Practicing Righteousness: Aligning Hearts with God's Will
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to live a life that is better off, a life that is enriched by the practice of righteousness. This practice is not a mere formality or a religious exercise; it is the very essence of our walk with God. As we delve into the teachings of Jesus, we find that practicing righteousness is an essential part of living life better off. It is not about the righteousness that comes from ourselves, but the righteousness that is a gift from God through His Son. Once we receive this gift, we are then called to practice our righteousness.
Practicing righteousness involves the continual repetition of activities that align us with God. It is an ongoing process, much like a musician practicing an instrument or an athlete honing their skills. The key, however, is not just to practice, but to practice rightly. It is not the act itself that brings us closer to God, but the manner in which we perform it. Our practices, whether giving, praying, fasting, or serving, must be done with the right intentions and for the right audience—the audience of One, our Lord.
Jesus warns us about practicing our righteousness before others simply to be seen by them. If we do so, we forfeit the reward from our Father in heaven. Instead, we are to give, pray, and fast in secret, with our hearts aligned with God's will. When we practice with the right heart and motives, we unleash the help and participation of God in our lives.
The true measure of our practice is not in the outward display but in the secret intentions of our hearts. It is in the quiet moments, away from the eyes of others, that we truly connect with God. When we seek to impress others, God stands aside, but when we seek Him alone, He rewards us openly.
Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from this message:
1. Practicing righteousness is not about ticking off a spiritual checklist; it is about aligning our hearts and actions with God's will. When we practice with sincerity, not for the applause of others but for the approval of God, we experience a deeper connection with Him. This alignment brings about a transformation that is evident in every aspect of our lives. [49:33]
2. The practice of giving, praying, and fasting should be done in secret, not as a spectacle for others to admire. When we shift our focus from the eyes of others to the eyes of God, we find that our actions carry a greater weight and significance. This secret discipline cultivates a heart that is truly devoted to God. [49:33]
3. Our intentions matter to God. He is not interested in the quantity of our religious activities but in the quality of our hearts. When we approach our spiritual disciplines with the right motives, we invite God's presence and power into our lives. This is the key to unlocking the fullness of His blessings. [49:33]
4. The reward from God far surpasses any accolades we could receive from people. When we practice our faith with the audience of One in mind, we tap into a divine reward system that sustains and empowers us beyond human recognition. This reward is not always tangible, but it is always transformative. [49:33]
5. Finally, let us be reminded that the practice of our faith is a daily pursuit. Each day presents a new opportunity to practice righteousness for God's eyes only. As we do so, we grow in our relationship with Him and become more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds. [49:33]
May these insights guide us as we continue to practice our righteousness with hearts fully turned toward God.
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. Matthew 6:5-6 (ESV)
> "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."
3. Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
> "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 does Jesus warn against in Matthew 6:1-4 regarding the practice of righteousness?
2. According to Matthew 6:5-6, how should we approach prayer to ensure it aligns with God's will?
3. In Matthew 6:16-18, what specific instructions does Jesus give about fasting, and why?
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of practicing righteousness with the right intentions? ([20:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of practicing righteousness in secret rather than for public recognition? ([05:18])
2. How can practicing righteousness with the wrong motives affect our relationship with God and others? ([20:11])
3. What does it mean to practice righteousness for the "audience of One," and how does this perspective change our actions? ([27:13])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "right practice" versus "wrong practice" in our spiritual disciplines? ([15:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices (e.g., giving, praying, fasting). Are there any that you perform more for public recognition than for God's approval? How can you shift your focus to practice these disciplines in secret? ([20:11])
2. Think about a time when you felt the need to impress others with your acts of righteousness. How did that experience affect your spiritual growth and relationship with God? ([23:05])
3. Identify one specific spiritual discipline you can practice in secret this week. How will you ensure that your motives are aligned with seeking God's approval rather than human praise? ([30:51])
4. How can you cultivate a habit of examining your motives before engaging in spiritual activities? What steps will you take to ensure your heart is in the right place? ([20:49])
5. Consider the pastor's story about praying in secret and the unexpected outcome at the youth group party. Have you experienced a similar situation where private devotion led to public blessing? Share your story and reflect on what you learned from it. ([32:17])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to practice righteousness with the right intentions? What practical steps can you take together to support each other in this pursuit? ([12:33])
7. Reflect on the idea that God generally gives us what we really want. How does this principle challenge you to reassess your desires and intentions in your spiritual life? ([23:05])
Devotional
Day 1: Heartfelt Practice Over Public Display
True righteousness is not a performance for others but a sincere alignment of one's heart with God's will. It is a personal journey that goes beyond the superficial acts of piety and delves into the depths of one's intentions and desires. When one practices righteousness, it is not for the applause or the recognition of others but for the genuine pursuit of a closer relationship with God. This practice is not about ticking off a spiritual checklist but about a transformation that becomes evident in every aspect of life. It is a daily commitment to live out one's faith with authenticity and integrity, ensuring that every act of giving, praying, and fasting is done in secret, away from the eyes of others, and solely for God's approval. This secret discipline cultivates a heart that is truly devoted to God, and it is in these quiet moments of sincere practice that one truly connects with the Divine. [49:33]
"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." - Matthew 6:3-4 ESV
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from seeking human approval to seeking God's approval in your acts of righteousness today?
