Introduction
This morning, we start the second of three chapters in the Sermon on the Mount, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. The very first sermon I preached focused on Matthew chapter 6, which contains the remarkable promise from Jesus that when you follow Him and trust Him completely, there is no need to worry or have anxiety. This chapter serves to remind us that God takes care of both His creation and His people. However, as we delve into this chapter, we encounter an important theme. While the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount blesses those who pursue righteousness, we must also recognize the accompanying cautionary warning against the tendency of humanity to turn blessings into burdens. Jesus begins this chapter by warning us against hypocrisy as we seek the blessings of God.
Main Points
It S Essential To Clarify What
It's essential to clarify what hypocrisy is and isn't, especially as we explore the warnings Jesus provides. Hypocrisy, as used by Jesus, doesn’t simply refer to being imperfect.
- Rather, it speaks to the act of performing righteous deeds for the sake of public recognition.
- In Matthew 5, Jesus has already blessed those who live in humility, acknowledging their imperfection before God's holiness.
- It’s crucial to understand that as we seek to follow God, we will not always get it right.
- We should not allow the fear of being labeled a hypocrite deter us from our pursuit of holiness.
Instead We Should Focus On What
Instead, we should focus on what it means to genuinely follow God without seeking the accolades of those around us. In chapter 6, Jesus gives three examples of hypocrisy related to charitable deeds, prayer, and fasting.
- The central issue in these examples is about doing good works not for the sake of God’s glory, but to gain the approval of men.
- He warns against sounding a trumpet before our charitable deeds and emphasizes that, should we act for human approval, we have received our reward in full, devoid of any reward fro.
- This idea creates a tension in our spiritual life; it prompts us to consider whether we are truly after God’s approval or merely seeking recognition in our community.
- The act of giving, praying, or fasting should be done in a way that glorifies God rather than elevating our image among others.
When Jesus Addresses How We Conduct
When Jesus addresses how we conduct our spiritual lives, we must remember that lesser rewards diminish our true reward, the recognition and approval from God. The example He provides serves as a poignant reminder that pursuing the accolades of men leads to emptiness. This quest for approval can create an illusion of fulfillment, causing us to forget the joy found in simply knowing God. Every time we exchange genuine striving for a hollow semblance, we lose sight of what truly satisfies our souls. The blessings that Jesus speaks of in the Beatitudes are rooted deeply in His relationship with us, and they remind us of the true rewards that can only come from Him. The call to recognize hypocrisy is, at its core, a call to restore our first love, Jesus Himself.
The Dangers Of Searching For Approval
The dangers of searching for approval and recognition can often lead to a diminished view of our relationship with God. Like the artist who becomes more interested in capturing a scene than enjoying it, we too can become preoccupied with the methods of worship rather than worshipping God directly. To combat this, we must strive to appreciate our relationship with God, drinking deeply from the fountain of His love that fulfills our deepest longings. In doing so, we find a refreshing reminder of what truly matters, an authentic connection rather than mere performance. Jesus invites us to shift our focus from the lesser rewards to the greater reward of knowing Him. The approval of God is incredibly significant; it's a validation of our identity and purpose.
In Eternity The True Significance Comes
In eternity, the true significance comes from being known by God rather than being recognized by others. While everyone may be striving to make a name for themselves in one way or another, our identity rests in our relationship with the Creator, who knows us fully and intricately. When we understand and embrace this truth, we can find peace in pursuing God solely for Him, resting in the knowledge that we are valued beyond measure. In this, we recognize that there’s a fulfillment that no human praise can ever replicate. As we reflect on the teachings of Matthew chapter 6, I encourage you to contemplate your motivations in your pursuit of spirituality. Strive to engage in practices such as giving, prayer, and service not to impress others but as authentic expressions of your relationship with God.
Allow Yourself To Evaluate The Motivations
Allow yourself to evaluate the motivations behind your spiritual disciplines and redirect your heart towards seeking God alone.
Conclusion
In summary, the teachings of Jesus in Matthew chapter 6 remind us of the importance of pursuing a genuine relationship with Him rather than falling into the traps of hypocrisy and performance. We are called to turn away from the lesser pursuits that often cloud our understanding of God’s greater reward, His unwavering love and approval. As you continue on your spiritual journey, focus on nurturing that relationship, knowing that God delights in you for who you are, not for what you can perform.