Practicing Righteousness: Giving and Praying with the Right Heart

The Danger of Hypocrisy in Good Works
In Matthew 6:1–4, Jesus begins the second portion of the Sermon on the Mount by turning attention from belief to practice. Here, He warns His listeners against hypocrisy in acts of righteousness, specifically in the context of giving. The word "hypocrite" comes from Greek theater and originally referred to an actor wearing a mask. Jesus applies this to those who do good merely for appearance. His warning is strong: "Take heed." This is not just casual advice, but a solemn call to self-examination. Doing good to be seen by men nullifies spiritual reward. It may gain the applause of people, but nothing from God. Jesus cautions that when the motive is to be honored by others, then the human praise received is all the reward there will be.

Right Motives in Giving
Jesus doesn't discourage giving. In fact, charitable deeds are essential to godly living. God has always been concerned with the needs of the poor, widows, and orphans. However, He is equally concerned with the spirit in which giving is done. Giving should be quiet, unobtrusive, and sincere. When Jesus says, "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing," He uses a vivid image to underscore secrecy and humility in giving. The goal is not self-glorification, but the glory of God. Matthew 5:16 teaches the same principle: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." When giving flows from a heart that seeks God's glory rather than human applause, God sees and rewards accordingly.

The Heart of True Generosity
Scripture consistently portrays God as generous, and His people are to reflect that spirit. Luke 6:38 speaks of God's abundant return to generous givers, promising a full measure, "pressed down, shaken together, and running over." Second Corinthians 9:6–7 also emphasizes this principle: sowing generously results in a generous harvest. But again, Paul points to motive—each one must give "as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." True giving is sacrificial, voluntary, and joyful. King David understood this, insisting in 2 Samuel 24:24 that he would not offer to God that which cost him nothing. God evaluates not just the gift, but the giver's heart.

Prayer that Pleases God
In Matthew 6:5–8, Jesus transitions to the topic of prayer. Again, the focus is on motive. Public prayers are not condemned, but hypocritical, performative prayers are. Those who pray "to be seen by men" have already received their reward—the fleeting admiration of others. True prayer is offered with reverence and sincerity. Jesus encourages private, intimate communion with God. "Go into your room... shut your door... pray to your Father who is in the secret place." God desires heartfelt prayers, not empty phrases or vain repetition. He is not impressed by long-winded speech or polished language. Instead, He listens to those who speak from faith, humility, and trust. God already knows our needs, yet He wants us to bring them to Him because prayer builds relationship and dependence.

Conclusion: Living for God's Approval Alone
Matthew 6 challenges every disciple to examine their motives. Whether giving or praying, the issue is the heart. Do we seek the approval of people or of God? Are we actors playing the part of righteousness, or true servants offering our deeds and words to honor our Father in heaven? Jesus calls us to sincerity, humility, and devotion. God sees in secret and rewards openly. Our giving and praying must be grounded in genuine love for God and others. In all things, let us serve not to be seen, but to glorify our heavenly Father.

Sermon Outline: Practicing Righteousness: Giving and Praying with the Right Heart

I. The Warning Against Hypocrisy

• Matthew 6:1–4: Take heed not to do good to be seen by men.
• Hypocrisy defined: pretending to be righteous while seeking human praise.
• God's reward is forfeited when man's praise is the motive.

II. Giving That Pleases God

• Give in secret (Matthew 6:3).
• Let your motive be to glorify God, not self (Matthew 5:16).
• Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6–7: Generosity yields spiritual blessings.
• David's sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24): true giving costs something.

III. Prayer That Pleases God

• Matthew 6:5–8: Don’t pray to impress people.
• Pray in private to connect with God.
• Avoid vain repetitions and empty words.
• God already knows your needs, but desires relationship.

Call to Action: Are your deeds for display or for devotion? Do your prayers seek connection with God or attention from others? Examine your heart. Seek to please God alone. Live to glorify Him, not yourself. Give and pray in secret—and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

Lesson Prepared by Bobby Stafford – church of Christ at Granby, MO