions with His will and purpose for our lives. This shift in focus helps us to live authentically and to find our true worth in God's love and grace. [55:43]
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you sought approval from others. How did it affect your actions and sense of self-worth? What steps can you take to seek God's approval instead of human praise in your daily life?
Day 3: Transformation Over Performance
Jesus is not offering a better way to perform religious duties but a transformative way of being that comes from a sincere heart connected to the Father. This transformation is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who changes us into the image of Jesus, enabling us to live out the kind of life described in the Sermon on the Mount. This transformation is about moving from doing to being, where our actions flow authentically from who we are becoming in Christ. It is a profound change that affects every aspect of our lives, leading us to live in a way that reflects our true identity in Christ. [01:04:29]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel you are merely performing rather than being transformed. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring about genuine transformation in this area?
Day 4: From Doing to Being
Our actions should flow authentically from who we are becoming in Christ. Being who we are in Christ leads to genuine actions, whereas merely doing without being can lead to hollow and insincere practices. This shift from doing to being is crucial for a sincere and authentic spiritual life. When our actions stem from our true identity in Christ, they become meaningful and impactful, reflecting the love and grace of God in our lives. This authenticity in our spiritual practices helps us to grow closer to God and to live out our faith in a way that is true to who we are in Him. [01:05:59]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel you are just "doing" rather than "being." What changes can you make to ensure your actions are a true reflection of your identity in Christ?
Day 5: A Relationship with the Father
Jesus invites us to a relationship with the Father, who rewards us not based on our deeds but on His love and grace. This relationship frees us from the need to perform for others' approval and allows us to live a life of authenticity and sincerity. This is the essence of the life Jesus describes in Matthew chapter 6. When we embrace this relationship, we experience the fullness of God's love and grace, which transforms our lives and empowers us to live in a way that honors Him. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and the source of our true identity and worth. [01:11:28]
John 15:15 (ESV): "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. How can you deepen this relationship and rely more on His love and grace rather than your own deeds? What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your connection with the Father?
Quotes
1. "So, hopefully through that passage, right, we see a recurring pattern. Right? Jesus says, here's what the hypocrites do. They have their reward. Do this instead. Your Father will reward you. Three times it happens. We don't, here's how the hypocrites give to the poor. Here, almsgiving or charitable giving. Here's how they pray. Here's how they fast. They have their reward. Don't do that. Do this way. Your Father will reward you. So, hopefully you have that pattern, which means Jesus is clearly trying to tell us something. He keeps repeating himself." [55:04] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Notice, though, they were doing the good things. They were giving. They were fasting. They were praying. The problem wasn't that they weren't doing the things. The problem was there's no heart. There's no sincerity. In fact, in another part of Matthew, Jesus calls them whitewashed tombs to illustrate the point that they're doing the thing on the outside. They have the thing on the outside, but it's dead on the inside. There's no life. So, that's the first word. I want you to keep that in mind, pretender." [58:48] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is offering a way of being which comes from the heart and is deeply connected to the Father. I think Jesus is actually offering you a way to be. way of being. Not just a way of doing. A way of being that comes from your heart. It's not hollow. It's not fake. It's not manufactured. And it allows you to deeply connect, personally connect with your Father in heaven. I think that's actually what Jesus is offering. He's trying to free us from the need to perform or keep up appearances or kind of run the rat race." [01:04:29] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Who you are becoming is more important than what you are doing. Because who you are becoming will drastically change what you are doing. In this is the promise, the hope we have. Right? Not that God will simply set us straight so we'll stop doing bad things. But that your heart, your mind, your life, your person, who you are will be transformed, will be changed." [01:06:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's plan for you and for me is that the life we live in him is real. It's authentic. It's sincere. It's who you are becoming. And not only that that's not the end of it. changed heart is not the end. God's intent is for you to draw you near to him. For you to know God. The God of the universe. He makes himself open He invites you in. He says here I'll give you a new heart. Come and know me. Come and find out who I am." [01:10:02] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Your father rewards you. And what does he do? He reaches into his resources and gives to you. He reaches into his infinite power and love and knowledge and wisdom. And he takes from that and rewards you. Not a wage. Not a thing you earned. But a connection to the God who made you. And that is the promise. That is the hope. That is why Jesus lived the kind of life he lived. That is why he died. And that is why he rose again. To bring us to the father with a new heart that's full of life. Full of sincerity. Full of authenticity." [01:11:28] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If we'd open ourselves up to the work of the spirit in our lives. If we'd submit our lives to Jesus. Not just so that way we can go to heaven when we die. But so we can become the person he sees now. You can start becoming that now. You don't have to wait. It's here. It's available. He gives us his Holy Spirit to change us. If we are open." [01:12:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God wants you to know that you can be free from needing the approval, or fearing the disapproval of the people around you. Because you are loved by your father. Your father has sent a savior to come and redeem you. And set you free from that. That's not who you are anymore. That's not who you are anymore. That's not who you're becoming. I want you to take that home with you today." [01:15:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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