Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 63)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus gave valuable instructions that will help us remain free from the world's spots. 3. In Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus turned His attention to 3 Jewish religious activities, including doing alms [benevolence], prayer, and fasting. a. He first warned His followers against the mistakes made by the hypocrites of His day. b. He then taught His followers how to participate in these activities correctly. 4. This lesson is a study of Matthew 6:1-4 where Jesus addressed "doing alms." Discussion: I. (vs.1) JESUS ISSUED A STRONG WARNING
A. He tells us to "take heed" [beware] that we avoid doing alms for the wrong reason. 1. "Doing alms" refers to acts of mercy or benevolence, as illustrated in Acts 3:1-5. 2. The Lord did not say that we are to avoid doing alms. 3. He was teaching the importance of having the right motive when we do alms. B. The motive that Jesus warns us against is doing alms for the purpose of being seen of men. 1. The scribes and Pharisees had a serious problem with this (Matthew 23:5a). 2. The Lord wants us to avoid their mistake. C. We must use caution to avoid misunderstanding what Jesus taught. 1. (Matthew 5:16) Jesus said that our good works are to serve as a positive influence. 2. Also, several givers are commended in the Bible, including: a. the widow (Mark 12:41-44) b. Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37) c. the Christians in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). 3. The Lord did not say that: a. our good works are to be done in complete secrecy [they are to be seen by others] b. we should not commend those who do good works. 4. Jesus was teaching us to have the right motive when we do good works. D. The Lord tells us why we must avoid doing things to be seen of men -- "ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." II. (vs.2) JESUS EXPLAINED THIS MATTER IN MORE DETAIL
A. We must not sound a trumpet before us ["toot our own horns"] when we do good works. 1. When the hypocrites did good works they publicly bragged about what they did. 2. They did this so they could receive the glory of men. B. (vs.2b) Those who do things to be seen of men have a reward. 1. Their reward is that they are seen of men. 2. (vs.1b) The Father gives no reward for such. III. (vs.3-4) THE LORD SHOWS US THE RIGHT WAY TO DO GOOD WORKS
A. Jesus said that we are not to let our right hand know what the left hand does. 1. We are not to broadcast to others what we have done. 2. Attention is to be given to the good work rather than to the one who does it. B. God will openly reward those who do good works properly. Conclusion:
1. Not only must we practice the right acts in Christianity, but we must also have the right motives for doing what we do. 2. The Lord condemns doing things for the purpose of being seen of men. 3. Love is the proper motive for serving God and doing good works (1 Corinthians 13:3). 4. (1 Corinthians 13:4) True Christian love does not "vaunt itself" [brag or boast]. 5. The Lord's instructions will help us to keep ourselves free from one of the world's spots.
