Let’s take an eye-opening look at what Jesus said about hypocrisy in Matthew chapter 6
Monday, April 16, 2012, Part 1
“When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get” (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16).
IDEA: A hypocrite in the Bible isn’t exactly what we think is a hypocrite today.
PURPOSE: To help listeners realize that we may be “hypocrites.”
Spelling Mistake
By Tracy Phua, Singapore Sometimes when we type too fast, it is not uncommon for us to miss out a letter by mistake. It dawned on me recently how important that missing letter might be, and how it might totally spell (pun intended) disaster for missing that tiny detail! For example, you may have wanted [...]
Stop And See
When my ophthalmologist says, “Be still,” I am still. I don’t argue. I don’t become defiant. I don’t stay busy behind his back. Why? Because he is a renowned eye surgeon who is trying to preserve my sight, and he needs my cooperation. I would be foolish to ignore his instructions.
Stick Together
For years, scientists have wondered how fire ants, whose bodies are denser than water, can survive floods that should destroy them. How do entire colonies form themselves into life rafts that can float for weeks? A Los Angeles Times article explained that engineers from the Georgia Institute of Technology discovered that tiny hairs on the ants’ bodies trap air bubbles. This enables thousands of the insects, “which flounder and struggle in the water as individuals,” to ride out the flood when they cling together.
Practical tools for living out Jesus’ calling to care for the poor
“Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be secret; and your Father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:2-4).
When The Journey Gets Tough
In August 2009, Blair and Ronna Martin lost their energetic 9-year-old son Matti when he was dragged to his death by a family cow. I had a chance to meet this Kenai, Alaska, family and share in their grief. And I know how tough this tragedy has been for them.
For Whatever A Man Sows…
By Robin Zachariahs, 18 years old, India Many a time, we think we can “fool” God. We think we can commit wrong acts and get away with it. Yet even if one can deceive the 6 billion people living on the face of the earth, none can fool God. He sees our every move. The [...]
How we can respond to the needs of others today
“Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be secret; and your Father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:2-4).
IDEA: The God of the Bible and the people of God demonstrated a commendable concern for the needy.
PURPOSE: To help listeners understand that Jesus assumes a concern for the poor.
Awake With His Word
My eyes fluttered open, but the room was still dark. It was too early to get up. I sighed, adjusted my pillow, and hoped for sleep. Unfortunately, a lengthy to-do list bombarded my brain. I needed to buy groceries, deliver a meal to a friend, answer e-mail, schedule a doctor’s appointment . . . .
Jesus’ mandate to help the poor is a critical issue for our lives today
The God of the Bible and the people of God demonstrated a commendable concern for the needy.
"But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be secret; and your Father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly”
Open Doors
The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) wrote: “If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but . . . for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible.”
BE
Written by Chia Poh Fang when she was fresh out of University. Ten years have since elapsed. Finding the right work is like discovering your own soul in the world. —Thomas Moore What should I be? Should I be a writer, a civil servant, or …? Somehow as I seek the Lord’s will concerning my [...]
The Power Of Soft Answers
My car broke down in a tunnel during rush hour in downtown Boston. Angry drivers expressed their frustration as they struggled past me. Eventually, the car was towed to a station for repairs. Later it broke down again, stranding me along the Interstate at 2 a.m. Back to the shop it went.
How deliberate exaggeration is used in the Bible
Tuesday, April 10, 2012, Part 2
“Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be secret; and your Father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:2-4).
IDEA: The God of the Bible and the people of God demonstrated a commendable concern for the needy.
PURPOSE: To help listeners understand that Jesus assumes a concern for the poor.
What is our role in giving to the poor?
Understand that Jesus assumes a concern for the poor.
"Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be secret;"