Day 2: The Weight of Secret Discipline
The practice of giving, praying, and fasting should be a personal and intimate experience with God, not a public spectacle. When these disciplines are performed in secret, they carry a greater weight and significance because they are done with the right intentions and for the right audience—the audience of One. This approach to spiritual practice fosters a deeper connection with God and cultivates a heart that is truly devoted to Him. The secret discipline is not about hiding one's faith but about ensuring that the focus remains on God and not on the admiration of others. It is in the secret place that one's faith is refined and strengthened, and where the true measure of one's devotion is revealed. [49:33]
"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." - Matthew 6:5 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can practice your spiritual disciplines in secret this week to cultivate a deeper devotion to God?
Day 3: The Quality of Our Hearts
God's concern is not with the quantity of religious activities but with the quality of the heart behind them. He values the intentions and motives that drive one's spiritual practices. When approached with the right heart, these disciplines invite God's presence and power into one's life, unlocking the fullness of His blessings. It is not about how much one does but about the sincerity and purity with which one does it. This focus on the heart's intentions ensures that one's spiritual life is not just a series of actions but a true expression of faith and love for God. [49:33]
"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7b ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your intentions align with God's will when engaging in spiritual practices?
Day 4: Divine Rewards Beyond Human Recognition
The rewards that come from practicing faith with God as the sole audience are far more valuable than any human accolades. When one's focus is on pleasing God alone, a divine reward system is tapped into that sustains and empowers beyond what is tangible. These rewards are transformative, affecting one's character, perspective, and actions. They may not always be seen or recognized by others, but their impact is profound and lasting. This divine reward system encourages believers to continue their practice of faith, knowing that their efforts are seen and valued by God. [49:33]
"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'" - Matthew 25:21 ESV
Reflection: How can you practice your faith today with the mindset of seeking God's reward rather than human recognition?
Day 5: Daily Pursuit of Righteous Practice
The practice of faith is not a one-time event but a daily pursuit. Each day presents new opportunities to practice righteousness for God's eyes only. This consistent practice helps believers grow in their relationship with God and become more like Christ in thoughts, words, and deeds. It is a journey of continual growth and transformation, where each day is a step closer to the person God has called one to be. The daily pursuit of righteousness is a commitment to live out one's faith authentically and wholeheartedly, always seeking to please God above all else. [49:33]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to practice righteousness solely for God's pleasure?
Quotes
1) "Practicing your righteousness is an essential part of living life better off." [06:45] (Download)
2) "It's not just practice that makes perfect... it's right practice. If we practice the wrong way, we can end up just being hardened in the wrong way." [15:48] (Download)
3) "How we practice is everything. How we practice our righteousness before the audience of one, that's what matters." [14:36] (Download)
4) "God generally gives us what we really want. He's a rewarder. If it's other people we're trying to impress, then He's good with that." [23:05] (Download)
5) "When we practice our righteousness for the audience of one, for God, this is for you, this is for you, this is for you." [33:45] (Download)
6) "The father who sees the secret motive of your heart, the why, will reward you. How do we want to be rewarded? By God." [30:09] (Download)
7) "Try to practice a righteous activity that only you and the Lord knows about. No one else can be impressed, just you and God know about it." [30:51] (Download)
8) "When someone insults you, mistreats us, or says something bad about us, and we respond with grace and humility, we're practicing righteousness." [11:54] (Download)
9) "It's the continual repetition of activities that keep us in alignment with God. It's an ongoing process." [09:21] (Download)
10) "When you give, pray, and fast, Jesus assumes that his disciples are practicing something. It's not if, but when you practice these things." [10:47] (Download)
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