In the next section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus moves from laying out the standards of a Christ follower to emphasizing how we should impact the world for His glory. We are called to live our lives in a way that reflects the character of God, shining as lights and seasoning as salt. Today, we focus on the importance of genuine compassion and generosity in our actions.

Before we dive into the passage, let’s clarify a few key points:

1. Two Dimensions of Righteousness: In Matthew 5, we are called to be the light and salt of the world, letting our actions influence others positively. However, in Chapter 6, Jesus warns against practicing religious acts merely for show. There’s a distinction between morality and religious righteousness. Both are crucial, but we must be mindful not to seek praise for our religious acts while neglecting the heart behind them.

2. Understanding Almsgiving: When Jesus speaks of giving alms, He isn’t just referring to monetary donations. Almsgiving encompasses any act of compassion and generosity, whether it’s giving to the poor or offering support and encouragement to those in need. It’s about expressing mercy and pity in tangible ways, reflecting God’s compassion towards us.

Now, let’s turn to the passage at hand: Matthew 6:1-4.

Jesus begins His second point by warning against practicing religious piety merely to be seen by others. He uses three illustrations: almsgiving, praying, and fasting, to emphasize the importance of genuine intentions behind our actions.

1. The Warning: Jesus cautions us against seeking recognition for our religious acts. Whether it’s giving to the poor, praying, or fasting, our motives matter. Seeking praise from others robs us of the true reward that comes from God.

2. Humorous Illustration: Jesus paints a humorous picture of individuals making a spectacle of their generosity. Imagine trumpets blaring as people make a show of their charitable deeds. Yet, Jesus reminds us that seeking praise from men is its own reward, fleeting and empty.

3. The Call to Genuine Generosity: Instead of seeking recognition, Jesus encourages us to give in secret, without drawing attention to ourselves. True generosity is marked by self-sacrifice and self-forgetfulness, not self-congratulation.

4. The Reward: While the world may not see our acts of kindness, our Father in heaven does. He promises to reward us openly, not necessarily in public recognition, but in the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve made a difference in someone’s life.

Jesus’ cautionary words remind us of our tendency to seek validation and praise for our actions. As followers of Christ, our primary goal should be to point others to Him, not to draw attention to ourselves. We must guard against turning acts of compassion into opportunities for self-glorification.

In conclusion, let us remember the words of Isaiah: "I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other." As we live out our faith, may our actions always point back to the One who deserves all glory and praise.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups:

1. How do you balance the two dimensions of righteousness: morality and religious acts?

2. What does genuine compassion and generosity look like in your daily life?

3. Have you ever been tempted to seek recognition for your acts of kindness? How can we guard against this temptation?

4. Reflecting on Jesus’ warning, how can we ensure that our actions always point others to God?

5. In what ways can we cultivate a spirit of self-sacrifice and self-forgetfulness in our giving?

6. Share a personal experience where you witnessed the impact of giving in secret. How did it affect you?

7. How can we encourage one another to live generously and humbly, seeking only God’s approval?

If you want to learn more about living for God’s glory, Shepherd Thoughts exists to help you live out your faith. If you or a friend needs support or resources to love God and love others more, please reach out to us today. We’d love to help.