Living Faith: Actions That Glorify God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we revisited the profound teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Matthew chapters 5 and 6. Jesus' teachings are a countercultural manifesto, challenging us to live in ways that are not natural or expected by the world. The Beatitudes, which begin with "blessed are thee" and transition to "blessed are you," emphasize that these teachings are not just to be heard but to be acted upon. Jesus seamlessly integrates the spiritual and physical aspects of life, teaching that our actions should reflect our inner spiritual state.
In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses practical aspects of living out our faith, such as giving, prayer, and fasting. He warns against performing acts of righteousness for the sake of human recognition, emphasizing that our actions should be motivated by a desire to glorify God rather than ourselves. This teaching is particularly relevant in a world that often values public recognition over genuine acts of kindness and faith.
Jesus also dispels the myth that faith is a private matter, meant to be practiced only within the confines of the church or home. He calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, visible and impactful in our communities. Our faith should be evident in our actions, serving as a testament to God's love and grace.
The ultimate goal of our good deeds is to bring glory to God, not to seek personal accolades. Even when our efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated by others, we are reminded that our true reward comes from God. This perspective frees us from the need for external validation and allows us to focus on living out our faith authentically.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in Action: Jesus teaches that faith is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that integrates spiritual and physical actions. Our deeds should reflect our inner spiritual state, demonstrating our faith to the world. This holistic approach ensures that our faith is visible and impactful. [39:39]
2. Motivation Matters: When performing acts of righteousness, our motivation should be to glorify God, not to seek human recognition. Jesus warns that those who seek honor from others have already received their reward. True acts of faith are done in secret, known only to God, who will reward us accordingly. [55:02]
3. Public Faith: Jesus dispels the myth that faith is a private matter. He calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, making our faith visible and impactful in our communities. This public display of faith serves as a testament to God's love and grace. [42:41]
4. Endurance in Good Deeds: Paul’s teaching in Galatians 6 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good. Our actions should be driven by the ultimate goal of glorifying God, not immediate recognition or reward. This perspective helps us maintain our commitment to serving others, even when our efforts go unnoticed. [46:15]
5. Selfless Giving: Jesus emphasizes the importance of giving without seeking personal gain. Acts of charity should be done discreetly, motivated by a genuine desire to help others and glorify God. This selfless approach ensures that our giving is a true reflection of our faith. [50:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:19] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[09:31] - Baptisms and Community Updates
[38:23] - Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
[39:39] - Faith in Action: Integrating Belief and Deeds
[41:02] - Practical Teachings in Matthew 6
[42:41] - Public Faith: Being Salt and Light
[44:25] - Unshakable Faith in a Dark World
[46:15] - The Ultimate Goal: Glorifying God
[48:11] - Exceeding the Righteousness of the Pharisees
[50:08] - Selfless Giving: Motivations Matter
[55:02] - Balancing Public Deeds and Secret Acts
[56:51] - Freedom from Selfish Motivation
[58:50] - Everyday Acts of Kindness
[01:01:13] - Living Like Jesus: Final Thoughts and Prayer
[01:02:18] - Invitation to Respond
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:13-16 - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
2. Matthew 6:1-4 - "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 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. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He calls us the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world"? (Matthew 5:13-16)
