Authentic Devotion Over Public Recognition

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with humble hearts, ready to receive Your Word. As we delve into the teachings of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in the Sermon on the Mount, help us to examine our motivations and the sincerity of our spiritual practices. May our time together today deepen our understanding of true discipleship and inspire us to seek Your approval above all else. We ask for Your guidance as we reflect on our acts of generosity, our prayers, and our fasting. Let us grow closer to You and one another through this message. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Matthew 6:1–18 Part 4 of the Sermon on the Mount Series

Introduction: The Sermon on the Mount continues to challenge the heart of true discipleship. In Matthew 6:1–18,

We are going to see Christ expand the thought of Matthew 5:20 “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” He exposes the Pharisees’ deficient righteousness by revealing their hypocrisy in three key areas:

charitable deeds (vv. 1–4),

prayer (vv. 5–15), and

fasting (vv. 16–18).

This passage emphasizes that our spiritual practices should not seek public approval, but should come from a sincere relationship with God which leads to genuine authentic worship.

The message Christ is sharing encourages us to examine our motivations behind spiritual practices. It addresses the struggle of seeking validation from others and challenges us to seek God's approval above all.

1. Authentic acts of Generosity

In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus addresses the motive behind acts of charity, calling His followers to examine whether their generosity is directed toward God’s glory or human recognition. This passage highlights the importance of selfless giving—a generosity that flows from a heart seeking to please God rather than gain the admiration of others.

Matthew 6:1 NKJV

1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

The Warning Against Public Displays of Righteousness (v. 1)

Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for show, cautioning that when good works are performed for public recognition, they lose their eternal value. This teaching underscores a key spiritual principle: the motive behind an action matters as much as the action itself.

The Pharisees and religious leaders often made a spectacle of their generosity, ensuring that their charitable acts were noticed. Jesus challenges this self-glorifying approach by reminding His followers that true righteousness seeks God's approval, not human applause.

Matthew 6:2 NKJV

2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

Giving Without Seeking Attention (v. 2)

Notice in v. 2 Jesus uses the word “hypocrites” in describe the performance. This word had its origins in Gr. theater, describing a character in a play or drama that wore a mask. A hypocrite is someone who is masking their true internal character. Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of those who announce their giving to gain admiration. The reference to “sounding a trumpet” may be figurative, illustrating the way some made a grand show of their generosity. Their reward? The fleeting praise of men, rather than the eternal blessing of God.

This rebuke reminds believers that true generosity is an act of worship, not a means of self-promotion. Giving should be an expression of love for God and others, not a performance to elevate one’s status.

Matthew 6:3–4 NKJV

3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

The Call to Secret Generosity (vv. 3-4)

Jesus introduces a radical concept: give in such a way that even you are not overly conscious of your own generosity. The phrase “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” suggests a level of humility where one’s giving is not self-praising.

This teaching shifts the focus from outward recognition to inward devotion. Just as God sees the hidden intentions of the heart, He also rewards the unseen acts of kindness. The believer’s goal should not be earthly praise but the eternal reward of pleasing God.

Jesus Himself lived out this principle, serving and giving sacrificially without seeking human recognition. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately gave His life—all for the glory of the Father, not for human applause.

This passage invites believers to imitate Christ by:

Giving with pure motives – Seeking only to please God, not impress others.

Practicing quiet generosity – Serving in ways that draw attention to God’s goodness, not personal achievement.

Trusting in God’s reward – Knowing that He sees and values the acts of kindness done in secret.

Ultimately, true worship is revealed in selfless, God-centered giving. A heart devoted to pleasing the Father will give generously—not for public approval, but as an expression of genuine love and faith.

2. Authentic Communication with the LORD

In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus contrasts true prayer with the self-seeking practices of the religious elite. His teaching focuses on the sincerity of communication with God, warning against praying to impress others rather than engaging in genuine communion with the Father.

