Matthew 6:1-4 - With these verses we begin the next major section of The Sermon on the Mount where Jesus gives direction regarding three of the most important spiritual/religious practices: generosity, prayer, and fast. Here Jesus begins with a stark reminder that any spiritual practice, if it is really going to bring spiritual benefit, must be done unto God from a heart of love, rather than from a heart that wants to look good in the eyes of others. From there, Jesus applies this principle to the realm of generosity--specifically giving to the poor and needy. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 11 of our series “Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount: The Good Life in the Kingdom of Grace”]

Questions for reflection: 1) Why do you think religious hypocrisy incites such a strong reaction in so many people? 2) How might we reconcile Jesus's words in Matthew 6:1 with those in Matthew 5:16? 3) Jesus assumes that His disciples will be giving to the poor. Why is this a key part of His kingdom vision? 4) Jesus prescribes subtlety in our giving. Why? 5) Why is what we do in secret or when we aren't calling attention to ourselves an especially powerful revealer of our true character and values? 6) How did Jesus embody his own principles here in His earthly ministry? On the cross?