Speaker: Ms Taeko Funaoka
Sermon Title: Motives for acts of righteousness
Scripture Text: Matthew 6: 1 – 18
Introduction
Our acts of righteousness – our action in obedience to God- come from hearts that are in the right relationship with God for His glory, not for our own self-glorification.
Three Jewish religious practices – almsgiving, prayer, fasting.
Reference
Almsgiving: Deuteronomy 15:11, 14:28-29
Prayer: Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Daniel 6:10
Fasting: 2 Samuel 12:15-16, Ezra 8:21
1. Warning against the practices of hypocrites (v2, 5, 16)
Principle (v1): Warning against the wrong motives.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to
be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your
Father in heaven.” (v1)
Almsgiving (v2), Prayer (v5), Fasting (v16)
2. Instruction on right conduct (vv.3-4, 6, 9-13, 17-18)
Principle (v4, 6, 18): Acts directed to God in secret.
“… your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Almsgiving (vv3-4)
Prayer (vv6-15)
Attitudes of prayer and the model prayer (vv7-13)
Fasting (vv17-18)
Reflection and Application
What are our motivations and attitudes for practicing spiritual disciplines and doing good deeds?
• Our gratitude for the grace and love of God who sent His Son to save us (John 3:16).
• Our love in response to His love for us (Matthew 22:37-39).
• Our desire to have a deeper relationship with God.
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