Warning vs. Hypocrisy

Sermon Introduction

The Lord Jesus gave a warning to His disciples. The warning covered giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting. He wanted His disciples to veer away from the examples of the hypocrites. Hypocrites were actors who wore masks on stage. In the context of the text, it meant religious counterfeit. To avoid being a hypocrite, the Lord did not want them to make a show or performance of their righteous acts like giving, prayer, and fasting. The Lord wanted His disciples to act secretly and not to call attention. Our discussion will cover the first part, which is giving.

Dr. Steve Bonilla Elder

Matthew 6:1-4 ESV

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.

Notes

The Lord Jesus gave a warning to His disciples. The warning covered giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting. He wanted His disciples to veer away from the examples of the hypocrites. Hypocrites were actors who wore masks on stage. In the context of the text, it meant religious counterfeit. To avoid being a hypocrite, the Lord did not want them to make a show or performance of their righteous acts like giving, prayer, and fasting. The Lord wanted His disciples to act secretly and not to call attention. Our discussion will cover the first part, which is giving.

1. The Lord warned His followers not to do their righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If they do, they will receive no reward from the Father. They should not follow the hypocrites who want to be praised by others (6:1-2).
   
   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.
   

2. When the motive is to gain the approval of men or the applause of men, the Father will not reward. Why? They already received what they wanted. What is that? A chance to show off. The only way is to do righteous acts for the glory of God and not for anything else. Even if people do not recognize one’s contribution, one must be at peace with the Father.
   

3. Christ expects His followers to exercise charity or giving. He said “when” you give. Thus, He expects His followers to give. However, the manner is essential. His disciples should do it in secret so that the Father will 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.

Application

1. When helping the needy, do not seek attention. Do not announce it—no need to post it on social media. But instead, keep quiet about it. Let us learn to be content knowing that the Father knows.

2. The choice is simple. Either we do our good works to be praised by men or call people's attention. Or, we make sure that we do not sound a trumpet. Sounding a trumpet means making an announcement to gain social praise.

3. The metaphor is quite powerful, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Erase it from your memory. Do not make a big deal about your giving or service output. Let it be your secret with God.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What was the warning?

2. How should we do our good works?

3. What is the consequence of “acting good” before others?

4. Who does God reward?