Why Am I Here? Matthew 6:1-4

Spiritual Illnesses & Their Symptoms as Outlined by Christ

To Be Praised “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

To Be Praised 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. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matthew 6:2-4

To Be Seen “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:5

To Be Seen 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. Matthew 6:6-8

To Appear Holy or Righteous “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:16

To Appear Holy or Righteous 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:17-18

Spiritual Illnesses & Their Symptoms Today

I’m here for a selfish reason 1. I’m here because I need something a. Could need a favor b. Could be because of a meal c. Could be just to run at the mouth… Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

I’m here for a selfish reason The church fulfills the needs of the Christian, but it is not designed by Christ to fulfill our wants. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3

Well I’m here… I’m here but I could not be less interested. …But their heart is far from Me. Matthew 15:8c

Well I’m here… Are their other ways someone’s heart can be far from God…Yes! 1. I don’t sing 2. I don’t pay attention to prayers 3. When I do contribute financially, I give whatever I have…LEFTOVER

Well I’m here… 4. I do not listen to any lesson presented 5. I don’t attend other “events” of the church 6. My attendance is the maximum I am willing to give each week.

Lessons For Us Today

Why Should You Be Here? 1. Because you love the Lord! For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 1 I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. 2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2

Why Should You Be Here? 2. Because He Made a Way for You 21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 22 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:21-25

Conclusion 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:7-8

Conclusion The Lord preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. Psalm 145:20