Living for God's Approval: Genuine Righteousness Unveiled
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the profound teachings of Jesus from Matthew 6:1-4, emphasizing the importance of our motivations behind acts of righteousness. Jesus calls us to practice our faith not for the applause of men but for the approval of God alone. The central theme is that our righteousness should be genuine, stemming from a pure heart that seeks to glorify God rather than to gain human recognition.
We began by reflecting on the daunting call to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect, acknowledging that this is impossible without Christ. Jesus examines not just our actions but our intentions and motivations, urging us to live for an audience of one—God Himself. The story of the young pianist who played for his coach, not the crowd, beautifully illustrated this point.
Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others, as this leads to no reward from our Father in heaven. Instead, our acts of giving, prayer, and fasting should be done in secret, where only God sees and rewards us. The Pharisees were criticized for their hypocrisy, performing religious acts for public praise rather than out of genuine devotion.
The sermon also highlighted the continuity between chapters 5 and 6 of Matthew, showing how Jesus builds on previous teachings to deepen our understanding of true righteousness. Our good deeds should reflect the heart of God, done in humility and secrecy, not for self-glorification.
In practical terms, we are called to give generously and sacrificially, trusting that God sees and rewards our secret acts of kindness. Our stewardship should be driven by faith, not by a desire for human approval. Ultimately, our lives should be lived to glorify Jesus Christ, our audience of one.
### Key Takeaways
1. Live for an Audience of One: Our actions, whether giving, praying, or fasting, should be directed towards pleasing God alone. The story of the young pianist who played for his coach, not the crowd, reminds us that our ultimate audience is Jesus Christ. This focus ensures that our motivations remain pure and aligned with God's will. [06:42]
2. Beware of Hypocrisy: Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others. The Pharisees were criticized for their public displays of piety, which were done for human praise rather than genuine devotion. True righteousness is about the heart's intent, not outward appearances. [15:17]
3. Secret Acts of Kindness: Our giving should be done in secret, without seeking recognition. Jesus teaches that our left hand should not know what our right hand is doing, emphasizing the importance of humility and discretion in our acts of charity. God, who sees in secret, will reward us. [23:01]
4. Stewardship and Sacrificial Giving: Everything we have is entrusted to us by God, and we are merely stewards. Our giving should be sacrificial, reflecting the generosity of Christ, who became poor for our sake. This kind of giving is born out of the Christian gospel and is a true act of faith. [32:16]
5. Faith-Driven Righteousness: Our acts of righteousness should be compelled by faith alone. Faith is a gift from God, enabling us to respond to the Holy Spirit and live in obedience to Christ. Without faith, our actions are merely self-righteous and lack true spiritual value. [34:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - The Impossibility of Perfection
[02:00] - Righteousness of Christ
[02:48] - Motivation That Matters
[03:34] - Beware of Practicing Righteousness
[05:03] - The Story of the Young Pianist
[06:42] - Audience of One
[08:22] - Secret Acts of Kindness
[10:05] - True Spiritual Condition
[11:48] - Condemning Religious Acts of Piety
[13:32] - The Warning
[15:17] - Hypocrisy and Public Displays
[16:55] - Historical Context of Giving
[18:36] - Rhetoric of Giving
[19:49] - Modern Examples of Hypocrisy
[20:24] - Spurgeon's Insight
[21:00] - Pleasing God vs. Pleasing Men
[22:17] - The True Reward
[23:01] - Intent in Giving
[24:22] - Self-Consciousness and Self-Righteousness
[25:07] - Reward from God
[25:52] - Outward Acts vs. Inward Intent
[26:43] - Generosity and Stewardship
[27:44] - Application: Do Not Neglect to Share
[28:24] - Heavenly Rewards
[29:09] - Treasures in Heaven
[29:47] - Right Relationship with God
[30:26] - Do Not Be Weary in Well-Doing
[31:03] - Cheerful Giving
[31:42] - Sacrificial Giving
[32:16] - The Widow's Mite
[32:56] - Real Sacrificial Giving
[34:41] - Faith-Driven Righteousness
[36:23] - Christ's Sacrifice
[38:07] - Jesus as Our Advocate
[39:49] - Living for God's Glory
[41:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus warn against in Matthew 6:1-4 regarding the practice of righteousness? ([02:48])
2. How does Jesus describe the behavior of hypocrites when they give to the needy? ([03:34])
3. What is the significance of the phrase "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" in the context of giving? ([23:01])
4. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate reward for practicing righteousness in secret? ([25:07])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of motivation behind our acts of righteousness? How does this relate to the concept of living for an audience of one? ([06:42])
2. How does the story of the young pianist illustrate the central message of the sermon? What does it teach us about our focus and intent in serving God? ([05:03])
3. In what ways can the practice of giving in secret help prevent self-righteousness and hypocrisy? ([23:35])
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith-driven righteousness and the reward from God? ([34:41])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own motivations when performing acts of righteousness. Are there times when you seek human approval rather than God's? How can you shift your focus to living for an audience of one? ([06:42])