Matthew 6:5 NKJV

5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

The Danger of Performance-Based Prayer (v. 5)

Jesus rebukes the hypocrites who love to pray standing in synagogues and on street corners to be seen by others. Their motivation is not to draw near to God but to elevate their spiritual reputation. Christ warns that such individuals have already received their reward—the fleeting admiration of people—rather than the eternal reward of intimacy with God.

This reveals a critical truth: prayer is not a stage for human approval but a sacred moment of connection with God. When prayer becomes a performance, it loses its essence as a heartfelt conversation with the Father.

Matthew 6:6 NKJV

6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

The Call to Private, Intimate Prayer (v. 6)

Jesus offers a corrective to hypocritical prayer by instructing His followers to pray in secret:

"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:6, NKJV).

This does not mean that public prayer is forbidden but that private prayer should be the foundation of a believer’s spiritual life. Praying in secret cultivates sincerity because there is no audience except God. It shifts the focus from external validation to a personal relationship with the Father.

Matthew 6:7–8 NKJV

7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

The Futility of Empty Words (vv. 7-8)

Jesus further warns against “vain repetitions,” or empty, mechanical prayers that lack meaning. Pagan religions often relied on long-winded recitations, thinking they could manipulate the gods through sheer repetition. Christ teaches that God is not moved by the length of prayers but by their sincerity.

This highlights a crucial aspect of prayer: God already knows what we need before we ask (v. 8). Prayer is not about informing God but about aligning our hearts with His will. It is an act of faith, dependence, and trust—not a formula to get what we want.

Through these teachings, Jesus reorients prayer from ritual to relationship. Authentic prayer is marked by:

Humility – Recognizing that we are speaking to a holy and sovereign God.

Sincerity – Approaching God with honest, heartfelt words rather than rehearsed phrases.

Faith – Trusting that God hears and responds according to His perfect will.

This passage ultimately invites believers to pray as Jesus prayed—not for the approval of others, but in deep, trusting communion with the Father. True prayer is not about the outward appearance but about the inward posture of the heart

3. Aligning Our Hearts with God’s Will

In Matthew 6:9-15, Jesus provides a model for prayer that directs believers toward God-centered communication. Rather than offering a rigid formula, The Lord’s Prayer serves as a template for aligning our desires with God’s will, fostering humility, dependence, and reverence. Through this Christ-centered approach, believers are invited to cultivate a prayer life that glorifies God and deepens their spiritual relationship with Him.

Matthew 6:9 NKJV

9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

A Prayer That Begins with God’s Glory (v. 9)

Jesus opens with an invitation to intimacy—addressing God as “Our Father”, showing both personal relationship and communal faith. Yet, this familiarity is balanced with reverence, as seen in the phrase “hallowed be Your name”, which expresses worship and awe for God’s holiness.

This opening line sets the tone for all prayer: it is first and foremost about God’s glory, not just personal needs.

Matthew 6:10 NKJV

10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

A Heart That Seeks God’s Kingdom First (v. 10)

Here, Jesus teaches that prayer should align with God’s mission. Rather than merely presenting personal requests, believers are called to desire God’s rule and purposes above all else. This reflects Christ’s own heart—He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

True prayer is not about bending God’s will to ours but aligning our hearts to His sovereign plan.

Matthew 6:11 NKJV

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Dependence on God’s Provision (v. 11)

This simple request acknowledges God as the provider of both physical and spiritual needs. It teaches daily dependence, mirroring Israel’s reliance on manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4).

Rather than promoting self-sufficiency, this petition reminds believers that every good thing comes from God, and He is faithful to sustain His people.

Matthew 6:12 NKJV

12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:14–15 NKJV

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The Necessity of Forgiveness (vv. 12, 14-15)

Jesus connects receiving God’s forgiveness with extending it to others. The phrase “as we forgive” is not about earning salvation but about reflecting a heart transformed by grace.

