Practicing Righteousness: Aligning Hearts with God's Will

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

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Bible Reading

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."

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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])