ROUGH Secret Righteousness - Matthew 6:1-18

INTRO

Story about Prayer

Over the past two weeks, we've explored how Jesus reshapes our understanding of righteousness.

He reveals that true righteousness isn't just about avoiding wrong; it's about actively pursuing what is right.

In Matthew 5, He reframes righteousness, shifting our focus from what can I get away with to what does it look like to embrace the intention of the law.

Now as we move into Chapter 6, Jesus turns our avoidance into a call to action.

At the core is the truth that righteousness stems not from our actions alone but from the soul's transformation.

Jesus outlines acts of righteousness—Giving, Praying, Fasting—not as mere rituals but as expressions of a heart transformed by God.

These actions, from giving with genuine generosity to praying in solitude, and fasting as a personal discipline, testify to an internal reality.

They're not just disciplines; they're declarations of a heart in tune with the Kingdom.

This is what leads us to our Big Idea.

Big Idea: The Kingdom Life is anchored in treasuring Jesus as our ultimate reward.

Jesus is going to talk about secret righteousness.

That when we walk out these disciplines we have to again look at the motive of our hearts.

Jesus is not saying, 'Hey, don’t let anyone ever see your good deeds.' That’s not it.

What He’s drilling into is the heart behind our actions.

He’s calling us out on our motives, telling us to get real about why we’re doing what we’re doing.

Are we seeking applause, or are we genuinely trying to serve? Jesus is saying, 'Look, do your good deeds without making a show of it. Focus on God, not on who’s watching.'

This is where true righteousness thrives: not in avoiding wrong, but in passionately pursuing the right, guided by a heart that is captivated by Jesus.

This is our call within the body of Christ: to transformation, to a righteousness that echoes God's heartbeat.

It's a call to be not only hearers but doers of the Word, driven by love, not duty.

Let’s look at the first discipline Jesus challenges on: Giving

1. Giving (v.1-4)

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.

Jesus was probably describing the sound of the temple trumpets that called citizens to come and give.

What a great opportunity to show off!

The trumpets would blare, and people would be seen scurrying along the streets toward the temple with pious looks on their faces.

“Hey, folks, look at my zeal! Big giver on the way to the temple here!”

They thought they were really something, but Jesus called them “hypocrites.”

Pretending, performing, wearing masks.

Their giving wasn’t about God’s glory or helping the needy; it was about snagging the spotlight.

Fast forward to today, and it’s easy to wonder, would our grand philanthropic gestures survive without the gala dinners, the donor walls, the photo ops?

Strip away the fanfare, and what’s left?

Jesus drills down to this unsettling truth: When we give for applause, that fleeting cheer is all we get.

They were shopping for praise, not sharing from the heart.

But then, Jesus flips the script:

Look at verse 3-4

Matthew 6:3–4 (ESV)

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.

Here, Jesus isn’t just advising discretion; He’s advocating for a kind of giving so pure, so devoid of self-congratulation, that it’s as if your left hand lives in blissful ignorance of your right hand’s deeds.

It’s a masterclass in humility—don’t even give yourself a pat on the back in private. This isn’t about tallying brownie points in a spiritual ledger; it’s about a heart change, a transformation that transcends the act itself.

So, what’s the takeaway? True discipleship is marked by a generosity that seeks no spotlight,

serves without a scoreboard, and loves without a ledger.

It challenges us, the body of Christ, to examine not just how we give, but why.

Are we in it for the nod of approval, or are we investing in the unseen, eternal dividends paid out by a God who celebrates the secret sacrifices?

This journey with Jesus invites us into a radical, counter-cultural way of living that turns our notions of righteousness and reward upside down.

It calls for a generosity that’s not about the self but about the silent, sacred act of giving—just between you and God.

So, as we navigate this path, let’s keep our eyes fixed not on the recognition we might miss but on the rich, relational life we’re called to live out in secret symphony with our Creator.

Jesus goes from our giving to our praying

2. Praying (v.5-15)

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.

Jesus knew the pharisaical heart of a show-off that liked to pray loudly in public, either on busy street corners or in synagogues, especially during times when everyone was expected to pray, like the afternoon temple sacrifice or public fast days.

They made sure they were seen and heard, praying like the boastful Pharisee in Luke 18:

"God, I thank you I’m not like others—robbers, wrongdoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I earn."

