Living for God's Glory, Not Man's Approval
Summary
### Summary
Today, we are reminded of the incredible gift of good news that we have in Jesus Christ. The tomb is empty, and His grace is sufficient for us. As we delve into Matthew 6, we are cautioned by Jesus to beware of practicing our righteousness before others to be seen by them. This teaching is crucial for anyone who desires to live a Christian life. Jesus warns us about the temptation to seek the approval and applause of men rather than living for the glory of God. This tension is a constant challenge for believers, especially those in leadership or public ministry.
Using the analogy of teaching his children to drive, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being careful and aware of our motivations. Just as driving requires caution, living the Christian life requires vigilance against the temptation to perform for others. Jesus calls us to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven, not to seek personal applause.
The sermon also highlights the dangers of living for the approval of others, as seen in 2 Timothy 4 and John 12. Paul warns Timothy to preach the word faithfully, even when people prefer teachings that suit their own desires. Similarly, some religious leaders in John 12 believed in Jesus but remained silent out of fear of losing approval from others. This sin of silence can be devastating, allowing evil to advance unchecked.
Jesus uses the example of giving to the needy to illustrate the importance of doing good works for God's glory, not for personal recognition. True generosity and service should be done in secret, trusting that our Father who sees in secret will reward us. The pastor shares a personal confession about the temptation to seek approval in ministry and emphasizes the need for daily dependence on God.
In closing, the pastor turns to Philippians 3, where Paul shares his testimony of counting all his achievements as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Paul encourages believers to press on toward the goal of living for the glory of God, imitating those who do the same. The ultimate reward is living in the glory of God for all eternity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Beware of Seeking Approval from Others: Jesus warns us about the temptation to practice our righteousness before others to be seen by them. This desire for approval can conflict with our calling to live for God's glory. We must be vigilant and examine our motivations daily to ensure we are living for God's approval, not man's. [33:15]
2. The Danger of Silence: The sin of silence, as seen in John 12, can be devastating. Religious leaders believed in Jesus but remained silent out of fear of losing approval from others. This silence allows evil to advance unchecked. We must be bold in standing for the truth and not let the desire for approval keep us from speaking up. [50:19]
3. True Generosity and Service: Jesus teaches that our acts of generosity and service should be done in secret, not for personal recognition. True followers of Christ give and serve out of compassion and love, trusting that God who sees in secret will reward them. This humility reflects the heart of Jesus and brings glory to God. [53:01]
4. Living for God's Glory: Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3 shows the surpassing worth of knowing Christ compared to all earthly achievements. He encourages believers to press on toward the goal of living for God's glory. This daily pursuit transforms our lives and aligns us with God's eternal purposes. [01:04:45]
5. Imitating Godly Examples: Paul invites believers to imitate him and others who live for God's glory. By focusing on those who strive to live for Jesus, we can be encouraged and strengthened in our own walk. This community of faith helps us resist the temptation to seek approval from the world and keeps our eyes on the ultimate prize. [01:06:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:31] - The Gift of Good News
[27:05] - Introduction to Matthew 6
[27:53] - Standing on the Unchanging Word
[28:35] - Jesus' Teaching on Righteousness
[29:21] - Prayer for Open Hearts
[30:52] - Personal Story: Teaching Kids to Drive
[31:22] - The Importance of Being Careful
[33:15] - The Temptation to Seek Approval
[34:59] - Let Your Light Shine
[36:36] - Conflict Between Approval and God's Glory
[37:19] - The Theater of Life
[39:04] - Personal Confession: Seeking Approval
[41:27] - Living in Conflict with God's Call
[42:26] - Handling the Word of God
[44:02] - The Danger of Itching Ears
[45:20] - Approval in Relationships and Culture
[47:26] - Temptation to Step into Heresy
[48:10] - The Sin of Silence
[50:19] - Dr. Martin Luther King's Warning
[52:23] - Jesus' Example of Giving
[53:01] - True Generosity and Service
[55:20] - The Foolishness of Seeking Personal Glory
[57:57] - The Hypocrite's Mask
[59:56] - Leveraging for the Gospel
[01:00:40] - Paul's Testimony in Philippians 3
[01:04:45] - Pressing On Toward the Goal
[01:06:45] - Imitating Godly Examples
[01:09:11] - Closing Prayer
[01:11:03] - Invitation to Trust in Jesus
[01:11:42] - Response in Worship
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."
2. 2 Timothy 4:1-4 (ESV)
> "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
3. Philippians 3:7-14 (ESV)
> "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus warn against in Matthew 6:1-4 regarding the practice of righteousness? ([28:35])
2. According to 2 Timothy 4:1-4, what does Paul charge Timothy to do, and why is it important? ([42:59])
3. In Philippians 3:7-14, how does Paul describe his past achievements compared to knowing Christ? ([01:04:45])
4. What example does Jesus use in Matthew 6 to illustrate the proper way to give to the needy? ([53:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus emphasizes giving in secret in Matthew 6:1-4? How does this reflect on our motivations? ([28:35])
2. How does Paul's warning in 2 Timothy 4:1-4 about "itching ears" relate to the temptation to seek approval from others? ([44:02])
3. What does Paul mean when he says he counts all his achievements as loss in Philippians 3:7-14? How does this perspective help in living for God's glory? ([01:04:45])
4. How does the sin of silence, as described in John 12:42-43, impact the advancement of evil according to the sermon? ([50:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought approval from others rather than living for God's glory. How did it affect your actions and decisions? ([33:15])
2. In what ways can you ensure that your acts of generosity and service are done for God's glory and not for personal recognition? ([53:01])
3. How can you be bold in standing for the truth in your daily life, especially when it might cost you the approval of others? ([50:19])
4. Identify one area in your life where you might be tempted to remain silent about your faith. What steps can you take to speak up and stand for the truth? ([50:19])
5. Paul encourages believers to press on toward the goal of living for God's glory. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on God's glory rather than human approval? ([01:04:45])
6. Think of a godly example in your life who lives for God's glory. How can you imitate their faith and actions in your own walk with Christ? ([01:06:45])
7. How can you daily examine your motivations to ensure they align with living for God's glory? What specific prayer or practice can help you in this examination? ([28:35])
Devotional
Day 1: The Temptation to Seek Approval
Description: Jesus warns us about the temptation to practice our righteousness before others to be seen by them. This desire for approval can conflict with our calling to live for God's glory. We must be vigilant and examine our motivations daily to ensure we are living for God's approval, not man's. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 emphasizes the importance of doing good works for God's glory rather than seeking personal applause. This is a crucial lesson for anyone desiring to live a Christian life, especially those in leadership or public ministry. [33:15]
Matthew 6:1-2 (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."
