Kingdom Life | November 14, 2021

 

+ Read Scripture

Matthew 6:1-8

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. 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. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5 "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. 6 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. 7 "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. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Talk Sheet Questions

  1. What reward should we expect from “our Father who is in heaven”? Why is it given?

  2. Why does visible righteousness negate this heavenly reward?

  3. Is it okay to pray in public? Under what circumstances?

  4. Are you most likely to perform righteously for others through deeds, giving, or prayer?

  5. Think of a specific instance when you have practiced piety in a hypocritical fashion. How did God help you change that?

  6. How do you reconcile Matthew 6:1 with Matthew 5:16? Which is the more difficult passage for you? 

Prayer

Pray for one another to have true righteousness.

 
 
Scott Reavely