March 26, 2023
Matthew 6:1-8
“Done but not Seen”
Service Overview: The way of Jesus is in doing what’s right even when no one is watching, and doing what’s right for the right reasons; not to be seen and admired by men, but to be seen and admired by God.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
Background Insights:
- Jesus said, ‘They have their reward’. Have translates the Greek verb apecho, used in transactions where receipts were given, and carrying the sense of “paid in full.” (William E. McCumber, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 1: Matthew, 41)
- The Pharisees’ great weakness was that they loved men’s praise more than God’s praise (cf. John 5:44; 12:43). Those who give out of this attitude receive their reward in full. They win human plaudits, and that is all they get (cf. Ps 17:14). (D. A. Carson, The Expositor’s Bible commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, 164)
- A hypocrite is not a person who falls short of his high ideals, or who occasionally sins, because all of us experience these failures. A hypocrite deliberately uses religion to cover up his sins and promote his own gains. The Greek word translated hypocrite originally meant “an actor who wears a mask.” (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 22)
- Some commentators have taken the trumpet sounding literally, but it is hyperbolic (people did not blow trumpets when giving alms) and might reflect a play on words (charity boxes were often shaped like trumpets). Not letting one’s left hand know about the right hand’s gift is hyperbole (cf. Jon 4:11), and some similar graphic pictures appear elsewhere. The language of “having” a reward “in full” is the language of repayment in ancient business receipts. (Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, 74)
- A hupokrites (hypocrite) originally was a Greek actor who wore a mask that portrayed in an exaggerated way the role that was being dramatized. For obvious reasons the term came to be used of anyone who pretended to be what he was not (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Matthew 1-28, 409)
- In 5:16 we were told that the result of the disciples’ way of life should be that other people “can see the good you do and give glory to your Father in heaven.” The secret “righteousness” of 6:1-6, 16-18 seems to negate that expectation. But there are two significant differences. First, 5:16 was talking about the whole character and lifestyle of disciples, while the subject here is specifically religious duties. The latter offer more fruitful ground for the development of a false piety leading to a reputation for otherworldly “holiness.” (R. T France, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Matthew, 254)
Why is Jesus concerned with how people give and pray?
- Because to God, motives matter.
(v. 1 | 1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 21:2; Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:23)
Jesus has insisted upon good works that can be seen by men (5:16). Here good works performed to be seen of men are condemned. Motive is the differentiating factor. (McCumber, Matthew, 40)
The motive for an action determines the virtuousness of it, not the action itself. (John Hannah, To God be the Glory, 30)
Man sees your actions, but God your motives. (Thomas a Kempis)
- Because seeking people’s approval takes God’s off the table.
(vv. 1, 2, 5 | Ps. 118:8; Prov. 29:25; Mat. 6:33; John 12:43; Galatians 1:10; Hebrews 13:6)
But isn’t it wrong to be motivated by reward? No, it isn’t. If it were wrong, Christ wouldn’t offer it to us as a motivation. Reward is His idea, not ours. (Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, 39)
First, we must impress God alone. In all three examples Jesus warns his followers not to be like the hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, Matthew 6:5, Matthew 6:16; also Matthew 15:7; Matthew 22:18; Matthew 23:13-29; Matthew 24:51). This term originally designated actors in the theater, though both Greek and Jewish texts had long before come to apply it figuratively. (Keener, Matthew, 125)
When we give to please men, our only reward will be that which men can give. Seeking men’s blessings forfeits God’s. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Matthew 1-28, 410)
- Because God’s reward trumps temporal recognition.
(vv. 3, 6, 8 | John 6:27; Col. 3:23-24; Gal. 6:9; Eph. 6:8; Heb. 11:6; James 1:12; Rev. 22:12)
When you leave this world, will you be known as one who accumulated treasures on earth that you couldn’t keep? Or will you be recognized as one who invested treasures in heaven that you couldn’t lose? (Randy Alcorn, Treasure Principle, 49)
Pride manifests itself in so many subtle, but lethal ways… In a hidden desire for the praise and admiration of men, an insistence on being “right,” the desire to be noticed and appreciated, fear of rejection, or just pre-occupation with myself my feelings, my needs, my circumstances, my burdens, my desires, my successes, my failures. These are all fruits of that deadly root of pride. (Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Nothing Between, Revival Commentary, v. 2, n. 2)
true piety means impressing God alone—living our lives in the recognition that God knows every thought and deed, and it is his approval alone that matters. (Craig S. Keener, IVP New Testament Commentaries, Matthew, 126)
Conclusion…
What is the way of Jesus in light of these things?
