Power in the Pulpit | Matthew 6:1–18

Intro

Verse 1

Jesus is not saying not to do these things but instead assuming they should be done but with what attitude they should be done

There is a reward for faithfulness

Transition: So Jesus tells us to beware when we practice righteousness that we don’t do it before other people. But what does that even mean? How do we practice righteousness? Jesus gives us three examples. The first is through generosity.

Verses 2-4

Verse 2

Explain the trumpet

Example from the poor widow

Verses 3-4

Metaphorical

Practically means don’t make a show

Transition: So the first example Jesus gives us is generosity. The second is once again something we should do, but should be done correctly. Prayer.

Verses 5-15

Verse 5

Pharisees praying individually loudly on corners

Parable of the pharisee and tax collector

Didn’t really care if God heard the prayer, wanted people to

Verse 6

Not against group prayer, but showy individual prayers

Verse 7

Explain pagan worship

Verse 8

We cannot impress God with our prayer. Prayer isn’t about showing God how great we are, but how in need of his greatness we are.

Verses 9-15

Jesus gives us a model

Verse 9

Prayer is ultimately about God’s holiness and greatness.

Verse 10

Our prayers should be God centered. WE should seeek God’s control and sovereignty over everything

Verse 11

Ok to pray for what we need

12

We should pray that the fellowship that is broken when we sin be restored in the same way we should seek to restore fellowship with those that we are against.

Verse 13

we should pray that God lead us away from temptation and deliver us from the evil that surrounds us

Verses 14-15

Why we must forgive and understand our sins against God

Transition: The last way in which Jesus spoke of practicing righteousness is through something none of us do in here a lot if ever, but Jesus speaks about here. That is fasting.

Verses 16-18

What is fasting

Pharisees fasted twice a day

when you fast

It is about a dependence on God, not asceticism or a show

Conclusion: