Lesson 15: Masks Off!
Living Authentically Before God
In Matthew 6:1-8 and 16-18, Jesus highlights three specific practices: giving, praying, and fasting He presumes these will be a part of the lives of His followers, and so He focuses on how we should engage in them, not if we should engage.
•Giving: We should give generously to those in need, without seeking recognition or praise. Our giving should be an act of worship, a way of stewarding the resources that God has entrusted to us. It's not about adhering to a specific percentage, but about giving with a heart that recognizes all we have comes from God.
•Prayer: Prayer should be a constant part of our lives, a way of connecting with God. The foundation of a healthy prayer life is built in the secret place, where we meet with God in quiet stillness. While public prayer has its place, we must not let it become a performance. Our prayers should be focused on God's agenda rather than our own.
•Fasting: Fasting is a radical spiritual discipline that reminds us that our primary sustenance comes from God. It is not about going without something to be noticed by others or even ourselves, but a way to deepen our understanding that our true life is found in God. It is about drawing closer to God and relying on Him.
Avoiding Hypocrisy:
Jesus warns against hypocrisy, comparing those who seek praise from others to actors wearing masks. He urges us to be genuine in our faith, serving and obeying God alone. When we do spiritual things for the praise of an audience other than God alone, they become "rotten to the core". This is not to say we should not be seen for our good works, but to make sure our motivations are pure.
A Reward Awaits:
Jesus promises a reward for those who do these things in secret. This reward is not just for eternity, but can be a present reality as well. By giving, praying, and fasting with the right heart posture, we can avoid the pitfalls of self-centeredness and draw closer to God.
The Challenge:
How might you take one step towards these practices this week? Perhaps commit to a secret act of generosity, dedicate a specific time for prayer in a quiet place, or explore fasting as a new spiritual discipline. Remember, these acts are not about outward show but about aligning our hearts with God's desires and finding profound joy in serving Him. As we choose the narrow path of the Kingdom, we are invited into a deeper relationship with God, seeking His glory alone.
Questions for Discussion
Jesus presumes that his followers will give, pray, and fast. How does this perspective challenge our typical understanding of these practices as optional or only for the most devout?
Can practices of giving, prayer, or fasting be a source of joy, or are they merely obligations that Christians need to participate in?
How does the concept of seeking a "reward from the Father in Heaven who sees what is done in secret" change our understanding of spiritual disciplines?
How does this contrast with seeking praise from others or even self-congratulation?
How can we examine our own hearts to ensure that our motivations for giving, praying, and fasting are aligned with God's desires?
What are some practical ways we can be generous beyond financial giving?
How might embracing the challenge develop a life of secrate giving lead to a deeper spiritual growth, and how can we ensure this doesn't become a new form of performance?