Reflection: Think about a recent good deed you did. Were you seeking recognition from others, or were you doing it solely for God's glory? How can you shift your focus to seek God's approval in your daily actions?
Day 2: The Danger of Silence
Description: The sin of silence, as seen in John 12, can be devastating. Religious leaders believed in Jesus but remained silent out of fear of losing approval from others. This silence allows evil to advance unchecked. We must be bold in standing for the truth and not let the desire for approval keep us from speaking up. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also warned about the dangers of remaining silent in the face of injustice. As believers, we are called to be courageous and vocal about our faith and convictions. [50:19]
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: Is there a situation in your life where you have remained silent out of fear of losing approval? How can you take a step of courage to speak the truth in love today?
Day 3: True Generosity and Service
Description: Jesus teaches that our acts of generosity and service should be done in secret, not for personal recognition. True followers of Christ give and serve out of compassion and love, trusting that God who sees in secret will reward them. This humility reflects the heart of Jesus and brings glory to God. The example of giving to the needy illustrates the importance of doing good works for God's glory, not for personal applause. [53:01]
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: Consider a way you can serve or give to someone in need this week without seeking any recognition. How can you ensure that your motivation is purely out of love and compassion?
Day 4: Living for God's Glory
Description: Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3 shows the surpassing worth of knowing Christ compared to all earthly achievements. He encourages believers to press on toward the goal of living for God's glory. This daily pursuit transforms our lives and aligns us with God's eternal purposes. By focusing on the ultimate reward of living in the glory of God for all eternity, we can find strength and motivation to live a life that honors Him. [01:04:45]
Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV): "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."
Reflection: What are some achievements or possessions in your life that you might be holding onto too tightly? How can you begin to see them as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ?
Day 5: Imitating Godly Examples
Description: Paul invites believers to imitate him and others who live for God's glory. By focusing on those who strive to live for Jesus, we can be encouraged and strengthened in our own walk. This community of faith helps us resist the temptation to seek approval from the world and keeps our eyes on the ultimate prize. Surrounding ourselves with godly examples provides us with practical models of how to live a life that honors God. [01:06:45]
Philippians 3:17 (ESV): "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."
Reflection: Identify a godly person in your life whom you admire. What specific qualities or habits do they exhibit that you can begin to imitate in your own walk with Christ? How can you seek their mentorship or guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Morning by morning, new mercies I see. Morning by morning, the mercy of God falls on the people of God. His grace is sufficient. The tomb is empty, church. Can we just celebrate that right now? Because we need some good news in the world that we live in. And we have been given good news in the finished work of Jesus Christ." [26:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What a blessing to know that in a world that is constantly changing, in a culture that is constantly changing, in our stories where we're facing change all the time, we stand on the unchanging word of God. That's amazing good news." [27:53] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The call on the life of a Christian is to live for the glory of God. Let your light shine in such a way that others will see your good works, not to applaud you, not to say how awesome you are, but to give glory to your Father who is in heaven." [36:36] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, that man can be saved. Ephesians 2, 8 through 10 makes it very, very clear. We are saved by grace. It's not our own doing. It's not a result of works so that no man can boast." [55:20] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above. And every ability and every resource that we have has been entrusted to us by the God of new morning mercies. It is by grace, through faith in Christ alone that we are not only saved, but that we are created for good works to walk in, that he prepared beforehand for us to walk in. It's all about him." [56:52] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There is a temptation that will enter into your life and chase you every single day of your life if you desire to live the Christian life. There is something you need to be aware of. There is something that you need to understand. There is a reason for you to be careful, if you will, as you desire to live the Christian life." [33:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you are living for the applause and approval of man over and above living for the glory of God, at some point, you are going to actually begin to live in conflict with living for the glory of God." [41:27] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The way you handle and view the word of God, it matters and it actually reveals are you living for the approval of man and the applause of others or are you living for the glory of God? Because if you're living for the approval of others and the applause of others over the glory of God, at some point along the way, your desire for the approval of others and the applause of others will come in conflict with something that the word of God says and you will be tempted to walk away from the word of God altogether so that you can just hear the word of God and hear the things you wanna hear." [44:02] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The sin of silence, sitting idly by, instead of speaking up and standing on the truth and declaring what God says is right, and good, and true. The Pharisees and these men who are beginning to believe, they sat silently by while other religious leaders were scheming to send Jesus to a cross. The sin of silence is incredibly powerful and far too often causes evil schemes to advance and wreak havoc in the lives of many." [50:19] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Every single day I seek to live for the glory of God over the approval and applause of men. Every single day I press on towards the goal of living as a light in the world so that others will see my life and not praise me and not applaud me, but give glory to my Father who is in heaven. This is what my life is all about, because I have found that Jesus is greater." [01:05:52] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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