A. To seek to impress God over people.
(1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 1:10; Col. 3:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:15)
Scripture never separates motive and behavior. The mirror of Scripture exposes both. The lamp of Scripture guides both. The grace and power of Jesus Christ change both root and fruit. (David Powlison, Seeing With New Eyes, 141)
Our ultimate desire should be for God’s recognition, regardless of what man says. We shouldn’t give in order to impress others, we shouldn’t pray in a way that highlights our spirituality, and we shouldn’t fast so that others are aware of our supposed humility. Rather, new desires are part and parcel of the exceeding righteousness Jesus is bringing about in His people. (David Platt, Exalting Jesus in Matthew, 111)
B. To be generous without seeking notice.
(Prov. 11:24-25; 19:17; Mat. 6:21; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Col. 3:23-24)
The right hand was considered the primary hand of action, and in a normal day’s work the right hand would do many things as a matter of course that would not involve the left hand. Giving to help those in need should be a normal activity of the Christian, and he should do it as simply, directly, and discreetly as possible. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Matthew 1-28, 412)
Choosing times and places for prayer which are designed to attract notice and elicit praise from men is reprehended. Again, the notice of men pays in full the one who prays; God remains unimpressed. (William E. McCumber, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 1: Matthew, 41)
C. For private piety to exist before it goes public.
(Ps. 106:3; Is. 33:15-17; Mat. 6:6; 7:21; Luke 12:2-3; Rom. 5:1-5; 1 John 2:29; 3:7)
The person who prays more in public than in private reveals that he is less interested in God’s approval than in human praise. (D. A. Carson, The Expositor’s Bible commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, 165)
You are not acting as you ought to do when you are moved by any other motive than a single eye to your Lord’s glory. (C.H. Spurgeon, Sermons, ME644)
Public prayer will never make up for closet communion. (George Muller, The Autobiography of George Muller, 1984, p. 47-48)
A hypocrite wants to impress others with an external façade of religious piety that he knows is devoid of internal spiritual substance. (Sam Storms, One Thing, 12)
Righteous conduct under kingdom norms must be visible so that God may be glorified. Yet it must never be visible in order to win man’s acclaim. (D. A. Carson, The Expositor’s Bible commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, 162)
Gospel Connection…
Love motivated God to be generous to sinners by sending Jesus.
(John 3:16; 15:13; Romans 5:8; 8:37-39; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 4:8; 4:19)
No amount of giving can purchase salvation, for salvation is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8–9). And to live for the praise of men is a foolish thing because the glory of man does not last (1 Peter 1:24). It is the glory and praise of God that really counts! (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 22)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- What are some ways in which our current society makes giving for the purpose of recognition easy and tempting? How can we fight the urge to be seen by others in this regard?
- Why would God take his reward off the table for someone who gives if they give to be seen by others? What does this reveal about God’s priorities for his people?
- What are some ways you can be generous and pray without seeking recognition?
- How’s your prayer life? Do you pray in private as much as you do in public?
Quotes to note…
God searches the heart and understands every motive. To be acceptable to Him, our motives must spring from a love for Him and a desire to glorify Him. Obedience to God performed from a legalistic motive – that is a fear of the consequences or to gain favor with God – is not pleasing to God. (Jerry Bridges, Transforming Grace, 78)
We do not pray to inform God of our wants. Omniscient as he is, he cannot be informed of anything which he knew not before: and he is always willing to relieve them. The chief thing wanting is, a fit disposition on our part to receive his grace and blessing. (Wesley’s Notes on the Bible, 20)
Whether or not our prayer is heard depends not on the number of our words, but on the fervor of our souls. (John Chrysostom)
When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words than thy words be without heart. (John Bunyan, A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, 215)
Like Adam and Eve, most of the time the real object of our worship isn’t some creature out there, it’s this creature right here. In the end, my idolatry centers on me. What’s more, if I can persuade you or bully you or manipulate you, my idolatry will include you worshiping me as well. (Michael Lawrence, Biblical Theology, 135)
Behavior modification that’s not empowered by God’s heart-changing grace is self-righteousness, as repugnant to God as the worst sins people gossip about. (Randy Alcorn, The Grace and Truth Paradox, 37)
Man cannot be righteous in God’s sight until he repents of his own expectation that he can be righteous in his own sight. God is not mighty toward man until man is weak toward God. (Edward Carnell, Christian Commitment, 302)
Self-righteousness is a sense of moral superiority that appoints us as prosecutor of other people’s sinfulness. We relate to others as if we are incapable of the sins they commit. Self-righteousness wages war against mercy. (Dave Harvey, When Sinners say, “I Do,” 91)
You can’t take it with you – but you can send it on ahead. (Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, 17)
Some people get so caught up in their own holiness that they look at the Trinity for a possible vacancy. (John MacArthur, Leadership, v. 7, n. 2.)
I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity. (John Wesley)
Hypocrisy is so dangerous because it is so deceptive. It uses things that are basically good for purposes that are basically evil. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Matthew 1-28, 409)