Sermon On the Mount Teaching Series: Part 6

SERMON ON THE MOUNT

How Not to Be Religious

Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18

Not conforming to the world is a familiar New Testament concept. But it is not so well known that Jesus also called us not to conform to the religious establishment. He saw (and foresaw) the worldliness of the nominal church and commanded the Christian community to be truly distinct from it in life and practice.

Personal Reflection. A friend that you invited to a Bible study has declined by saying that he/she finds all Christians to be hypocrites. Why might he/she say that? What would be a way to respond effectively?

Personal Reflection. Which of your words and actions might a person find hypocritical?

In Matthew 5 Jesus taught us that our righteousness must be greater than that of the Pharisees (because they obeyed the letter of the law, while our obedience must include our heart) and greater also than that of the pagans (because they love each other, while our love must include our enemies as well). Now in Matthew 6 Jesus draws the same two contrasts regarding our religion. He says that we should not be hypocritical like the Pharisees and not mechanical like the pagans.

Read Matthew 6:1–6 and 16–18.

1. Jesus illustrates the principle of verse 1 by focusing on three religious practices: giving, praying and fasting. What images come to mind when you read about the hypocrites in verse 2?

2. In verse 1 Jesus commands us “not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them.” Yet in 5:16 he said, “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds.” Is there a contradiction here? Explain.

3. What does Jesus mean when he says, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (v. 3)? Why is this important (vv. 2, 4)?

4. In what ways are we tempted to be hypocritical in our giving?

5. What was wrong with the way hypocrites prayed in Jesus’ day (v. 5)?

6. In what ways do hypocrites pray today?

7. Why and how is our praying to be different (v. 6)?

8. How do you think the reward the Father will give us (v. 6) differs from the reward we receive from others (v. 5)?

9. In verse 16 Jesus assumes Christians will fast (although few of us do). Why and how should we fast (vv. 16–18)?

10. Fasting was a way that people were trying to seek the approval of others. In what other areas are we tempted to seek the approval of people rather than of God?

11. How can this passage help to purify our motives?

Ask God to help you focus on him (rather than yourself) as you worship.

LATER

Read Luke 18:9–14. How does this story illustrate what Jesus teaches in Matthew 6?

When have you acted like the Pharisee in this story?

When have you acted like the tax collector?

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR THOUGHTS