2. Think about a recent act of kindness or charity you performed. Was it done in secret, or did you seek recognition? How can you practice more humility and discretion in your future acts of giving? ([23:01])
3. The sermon mentions the importance of sacrificial giving. What does sacrificial giving look like in your life? Are there areas where you can give more generously and trust God with the outcome? ([32:16])
4. How can you ensure that your stewardship and acts of kindness are driven by faith rather than a desire for human approval? What steps can you take to cultivate a heart that seeks to glorify God alone? ([34:41])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with seeking approval from others. What practical steps can you take this week to focus on pleasing God instead? ([21:00])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to practice righteousness with the right motivations? Share a personal experience where you struggled with this and how you overcame it. ([21:33])
7. Reflect on the concept of living for an audience of one. How does this perspective change the way you approach your daily activities and interactions with others? ([06:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Living for God's Approval Alone
Our actions, whether giving, praying, or fasting, should be directed towards pleasing God alone. The story of the young pianist who played for his coach, not the crowd, reminds us that our ultimate audience is Jesus Christ. This focus ensures that our motivations remain pure and aligned with God's will. [06:42]
Jesus teaches that our acts of righteousness should not be performed for the applause of men but for the approval of God. This means that our faith practices, such as giving, praying, and fasting, should be done with the intention of glorifying God rather than seeking human recognition. The story of the young pianist who played for his coach, not the crowd, beautifully illustrates this point. The young pianist's focus was solely on his coach's approval, which parallels how we should live our lives for God's approval alone. When we direct our actions towards pleasing God, our motivations remain pure, and our faith becomes more genuine.
Living for an audience of one means that we must constantly check our intentions and ensure that they align with God's will. It requires humility and a deep desire to glorify God in all that we do. By doing so, we can avoid the trap of seeking human praise and instead focus on the eternal rewards that come from God. This mindset shift helps us to live a more authentic and fulfilling Christian life, where our actions are driven by a sincere love for God and a desire to honor Him.
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking human approval rather than God's? How can you shift your focus to live for God's approval alone today?
Day 2: The Danger of Hypocrisy
Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others. The Pharisees were criticized for their public displays of piety, which were done for human praise rather than genuine devotion. True righteousness is about the heart's intent, not outward appearances. [15:17]
Hypocrisy is a significant danger in the practice of faith. Jesus specifically warns against performing acts of righteousness to be seen by others, as this leads to no reward from our Father in heaven. The Pharisees were often criticized for their public displays of piety, which were done to gain human praise rather than out of genuine devotion to God. True righteousness is not about outward appearances but about the heart's intent. It is about having a sincere and humble heart that seeks to honor God in all things.
When we practice our faith with the intention of being seen by others, we fall into the trap of hypocrisy. Our actions become empty and lack true spiritual value. Instead, Jesus calls us to examine our motivations and ensure that our acts of righteousness are done out of a genuine desire to please God. This requires a deep level of self-awareness and a commitment to living authentically before God. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and live a life that truly reflects the heart of God.
Matthew 23:27-28 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are more concerned with outward appearances than with the true intent of your heart? How can you cultivate a more genuine and humble heart before God?
Day 3: The Power of Secret Acts of Kindness
Our giving should be done in secret, without seeking recognition. Jesus teaches that our left hand should not know what our right hand is doing, emphasizing the importance of humility and discretion in our acts of charity. God, who sees in secret, will reward us. [23:01]
Jesus emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and charity in secret. He teaches that our left hand should not know what our right hand is doing, highlighting the need for humility and discretion in our giving. When we give in secret, we avoid the temptation of seeking recognition and praise from others. Instead, we focus on pleasing God, who sees our actions and rewards us accordingly. This principle applies not only to giving but also to other acts of righteousness, such as prayer and fasting.
The power of secret acts of kindness lies in their ability to reflect the heart of God. When we give without seeking recognition, we demonstrate a genuine love and concern for others. This kind of giving is born out of a pure heart that seeks to honor God and serve others selflessly. It also allows us to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from knowing that our actions are pleasing to God. By practicing secret acts of kindness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of humility and a stronger connection with God.
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 specific act of kindness you can do in secret this week. How can you ensure that your motivation is to please God rather than seeking recognition from others?