2. According to Matthew 6:1-4, what should be our motivation when performing acts of righteousness?
3. How does Jesus describe the behavior of hypocrites when they give to the needy? (Matthew 6:2)
4. What is the reward for those who give in secret, according to Jesus? (Matthew 6:4)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of our actions reflecting our inner spiritual state? How does this relate to being the "salt" and "light"? [42:41]
2. How can the desire for human recognition impact the authenticity of our faith and good deeds? [55:02]
3. What does it mean to let your light shine before others, and how can this be balanced with the instruction to give in secret? [56:51]
4. How does the concept of "faith in action" challenge the idea that faith is a private matter? [42:41]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent act of kindness you performed. Was your motivation to glorify God or to receive recognition from others? How can you shift your focus to glorifying God in future actions? [55:02]
2. Jesus calls us to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." What are some practical ways you can make your faith visible and impactful in your community this week? [42:41]
3. Think about a time when your good deeds went unnoticed or unappreciated. How did that make you feel, and how can you remind yourself that your true reward comes from God? [46:15]
4. Identify one area in your life where you can integrate your spiritual beliefs with your physical actions more effectively. What steps will you take to ensure your actions reflect your faith? [39:39]
5. Jesus warns against performing acts of righteousness for human recognition. How can you cultivate a habit of selfless giving in your daily life? [50:08]
6. Consider the idea that faith is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life. How can you demonstrate your faith through your actions at work, school, or in your neighborhood? [39:39]
7. Reflect on the concept of endurance in good deeds. How can you stay committed to serving others even when your efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated? [46:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
Jesus teaches that faith is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that integrates spiritual and physical actions. Our deeds should reflect our inner spiritual state, demonstrating our faith to the world. This holistic approach ensures that our faith is visible and impactful. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount challenge us to live in ways that are countercultural and not natural or expected by the world. The Beatitudes, which begin with "blessed are thee" and transition to "blessed are you," emphasize that these teachings are not just to be heard but to be acted upon.
In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses practical aspects of living out our faith, such as giving, prayer, and fasting. He warns against performing acts of righteousness for the sake of human recognition, emphasizing that our actions should be motivated by a desire to glorify God rather than ourselves. This teaching is particularly relevant in a world that often values public recognition over genuine acts of kindness and faith. [39:39]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of one specific action you can take today that reflects your faith. How can you ensure that this action is motivated by a desire to glorify God rather than seeking recognition from others?
Day 2: Motivation Matters
When performing acts of righteousness, our motivation should be to glorify God, not to seek human recognition. Jesus warns that those who seek honor from others have already received their reward. True acts of faith are done in secret, known only to God, who will reward us accordingly. This teaching is a reminder that our faith should be genuine and not performed for the sake of appearances.
In a world that often values public recognition over genuine acts of kindness and faith, it is easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation from others. However, Jesus calls us to a higher standard, where our actions are driven by a desire to glorify God. This perspective frees us from the need for external validation and allows us to focus on living out our faith authentically. [55:02]
Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV): "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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: Reflect on a recent act of kindness you performed. Was your motivation to glorify God or to seek recognition from others? How can you shift your focus to ensure that your actions are driven by a desire to glorify God?
Day 3: Public Faith
Jesus dispels the myth that faith is a private matter. He calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, making our faith visible and impactful in our communities. This public display of faith serves as a testament to God's love and grace. Our faith should not be confined to the church or home but should be evident in our actions and interactions with others.
Being the salt and light means that our faith should have a positive influence on those around us. It is a call to live out our faith in a way that is visible and impactful, serving as a testament to God's love and grace. This public display of faith is not about seeking attention but about being a beacon of hope and love in a world that desperately needs it. [42:41]
Matthew 5:13-14 (ESV): "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Reflection: How can you be a visible and impactful presence of faith in your community today? Think of one specific way you can demonstrate God's love and grace to those around you.
Day 4: Endurance in Good Deeds
Paul’s teaching in Galatians 6 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good. Our actions should be driven by the ultimate goal of glorifying God, not immediate recognition or reward. This perspective helps us maintain our commitment to serving others, even when our efforts go unnoticed. It is a call to persevere in our good deeds, knowing that our true reward comes from God.
In a world that often values immediate gratification, it can be challenging to stay committed to doing good when our efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated. However, Jesus reminds us that our true reward comes from God, and this perspective frees us from the need for external validation. It allows us to focus on living out our faith authentically and consistently, even in the face of challenges. [46:15]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt discouraged in your efforts to do good. How can you remind yourself that your true reward comes from God and not from immediate recognition or reward?
Day 5: Selfless Giving
Jesus emphasizes the importance of giving without seeking personal gain. Acts of charity should be done discreetly, motivated by a genuine desire to help others and glorify God. This selfless approach ensures that our giving is a true reflection of our faith. It is a call to give generously and selflessly, without expecting anything in return.
