Sermon On The Mount Series - Religious Hypocrisy

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Being A Part Of The Kingdom

Please use whatever section you feel you need to cover. These studies are written to cover a wide range of people at various points along their faith journey, as such some sections may not be relevant to you or your group, feel free to use whatever is helpful. - GRANT

Each study is broken topical section then into:

·      information and context sections

·      followed by  practical life questions

Ending with a look at the general themes in the overall passage for discussion.

Finally there are some extra questions that can be used.

Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18: The Right Motive for Righteous Acts

A. Giving to the Needy (Matthew 6:1-4)

• The Principle (v. 1): "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." This sets the overarching principle for all three practices. The reward comes from God, not from human applause.

• The Warning (v. 2): "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."

  • "Sound no trumpet": This is likely a metaphorical expression for drawing attention to oneself. While some speculate about literal trumpets, it emphasizes making a public display.

  • "Hypocrites": The Greek word means "actor" or "one who wears a mask." They are performing for an audience.

• The Command (v. 3-4): "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."

  • "Left hand...right hand": This is hyperbole, emphasizing extreme secrecy. The idea is that even you shouldn't dwell on your own good deeds for self-congratulation.

  • "In secret": The focus is on God as the sole audience.

  • "Reward you": The reward is from God, not from human recognition. This "reward" is not necessarily material, but could be spiritual blessings, intimacy with God, or a strengthened relationship.

• Practical Application: 

  • How do you give – your time, money, resources, or help?

  • Do you desire recognition for your generosity?

  • what does it mean to you or look like to be humble and silent in your service/giving?'

  
  

B. Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)

• The Warning (v. 16): "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."

  • "Gloomy," "disfigure their faces": Hypocrites would deliberately make their fasting obvious through sad expressions, unkempt appearances, or even putting ashes on their heads, all to garner sympathy or admiration.

  • "They have received their reward": Again, human praise is their only reward.

• The Command (v. 17-18): "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."

  • "Anoint your head and wash your face": Do the opposite of the hypocrites. Appear normal and well-groomed, so that your fasting is a private act between you and God.

  • "In secret...reward you": The consistent theme of God being the true audience and source of reward.

• Practical Application: 

  • While fasting might be less common today, the principle applies to any spiritual discipline we undertake. Are we doing it for show?

  • Are we secretly hoping someone notices our sacrifice or spiritual effort?

  • What does humility in our spiritual practices look like, what example can you think of?

 Key Themes

• Motive Matters Most: For Jesus, the "why" of our actions is more important than the "what." God judges the heart.

• Warning Against Hypocrisy: This is a stern rebuke to those who use religious acts for self-promotion and human applause.

• Intimacy with God: True spiritual disciplines lead us into a deeper, more genuine relationship with the Father.

Reflection Questions for Personal or Group Study

1. What is your immediate reaction to Jesus' teaching about motives for religious practices?

2. Can you recall a time when you engaged in a good deed or spiritual practice (giving, praying, serving, etc.) primarily to be seen or praised by others? How did it feel, and what was the outcome?

3. How can you ensure that your acts of generosity (giving) are done "in secret" without drawing attention to yourself?

4. Beyond traditional "fasting," what other spiritual disciplines or good works do you practice? How can you apply the principle of doing these "in secret" for God's glory alone?

5. What does it mean to truly seek God's approval and reward above all human praise? How can you grow in this area?

6. How does understanding God as the "Father who sees in secret" impact your perspective on your daily life and actions?

See Video from Bible Project on Wisdom Within oaths, retaliation and enemy love in the Sermon On The Mount: https://bibleproject.com/videos/warnings-about-religious-practices