Jesus reinforces this in verses 14-15, emphasizing that unforgiveness creates a spiritual barrier in our relationship with God. Just as we rely on His mercy, we must be merciful to others.

Matthew 6:13 NKJV

13a And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.

Seeking Protection from Temptation (v. 13a)

This petition acknowledges the spiritual battle believers face daily. While God does not tempt us (James 1:13), He allows trials to refine our faith. Here, we ask for His guidance and strength to resist sin, recognizing our need for divine help to overcome the enemy’s schemes.

Matthew 6:13 NKJV

13b For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

A Closing of Worship and Surrender (v. 13b)

Though not found in all manuscripts, this closing reflects a return to worship, reaffirming that all things belong to God. Prayer begins and ends with His glory, reinforcing the theme of surrender to His rule and authority.

The Lord’s Prayer is more than a recitation; it is a guide for shaping our hearts:

We approach God with reverence and intimacy.

We align our desires with His kingdom purposes.

We trust Him for our daily needs.

We seek and extend forgiveness.

We rely on His strength to resist temptation.

This pattern of prayer reflects Christ’s own relationship with the Father, inviting believers to pray with humility, dependence, and a desire to glorify God.

4. Authentic Commitment in Fasting

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus addresses fasting, one of the key spiritual disciplines, alongside prayer and giving. His teaching underscores the importance of a humble heart in worship, warning against fasting for human recognition. Instead of making a public display of devotion, Jesus calls His followers to pursue intimacy with God through fasting that reflects sincere dependence on Him.

Matthew 6:16–18 NKJV

16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

The Warning Against Hypocritical Fasting (v. 16)

Jesus rebukes those who fast for show, deliberately altering their appearance to appear more devout. By making their fasting obvious, they sought human admiration rather than spiritual renewal.

Christ’s warning is clear: those who fast for the praise of others receive only a temporary, earthly reward—human approval—but miss the greater spiritual blessing that comes from fasting with a pure heart before God.

Matthew 6:17–18 NKJV

17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18a so that you do not appear to men to be fasting,

The Call to Private, Sincere Fasting (vv. 17-18a)

Jesus instructs His followers to maintain a normal outward appearance while fasting, ensuring their devotion remains between them and God. In ancient Jewish culture, anointing the head and washing the face were part of daily grooming. By continuing these practices, a person fasting could avoid drawing attention to themselves.

This principle shifts the focus from outward performance to inward devotion. True fasting is not about appearing righteous before others but about humbling oneself before God.

Matthew 6:18 NKJV

18b but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

The Reward of Intimacy with the Father (v. 18b)

Just as with prayer and giving, Jesus emphasizes that God sees what is done in secret. True fasting is about seeking God’s presence and transformation, not external recognition. The reward of sincere fasting is not human applause but a deeper, more intimate connection with the Father.

This passage teaches that fasting is not about the external, but about the internal:

It is a private act of devotion, not a public spectacle.

It is about spiritual dependence on God, not impressing others.

It deepens our relationship with the Father, who sees our sincerity and rewards us.

By fasting with humility and a sincere heart, believers cultivate a genuine connection with God, prioritizing His presence over human praise.

How This Passage Points to Christ

In this teaching, Christ illustrates God's desire for a relationship rather than mere ritual. Jesus fulfills the law by embodying true righteousness—His life was marked by sincere devotion, private prayer, and selfless giving. Ultimately, His greatest act of righteousness, the cross, was done in humility and obedience to the Father rather than for human applause, lets conclude with this verse as a reflection of Christ’s example.

Philippians 2:5–8 NKJV

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Closing Prayer

Gracious Lord, we thank You for the wisdom of Your Word and the example set by our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we conclude this service, we ask that You instill in us a desire for authenticity in our relationship with You. Help us to live out our faith through genuine acts of generosity, sincere prayers, and humble fasting. May we continually seek Your glory and approval in all that we do. We pray that our hearts remain aligned with Your will, and that we grow in our commitment to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen