• Ministry > Discover The Word

    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.”

    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).

    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.

    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”

    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;"

    Let’s reflect on the event that changed history and can change your story forever

    From the days I sat in my mother’s lap and listened to her stories until today, I’ve enjoyed stories. I love to hear them and I like to tell them. In fact, I’d like to write a novel sometime. Everyone probably has one great story inside that’s worth telling. We won’t ever write that story, though. We don’t have the skill - or the time - or the confidence. But I’ll bet you have a story that you might enjoy telling and others would love to hear.

    How do we respond when Jesus says to do good without expecting any reward?

    Thursday, April 5, 2012

    “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

    IDEA: Christians should be seen doing good works (Matthew 5:16), but they must not do good works in order to be seen (Matthew 6:1).

    PURPOSE: To help listeners see the powerful witness of good works done to please God and that are seen by people.

    An eye-opening discussion on motive

    Wednesday, April 4, 2012, Part 3

    “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

    IDEA: Christ values what we do for His approval.

    PURPOSE: To help listeners think about their religious actions and what they want them to accomplish.

    Have you ever done any “righteous deed” because people would be impressed with your devotion to God?
    If you have done that, how did it happen? Why did you do it?

    How motivation impacts the ways we serve

    Tuesday, April 3, 2012, Part 2

    “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

    IDEA: Christ values what we do for His approval.

    PURPOSE: To help listeners think about their religious actions and what they want them to accomplish.

    An insightful look at what motivates us

    Monday, April 2, 2012, Part 1

    “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

    IDEA: Christ values what we do for His approval.

    PURPOSE: To help listeners think about their religious actions and what they want them to accomplish.

    A lively conversation about gaining recognition for the things we do

    We all like being rewarded for a job well done. But when it comes to working in God’s kingdom, our focus can’t be on what we’ll get for our good deeds.

    Find helpful insight for our lives in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount

    Thursday, March 29, 2012, Part 2

    Matthew 6:1-18

    IDEA: Why we do good deeds matters to God.

    PURPOSE: To help listeners realize why the motives for what we do matters to Christ.

    Find practical applications for today in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount

    Why we do good deeds matters to God.

    To help listeners realize why the motives for what we do matters to Christ.

    Let’s revisit Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount

    Tuesday, March 27, 2012

    Matthew 5

    IDEA: It is productive to see the whole as we talk about the parts.

    PURPOSE: To help listeners appreciate the way Jesus teaches a basic principle by applying it to life.