Living for God's Approval, Not Human Praise
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the profound question of whose approval we seek in our lives. We often find ourselves doing righteous acts, not for God, but for the applause of others. This is a common struggle, not just for us but for historical figures like Mozart, Lloyd George, and Marlene Dietrich, who all sought validation from others. Jesus addresses this issue head-on in Matthew 6, urging us to live for God's approval rather than human praise.
We are currently journeying through the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on what it means to follow Jesus. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us against practicing our righteousness before others to be seen by them. He provides three specific examples: giving, praying, and fasting. These acts of worship should be directed towards God, not performed for human recognition.
Jesus emphasizes that our good deeds should be done in secret, where only God sees them. When we give, we should do so without fanfare. When we pray, it should be in a private place, focusing on God rather than impressing others. When we fast, we should not make a show of our suffering but go about our day normally. The key principle here is that our motivation should be to please God, not to seek the approval of others.
Jesus also highlights the eternal rewards that come from God, contrasting them with the fleeting approval of men. The applause of people is temporary and unreliable, but God's reward is eternal and steadfast. This should be our motivation in all that we do.
As we reflect on this teaching, let's examine our own lives. Are we living for the approval of others or for God's eternal reward? Let's commit to living for God's approval, knowing that He sees and rewards our faithfulness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living for God's Approval: Jesus warns us against practicing our righteousness to be seen by others. Our acts of worship, whether giving, praying, or fasting, should be directed towards God, not performed for human recognition. This requires a heart check to ensure our motivations align with seeking God's approval rather than human applause. [17:55]
2. The Danger of Seeking Human Praise: The applause of men is intoxicating but fleeting. Jesus emphasizes that if we seek human approval, that is all the reward we will get. In contrast, God's reward is eternal and steadfast. This should motivate us to live for God's approval, knowing that His reward is far greater and everlasting. [25:51]
3. Secret Acts of Worship: Jesus teaches that our good deeds should be done in secret, where only God sees them. When we give, pray, or fast, it should be done without seeking attention. This ensures that our worship is genuine and directed towards God, who sees and rewards what is done in secret. [32:39]
4. Prayer as a Community Focus: The Lord's Prayer is a model for how we should pray as a community, focusing on God's priorities and committing to follow Him faithfully. It reminds us that God knows our needs before we ask and that our prayers should align with His will and purposes. [38:54]
5. Eternal Perspective: Jesus encourages us to focus on the eternal rewards that come from God. Living for God's approval means keeping our eyes on the heavenly reward, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded in the end. This eternal perspective helps us navigate the temptations of seeking temporary human approval. [49:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:14] - Celebrating Freedoms and Community Support
[10:22] - Examples of Seeking Human Approval
[11:42] - Jesus' Teaching on Living for God's Approval
[12:59] - Overview of the Sermon on the Mount
[14:13] - The Journey of Following Jesus
[15:25] - The Beatitudes and Living for Heaven
[16:44] - Three Examples of True Worship
[17:55] - Practicing Righteousness in Secret
[19:14] - The Lord's Prayer and Genuine Prayer
[20:30] - The Importance of Public Worship
[21:51] - The Temptation of Performance
[23:10] - The Fickleness of Human Approval
[24:29] - The Eternal Reward from God
[25:51] - The Gift of Calling God Father
[27:15] - The Eternal Reward of God
[28:44] - Three Specific Examples: Giving, Prayer, and Fasting
[29:59] - The Hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees
[31:23] - Giving in Secret
[32:39] - The Heart of Giving
[33:54] - The Example of Stanley Gilmore
[35:04] - The Importance of Prayer
[36:24] - The Focus of Prayer
[37:34] - Praying in Secret
[38:54] - The Lord's Prayer as a Community Prayer
[40:24] - Trusting in God's Provision
[41:44] - Repositioning Ourselves in Prayer
[43:11] - The Purpose of Prayer
[44:43] - Fasting in Secret
[46:10] - The Heart of Fasting
[47:24] - The Example of General Charles Gordon
[48:32] - Living for God's Smile
[49:59] - The Eternal Reward of Faithfulness
[51:44] - Reflecting on Our Motives
[53:11] - Communion and Living for God's Approval
[57:01] - The Righteousness of Jesus
[58:31] - Focusing on Heaven
[59:47] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:1-18 (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. And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three specific acts of worship Jesus mentions in Matthew 6 that should be done in secret? ([17:55])
2. According to Jesus, what is the consequence of practicing righteousness to be seen by others? ([17:55])
3. How does Jesus describe the way we should pray in Matthew 6:6? ([19:14])
4. What does Jesus say about the reward for those who seek human approval versus those who seek God's approval? ([25:51])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of doing good deeds in secret? How does this align with the concept of living for God's approval rather than human praise? ([17:55])
2. In what ways can the applause of men be intoxicating but fleeting, as mentioned in the sermon? How does this contrast with God's eternal reward? ([25:51])
3. How does the Lord's Prayer serve as a model for community prayer, and what priorities does it highlight for believers? ([38:54])
4. What does it mean to have an eternal perspective, and how can this perspective help believers navigate the temptations of seeking temporary human approval? ([49:59])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there specific areas where you find yourself seeking the approval of others rather than God's approval? How can you shift your focus to seek God's eternal reward instead? ([17:55])
2. When you give, pray, or fast, do you find yourself doing these acts for human recognition? What practical steps can you take to ensure your acts of worship are directed towards God alone? ([17:55])
3. How can you incorporate the principles of the Lord's Prayer into your daily prayer life, both individually and as part of a community? What changes might you need to make to align your prayers with God's priorities? ([38:54])
4. Think about a recent situation where you sought human approval. How did it make you feel, and how did it compare to times when you sought God's approval? What can you learn from these experiences? ([25:51])
5. Identify one specific act of worship (giving, praying, fasting) that you can commit to doing in secret this week. How will you ensure that your motivation is to please God rather than seeking human applause? ([17:55])
6. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's eternal reward and stay focused on living for His approval? ([49:59])
7. Discuss with the group: How can we as a community support each other in living for God's approval rather than human praise? What are some ways we can hold each other accountable in this area? ([38:54])
Devotional
Day 1: Living for God's Approval
Jesus warns us against practicing our righteousness to be seen by others. Our acts of worship, whether giving, praying, or fasting, should be directed towards God, not performed for human recognition. This requires a heart check to ensure our motivations align with seeking God's approval rather than human applause. [17:55]
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: Think about a recent act of kindness or service you performed. Was your primary motivation to receive recognition from others or to honor God? How can you shift your focus to seek God's approval in future acts of service?