In a world that often values public recognition and personal gain, it can be challenging to give selflessly. However, Jesus calls us to a higher standard, where our acts of charity are driven by a genuine desire to help others and glorify God. This selfless approach ensures that our giving is a true reflection of our faith and serves as a testament to God's love and grace. [50:08]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent acts of giving. Were they motivated by a genuine desire to help others and glorify God, or were you seeking personal gain or recognition? How can you cultivate a heart of selfless giving?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus says if you have faith it's going to be seen in the world you are to be the salt of the earth you are to be the salt of the earth salt only works if you bring it out if it gets sprinkled about if it's used you are the light of the world you don't put light under a basket a city is set on a hill so that people can see the light these things are a reminder to us that our faith is in Jesus Christ and we are to be those who are displaying that faith throughout the world." [42:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus Christ is the light who came into a dark world that's what you've been called to don't be shocked when the world is filled with darkness if you remember what did they do to Jesus they crucified him but their power could not overcome light and it shouldn't at any moment shake your faith and your faith and your faith and your faith and your faith and your faith and your faith and your faith and your faith and their you to be exercising your faith from the light that is your purpose in life." [44:25] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven and with those words jesus gives us the why for the good deeds that we may do jesus gives the why for putting faith into action i understand man i i think it's neat when i come in on a sunday morning and we've got all those toys lined up there when the christmas store happens that is so neat to see all those families that are who've given an opportunity to to buy those gifts to give to their children and have the pride that they were able to do that." [46:15] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The reason we do it is to bring glory to god and on those days when no one says thank you in those times when no one seems to really recognize or appreciate what you've done you remember the why was not to get the thank you the why was the glory of god it's not just about i feel good it's a reminder of galatians 6 we sow we reap and we believe that that's happening then paul says don't get tired don't grow weary in doing what's right it's not about the immediate it's about the ultimate goal which is bringing glory to god." [47:00] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you give to the needy don't 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 there's kind of a little tension here there there's matthew 5 where it calls on you to be a light in the world so that men may see your good works your good deeds and bring glory to the world and you will be a light the father and there's jesus very quickly saying when you give to the needy do it in secret don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." [55:02] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What Jesus teaches is not natural. It's not what is seen or expected in the world. Many of you will remember that the Beatitudes begin with, blessed are thee, and a lot of times we've put an emphasis on blessed is the idea of being happy, but this is not so much about human happiness. This is a statement about God's kingdom's rule in our life. One of the interesting things, if you follow through with the Beatitudes there in the beginning of Matthew five, is it starts out in the third person, blessed are thee, blessed are thee, and then it finally gets to blessed are you." [38:23] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus says everything you do physically should be a reflection of what's going on in your heart spiritually. We sometimes hear words like orthodoxy, or less common, orthopraxy, and basically that's talking about what do you believe and what do you do, and what Jesus is presenting here is that orthodoxy and orthopraxy. what you believe and what you do go together and they are never to be separated in our lives." [39:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus after going through Matthew 5 and speaking some very specific life situations talking about oaths what do you do with your enemies how how do you treat those who are close to you what about marriage what about divorce what about hating others and he he deals with everyday stuff and then he comes to Matthew 6 and this is kind of a section on live like this these are the matters that really were an integral part of the life of what was seen as a righteous Jew and so he begins with where they would put the focus spiritually." [41:02] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus as he was going through this said unless your righteousness it see exceeds that of the pharisees and the teachers of the law you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven pharisees and the teachers of law were excellent at orthodoxy they knew what law said in fact to make sure that everybody was orthodox they set up a number of traditions for their worship assemblies so that they could know it every time that they came together that they had done it exactly right and that's what their faith was their faith was in performing rituals and be able to answer questions correctly but not what faith is." [48:11] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The faith that jesus speaks about the faith that paul writes about the faith that was proclaimed in the first century was always meant to be more than answers to right questions and answers to wrong questions and answers to Jesus the same chapter 6 begins to address how does that transform your heart and so it gets right to it be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them if you do you will have no reward from your father." [49:33] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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