Day 4: Stewardship and Sacrificial Giving
Everything we have is entrusted to us by God, and we are merely stewards. Our giving should be sacrificial, reflecting the generosity of Christ, who became poor for our sake. This kind of giving is born out of the Christian gospel and is a true act of faith. [32:16]
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us. This means that we should use our time, talents, and treasures in a way that honors God and reflects His generosity. Our giving should be sacrificial, mirroring the example of Christ, who became poor for our sake. This kind of giving is not about the amount we give but about the heart and intention behind it. It is an act of faith that demonstrates our trust in God's provision and our commitment to His kingdom.
Sacrificial giving requires us to go beyond our comfort zones and give in a way that truly costs us something. It is a reflection of the Christian gospel, which calls us to love and serve others selflessly. When we give sacrificially, we acknowledge that everything we have belongs to God and that we are merely stewards of His resources. This mindset helps us to prioritize God's kingdom and invest in things that have eternal value. By practicing sacrificial giving, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life of generosity and faith.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV): "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice sacrificial giving? How can you trust God more fully with your resources and be a better steward of what He has entrusted to you?
Day 5: Faith-Driven Righteousness
Our acts of righteousness should be compelled by faith alone. Faith is a gift from God, enabling us to respond to the Holy Spirit and live in obedience to Christ. Without faith, our actions are merely self-righteous and lack true spiritual value. [34:41]
Faith is the foundation of our Christian life and the driving force behind our acts of righteousness. It is a gift from God that enables us to respond to the Holy Spirit and live in obedience to Christ. Without faith, our actions are merely self-righteous and lack true spiritual value. True righteousness is not about performing religious duties out of obligation or seeking human approval but about living a life that is compelled by faith and a deep desire to honor God.
Faith-driven righteousness requires us to rely on God's strength and guidance in all that we do. It means that our actions are motivated by a genuine love for God and a desire to please Him. This kind of righteousness is not about earning God's favor but about responding to His grace and living in a way that reflects His character. By cultivating a faith-driven life, we can experience the fullness of God's presence and the joy of living in alignment with His will.
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper faith in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to ensure that your actions are driven by faith and a desire to honor God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you take anything away today from the message, know that in your giving, in your prayer, in your fasting, you and I as Christians play to an audience of one. That's the person. It is the person. It is the person of Jesus Christ that we live our lives for. It is to his glory and his glory alone." [06:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The message in the Sermon on the Mount is about having right relationship. It's about having the right kind of righteousness. You see, it's not our self-righteousness, but it is the righteousness of Christ and Christ alone that we're going to be able to do. That makes us holy and blameless. That makes us perfect in the eyes of God the Father." [02:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our good works must be public and displayed so that our light shines, but our religious devotions must be secret lest we boast about them. So yes, a Christian acts are to be seen by men, but he does not act to be seen by men." [13:32] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see, the light that shines is a reflection of the Son of God. We can manufacture no light within ourselves. We can only reflect the beauty and the loveliness of Christ." [21:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Your intent is a treasure in heaven. And I would beg to say that the treasure is Christ himself, where you will spend all eternity walking in harmonious relationship with him. What a prize." [29:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Today, our secrets, our intent, our motivation is under a microscope. The continuity between chapters 5 and 6 is certainly that the theme of unity. Jesus is teaching us about life in the kingdom of God. There is, of course, a progression of thought to the Sermon on the Mount. It's not a bunch of isolated issues or isolated elements. Instead, Jesus builds on what has gone before and expanding on those in his thought and his message." [08:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's fearful to have a life that looks beautiful on the outside, but the intent and the motivation on the inside is entirely corrupt and unclean. We know that in the Old Testament, even our good deeds are as filthy rags. If, in fact, our good deeds are done solely by ourselves and not dependent upon the person of Jesus Christ, then they are filthy." [10:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The hypocrites who seek applause will get it, but nothing further is due to them. Nothing but judgment on the last day. These hypocrites were turning what was to be God-glorifying act of mercy into a sin. Into an act of vanity whose real motive was not to help the poor, but to congratulate themselves." [22:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see, with no announcement to ourselves or to others, our love for God is so subtle, our love for God and others is to be great that we don't keep a record of what we give, knowing that God is the one who keeps the record. We are charged to give and then actually forget. We give simply to see the need relieved, the need to be relieved of the hungry to be fed, the naked to be clothed, the oppressed to be freed, and the saved or the lost to be saved." [24:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is created and it is sustained by Christ alone. That's the greatest news I've ever heard. Because if it was left to me, I would probably choose sin every single time. In fact, Augustine said, I cannot not sin. You see, if I didn't have the faith, the gift of God within me, the Holy Spirit dwelling in me, I would be compelled to no good works. I would only be compelled to self-righteousness and a giant look at me." [36:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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