Day 2: The Danger of Seeking Human Praise
The applause of men is intoxicating but fleeting. Jesus emphasizes that if we seek human approval, that is all the reward we will get. In contrast, God's reward is eternal and steadfast. This should motivate us to live for God's approval, knowing that His reward is far greater and everlasting. [25:51]
John 12:42-43 (ESV): "Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you are tempted to seek human praise. How can you remind yourself of the eternal reward that comes from God and refocus your efforts to seek His approval instead?
Day 3: Secret Acts of Worship
Jesus teaches that our good deeds should be done in secret, where only God sees them. When we give, pray, or fast, it should be done without seeking attention. This ensures that our worship is genuine and directed towards God, who sees and rewards what is done in secret. [32:39]
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: Consider your current practices of giving, praying, and fasting. Are there ways you can make these acts more private and focused on God? What steps can you take to ensure your worship is genuine and not for show?
Day 4: Prayer as a Community Focus
The Lord's Prayer is a model for how we should pray as a community, focusing on God's priorities and committing to follow Him faithfully. It reminds us that God knows our needs before we ask and that our prayers should align with His will and purposes. [38:54]
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: Reflect on the content of your prayers. Are they more focused on personal needs or on God's will and the needs of the community? How can you incorporate more of God's priorities into your prayer life?
Day 5: Eternal Perspective
Jesus encourages us to focus on the eternal rewards that come from God. Living for God's approval means keeping our eyes on the heavenly reward, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded in the end. This eternal perspective helps us navigate the temptations of seeking temporary human approval. [49:59]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Think about a recent challenge or temptation you faced. How can an eternal perspective help you navigate similar situations in the future? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on God's eternal rewards?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Who do we do things for? Whose approval, whose applause, whose attaboy are we seeking? Feels good, doesn't it? When people applaud us, when they celebrate who we are, and how we've done well." [09:14] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do we live for the applause of others? It's a very hard question because it's one that's plagued humanity throughout the ages. We're not alone in this. It's not only been true of these figures, but as we'll see today, it was true of those during Jesus' day." [11:42] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus talks about hell and so we need to as well, but Jesus talks even more about heaven, and we need to as well. For in heaven, Jesus talks about a reward that we will receive. It's central not only the passage today, but throughout the speech." [25:51] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we live for the approval of men, it's temporary. If I live so that you guys will pat me on the back and say, attaboy, great sermon. Well, guess what? I preach a bad sermon next week and that's gone. Like there is no reward. We know the fickleness of our human heart." [27:15] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Christian can labor without present reward, for he looks for a reward in the world to come. So the question that Jesus is asking in this entire section for us today is this, what's your motivation? Are you motivated by the approval of others, by the reward that men can give you, or are you motivated by God and the eternal reward he will give you as one who sees all that you've done?" [28:44] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "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've received their reward." [17:55] (861 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you give for other people to notice, your reward is short-lived. You'll receive it. People will clap you on the back and say, man, you're such a good citizen. I'm so glad you're here. But that's it. That's the extent of your reward. But if you give in such a way that your own hands don't know what they're doing, in such a way that only God knows, and you do it out of this heart, a heart of gratitude for God providing for you, that you give out of worship to the God who created and loved you so much he sent his son to die for you." [32:39] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lord is at hand that is, he is near, he is close by, so don't be anxious about anything. But everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request that is your needs be known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." [41:44] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you seem to be living for him and no one notices, in fact, life is hard, guess who sees? He does. Nothing is lost on him. And though in this life you may not be rewarded for faithfulness and righteousness, there is a reward to come from your heavenly Father who sees and knows. When you go unnoticed, unappreciated here, you don't go unnoticed or unappreciated by your heavenly Father. He notices, he sees, and he will reward." [51:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So as we go out this week and seek to live for the approval of our heavenly Father, let us keep our eyes on the heavenly, on heaven and on the kingdom and on that day when we take this communion with our Savior face to face. And may on that day we discover that we live for eternal rewards, not temporary approval of men." [58:31] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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