1. Three Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 6

2. Matthew 6:1-18 Our Motivation should be Love for God rather than Praise of People Good Deeds ► If done to be seen by people, there is no reward from God. Mt. 6:1 ► Don’t draw attention to ourselves when something for others. Mt. 6:2 ► Things done in secret are seen by God and will He will reward us. Mt. 6:3-4

3. Prayer ► Hypocrites prayed in the synagogue and on the corner of the streets to be seen. Mt. 6:5 ► Prayer offered in secret will be rewarded openly. Mt. 6:6 ► Avoid vain repetitions and many words. Mt 6:7 ► The model prayer was only 66 words (New King James Version) Mt. 6:9- 13 ► God knows what we need before we ask. Mt. 6:8

4. Fasting ► Hypocrites of Jesus’ day made a public show of their fasting. Mt. 6:16 ► Instead, Jesus said to conceal this from others. Mt. 6:17-18. ► God sees all that is done in secret, but will reward us openly. Mt. 6:18

5. Examples of Some who Could have drawn attention to themselves The Apostles  Chosen by Jesus.  Given miraculous gifts of healing, tongues.  Responsible for Teaching the Gospel.  Rejected worship. Acts 14:15. Didn’t allow the focus to be on them. John the Baptist  First known Prophet after 400 years of silence.  Had many following him.  Could have brought attention to himself, but didn’t. Instead put the focus on Jesus.

6. Don’t Practice our Religion merely to be Seen by Others. Recognition by others (instead of God) will be our reward. Principle Applies to all our religious acts and service (also singing, teaching, Lord’s Supper, etc.) Don’t turn our religious services into a performance.

7. Matthew 6:19-24 We must focus on obtaining Heavenly Treasure rather on Riches in this life. Riches of the World ► Will not last. Can be destroyed or stolen. Mt. 6:19 ► Solomon said wealth did not Satisfy. Eccl. 5:10. ► Heavenly treasure will be eternal. Mt. 6:20 ► Resourcefulness, Profiting from Hard Work, Saving for future not prohibited. Several Proverbs

8. Riches of the World ► The desire to get rich has temptations, snares, lusts, that cause us to stray and brings sorrows. I Tim. 6:9-10 ► We cannot serve God and wealth (mammon). Mt. 6:24 ► Rich Young Ruler: Example of One Who Put Riches before God. Mark 10:17-22

9. Matthew 6:25-34 Don’t Allow Worry About the Physical Needs of this Life ► There is More to life than food and Clothing. Mt. 6:25 ► God takes care of birds and simple plants. Mt. 6:26, 28-29. ► We are worth more to God than the birds and plants. Mt. 6:26 ► We cannot add even an hour to our life (or cubit to our height) by worrying. Mt. 6:27

10. Riches of the World ► God knows we need the things we need. Mt. 6:32 ► Seek God first and these things will be added. Mt. 6:33 ► Each day has enough of its own things to think about. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Mt. 6:34

11. Summary. ► Praise of God rather than the Praise of Men should be our chief motivation. ► Don’t turn our worship a into performance. ► Work for Treasure in Heaven rather than riches in this life. ► Don’t allow worry for even the basic necessities of life come before God.