5. Kingdom Piety

Introduction

Jon Acuff’s prayer blog post: (https://stuffchristianslike.net/2008/04/17/159-the-pray-if-you-feel-led-prayer/)

Read Matt 6:1… Now look at Matt 5:16. How do these two statements from the same sermon fit together? The point isn’t what good things you’re doing, or where you’re doing them, or who sees its. The point is why.

Remember the thesis in Matt 5:20. Pop Quiz: What kind of righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees? An internal righteousness of the heart.

God cares more about who you are than what you do. God cares more about your heart than your behavior management techniques.

Colossians 3:5–10 NLT

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

God cares more about who you are than who others think you are. God cares more about your heart than your popularity.

Proverbs 22:1 NIV

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Three Words: Hypocrites, Reward, Father

Hypocrites (Matt 6:2, 5, 16).

What do you think of when you hear the word hypocrite? “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Jesus says hypocrisy is far deeper, far more subtle, and far more dangerous. A hypocrite is someone who does the right thing, but for the wrong reason.

The hypocrites here were doing religious things, but not to draw near to the heart of God.

Illustration: When I was 19, God spoke to me…

Reward

“Reward” is a problematic word in our branch of Christianity.

Reward does not mean salvation (see Eph 2:8-9).

Reward does not mean health, wealth, and prosperity (see John 16:33 NLT).

John 16:33 NLT

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Jesus gives us three examples of righteousness that promises a reward.

Giving to the needy (Matt 6:2-4)

When God says “give to the needy” what he’s saying is “be free from the love of money.”

Generosity is not an action but an attitude of the heart. It’s not the amount you give but the way you live (who you are) that is generous.

God would rather you be generous—even if no one knows about it, than see you give big gifts publicly, and yet be enslaved to greed in your heart.

Prayer (Matt 6:5-6)

Prayer is about connecting with God on a heart level. It’s not about getting God to do what you want or impressing the people who hear you pray.

Illustration: Austyn & Maddie…

God would rather you have a deep and abiding relationship with the him–even if no one knows it, than hear you pray the most eloquent and beautiful prayers in front others but have no real connection with God yourself.

Fasting (Matt 6:16-18)

The purpose of fasting is to remind yourself that there is more to life than consuming and to exercise the spiritual muscle of self-control.

God would rather you be the master of your own body–even if no one knows it, than see you publicly proclaim your fasting but have no self-control when you go home.

Application: It’s about being more than doing. If seeking God is who you are, even when no one else is around, then this is God’s promise to you: Jer 29:12-13.

Father

Look at Matt 6:18. Who gives the rewards? … Jesus doesn’t say God will reward you but “your Father”—not even the Father but your Father.

God is a loving Father…

Conclusion

Read Matt 6:19-21.

What do you treasure?