Their prayers in synagogues were no different, full of drama and designed to impress those listening.

But Jesus had a different idea:

"When you pray, go somewhere private, close the door, and pray to your Father quietly. Your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." (v. 6)

Jesus champions a sincere, intimate prayer life over performative piety, emphasizing the value of privacy and authenticity in communion with God.

Jesus wasn’t saying praying in public is bad.

What He was really getting at is the why behind our public prayers.

Imagine the early followers of Jesus, who prayed together out in the open, just like we see in the book of Acts.

They weren’t showing off; they were genuinely connecting with God and each other.

Jesus is pointing out something super important: Prayer is a heart-to-heart talk with God.

It's supposed to be personal, not a show for others to watch.

Think of it like this: When you’re talking to a close friend, you’re not trying to impress anyone else around you.

That’s how our talks with God should be.

He also mentioned something about babbling on and on when we pray, kind of like how some people think if they talk a lot, they’ll get noticed more.

But God isn’t looking for a word count; He’s listening to what’s in our hearts.

This whole thing shows us how sneaky and deep-seated our tendency to make even the good stuff we do about us can be.

It’s like when someone prays really passionately, but deep down, they’re more focused on themselves than on God.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but sometimes our prayers don’t really get past the ceiling because they’re more about performing for people than talking to God.

Here are a few gut-check questions:

Do you find yourself praying more sincerely when no one else is around?

When you pray in front of others, is it just the overflow of what you’ve already been talking about with God in private? Or are you trying to come up with the perfect words to impress the crowd?

Jesus was straight-up when He said, “Don’t do your good stuff in front of others just to get their applause. If you do, that applause is all the reward you’re going to get.”

It’s a hard truth, but it’s worth thinking about.

Are we doing things, even good things like praying or helping others, just for the likes and views?

But here’s a silver lining: Realizing how messed up we are is the first step to getting better.

Being honest with ourselves and remembering that God sees everything is key.

There’s this beautiful part in the Psalms 139 that says no matter where we go, God is there.

He knows us inside out, even what we’re about to say before we say it.

It’s about getting real with God, ditching the show, and having those honest, raw conversations with Him. That’s where the real connection happens.

Jesus knowing we’d want to know how to pray then teaches us how to pray

Matthew 6:7–13 (ESV)

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Jesus introduced the Lord's Prayer as an antidote to the empty, repetitive prayer.

He cautioned against the use of "empty phrases" as the Gentiles do, believing that sheer volume of words would make their prayers more effective.

Again this is the point prayer is suppose to be a meaningful dialogue rather than a mindless repetition.

Martin Luther was once asked by his barber to provide some teaching and instruction on daily prayer.

He responded by writing a very helpful letter on the subject, which contained the following counsel:

“You should also know that I do not want you to recite all words in your prayer. That would make it nothing but idle chatter and prattle, read word for word out of a book as were the rosaries by the laity and the prayers of the priests and monks. Rather do I want your heart to be stirred and guided concerning the thoughts which ought to be comprehended in the Lord’s Prayer. These thoughts may be expressed, if your heart is rightly warmed and inclined toward prayer, in many different ways and with more words or fewer.” _Martin Luther

Luther did suggest that everyone should recite the Lord’s Prayer – 3 times a day, in the morning, in the evening and at table – but that was merely to aid in memorization.

The goal was for the individual to be able internalize the general pattern and priority of the prayer and then to approach the Lord through those categories with the heart rightly stirred and directed.

This approach to prayer is about making the prayer's content deeply personal and reflective of our individual relationship with God, while still honoring the structure that Jesus provided.

If you walk through this prayer you see the depth of it. (Briefly - we did a whole sermon series on it. Use it as a guide for how to pray)

This isn't just about asking for things or following a ritual; it's about opening our hearts to God's will, acknowledging our dependence on Him, seeking His guidance, and striving for a world that reflects His love and righteousness.

It's a journey of discipleship and faith, expressed through the simple yet profound framework Jesus gave us, a journey that transforms prayer from routine to revelation.

Finally Jesus looks at Fasting

3. Fasting (v.16-18)

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.

The message Jesus gives us about fasting is clear: it's not about showing off or seeking applause.

He emphasizes that fasting should be a private matter, something between you and God, who sees all and rewards the sincerity of your actions.

Jesus instructs us to fast with the expectation that it will be part of our journey as His followers. He says, "When you fast," not "if you fast," suggesting fasting holds an important place in our spiritual discipline.

Fasting is a deep and powerful spiritual discipline that often doesn't get the attention it deserves in today's Western churches.

It's more than just skipping meals—it's a way to pray with your entire being, dedicating every part of yourself to God in worship.

By fasting, we intentionally let go of our physical cravings to overcome the pull of our physical nature and open ourselves to the Spirit's changing power.

This discipline leads us to find joy not based on our situations or instant satisfaction.

Fasting introduces us to a kind of voluntary discomfort that, surprisingly, expands our joy.

It helps us see life's richness in every situation and strengthens our bond with God, making our communication with Him deeper and more meaningful.

The first hurdles of fasting, like the irritability and hunger that come with missed meals, act as a reflection showing us where we need God's grace the most.

This place of openness paves the way for us to encounter God in new and unexpected ways, discovering the kind of spiritual food Jesus talked about—a kind of nourishment those who haven't fasted might not know.

Fasting isn't just about what we're giving up; it's a path to spiritual liberation and a closer relationship with God.

It revives a crucial practice for growing spiritually and connecting with God on a deeper level.

Fasting invites believers to rediscover a neglected discipline that is as relevant and necessary today as ever.

1. Make Fasting a Habit:

Jesus expected His followers to fast, emphasizing "when you fast" rather than "if you fast."

Historical figures like the Puritans embraced fasting, while recent times saw it wane in popularity.

Fasting's importance has been debated, but it remains a key discipline for spiritual growth.

2. Fasting Should Be Prayer-Centered:

Fasting is a global practice, with various cultures fasting for different reasons. Unlike fasting for health or sorrow, Wefast as a way to dedicate ourselves more fully to God and deepen their prayer life.

This doesn't mean abandoning daily routines but incorporating more prayer during fasting periods.

3. Keep Your Fasting Private:

Jesus taught the importance of fasting in secret, cautioning against fasting for the sake of public recognition. Such acts can lead to pride and hypocrisy, as the true intention shifts from seeking God to impressing others.

Authentic fasting focuses on God, not on garnering admiration.

4. Fasting Together for a Cause:

While fasting is often a private discipline, there are times for communal fasting. This has biblical precedence and can be powerful when a group comes together to seek God's intervention in significant matters. The key is ensuring the focus remains on God, not on the act itself.

5. Approach Fasting with Humility:

Fasting must be approached humbly, avoiding the pitfalls of legalism and self-imposed piety, which can lead to pride rather than spiritual growth.

It's a tool for self-discipline and surrender to God, not for self-glorification. Fasting is about preparing our hearts for God, not asserting control over our desires.

6. Be Inventive with Your Fasting:

Fasting doesn't have to be limited to food, especially for those who have health concerns that prevent traditional fasting. The essence of fasting is the sacrifice of something meaningful to draw closer to God.

Whether it's giving up TV, shopping, or another activity, the goal is to replace it with time spent with God and to use it as a means to spiritual growth.

Jesus teaches that fasting in secret is seen and rewarded by the Father: "Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matt. 6:18). It's crucial to understand this correctly.

Jesus isn't suggesting that we earn a reward from God through fasting. Instead, God freely gives a reward.

Fasting with the motive of getting something in return would reduce it to a transaction: we give up something expecting God to compensate us, plus a little extra.

This mindset could turn fasting into a form of manipulation or corrupt a genuine act of worship with selfish motives. Fasting isn't about negotiating with God for a reward.

The true reward for fasting is drawing closer to God Himself. Through fasting, our affection for God grows, and our attachment to worldly desires diminishes.

It's a way to prioritize the kingdom of God in our lives.

Does my understanding of righteousness align with Jesus' teachings on pursuing what is right through genuine actions rather than merely avoiding wrongdoing?

In what ways can I practice giving, praying, and fasting as sincere expressions of my heart's transformation, rather than as public displays for recognition?

How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for Jesus as my ultimate reward, anchoring my life in treasuring Him above all else?

How can I practice humility in my spiritual disciplines, recognizing that true transformation comes from God and not from my own efforts to control desires or achieve self-mastery?