Hey everyone! Today, we’re going to talk about some really important stuff from the Bible, specifically Mateus 6,1-6.16-18. It’s all about how we do good things, like giving, praying, and even fasting. Jesus gives us some straight talk here, basically saying it’s not about looking good to other people. It’s about what’s in our hearts and who we’re really trying to impress. So, let’s break down what Mateus 6,1-6.16-18 means for us today.

Key Takeaways

• True righteousness is about your heart, not just what people see you do.
• Doing good deeds for show gets you human praise, but that’s all you get.
• Praying and fasting should be personal moments with God, not public performances.
• God sees what you do in private and gives you real rewards for it.
• Your motive for doing good matters a lot to God.

Understanding Righteousness in Mateus 6,1-6.16-18

Defining Righteousness Beyond Outward Show

Okay, so when we talk about righteousness in Mateus, it’s not just about putting on a show. It’s easy to do things that look good, right? Like donating a bunch of money where everyone can see it, or praying super loud in public. But Jesus is getting at something deeper here. It’s about what’s going on inside, not just what people see on the outside. True righteousness is about aligning your actions with God’s will, not with what gets you the most applause. It’s a matter of the heart, not a performance.

The Danger of Cultivating an Image of Piety

It’s super tempting to want people to think we’re holy or righteous. I mean, who doesn’t like a little pat on the back? But that’s where things can get dicey. When we start focusing on how others perceive us, we’re basically building a house on sand. It might look impressive for a while, but it won’t last. The problem is that cultivating an image of piety can easily become the main goal, overshadowing the actual pursuit of righteousness. It’s like, are you doing it for God, or for the ‘gram?

God’s Perspective on True Righteousness

God sees everything. Like, everything. He’s not fooled by our fancy performances or our carefully crafted image. He looks straight into our hearts and sees our true motives. That’s kind of scary, but also really freeing. It means we don’t have to worry about impressing anyone but Him.

True righteousness, from God’s perspective, isn’t about perfection. It’s about genuine effort, a sincere desire to follow Him, and a willingness to admit when we mess up. It’s about progress, not performance. And that’s something we can all strive for, no matter where we are on our journey.

The Principle of Secret Giving in Mateus 6,1-4

Avoiding Public Display in Charitable Deeds

Okay, so Jesus is laying down some serious truth here about giving. It’s not about showing off. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting people to see how generous you are, right? But Jesus is like, "Nah, that’s not the point." He calls out the hypocrites who make a big show of their giving, like they’re trying to get applause. The key is to avoid doing charitable deeds to be seen by others.

Think about it: are you giving to help someone, or to impress everyone else? It’s a gut check, for sure. It’s like when you see those people who post every single good deed they do on social media. Are they really trying to help, or are they just trying to build their brand? Jesus wants us to examine our motives. He wants our giving to come from a place of genuine compassion, not a desire for recognition. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s so important.

The Reward of Secret Generosity

So, what’s the alternative? Jesus says to give in secret. Like, really in secret. He even says, "Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing!" That’s a wild image, right? It’s all about keeping your giving pure and untainted by the need for praise. The idea is that if you give without expecting anything in return – not even a thank you – you’re doing it for the right reasons. And that’s when God steps in. He sees what you do in secret, and He’ll reward you openly. It’s like a cosmic exchange: you give without seeking human applause, and God gives back in ways you can’t even imagine. It’s a much better deal than a pat on the back from your friends, trust me. This is about true repentance and a change of heart.

Motive as the Core of Giving

Okay, let’s get real for a second. It’s all about the motive. You can give a ton of money, but if your heart isn’t in the right place, it doesn’t mean a thing. Jesus is all about the "why" behind our actions. Are we giving out of love and compassion, or are we giving to boost our ego? That’s the question we need to ask ourselves. It’s easy to get caught up in the act of giving, but the real test is what’s going on inside. God sees our hearts, and He knows our true intentions. So, let’s strive to give with a pure heart, motivated by love and a desire to help others, not by a need for recognition. It’s a tough challenge, but it’s worth it.

Giving isn’t just about the money or the act itself; it’s about the heart behind it. A small gift given with genuine love and compassion is worth more than a large donation given with selfish motives. It’s about aligning our actions with God’s will and seeking His approval above all else.

Authentic Prayer According to Mateus 6,5-6

Rejecting Hypocritical Public Prayer

Okay, so Jesus gets into prayer, and he’s not holding back. He’s seen the showboating, the people who love to make a scene while praying. You know the type – standing in the most crowded spots, maybe even timing their prayers to coincide with peak foot traffic. It wasn’t about connecting with God; it was about getting applause. Jesus calls them out, saying they’re already getting their reward: the attention they crave.

• Praying to be seen is missing the point.
• It turns prayer into a performance.
• The reward is fleeting and empty.

It’s like they’re using God as a prop in their own little play. The focus shifts from genuine communication to curating an image. It’s a harsh assessment, but Jesus doesn’t mince words when it comes to hypocrisy.

The Intimacy of Private Prayer

Instead of grandstanding, Jesus suggests something totally different: go into your room, shut the door, and pray in secret. It’s about creating a private space, free from distractions and the pressure to impress. This isn’t about the location as much as the intention. It’s about fostering a one-on-one connection with God, where you can be vulnerable and honest. Think of it as a private place where you can truly be yourself before God.

Receiving Reward from the Father in Secret

So, what’s the payoff for praying in secret? Jesus says that your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly. It’s a promise that genuine, heartfelt prayer doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s not about earning points or getting a pat on the back, but about experiencing a deeper relationship with God and receiving blessings that truly matter. It’s a different kind of reward, one that lasts far longer than any human praise. It’s like the difference between getting a trophy and finding living waters.

Here’s a quick comparison:

The Practice of Fasting in Mateus 6,16-18

Fasting Without Seeking Human Recognition

Okay, so Jesus gets into fasting. It’s not about if you fast, but how you do it. The key thing here is to avoid being like those show-offs who make a big deal out of their fasting. They want everyone to notice how spiritual they are, but that’s totally missing the point. It’s like they’re putting on a performance, hoping for applause. Jesus is pretty clear that if you’re fasting for the ‘gram, then that’s all the reward you’re gonna get. Think about it: are you doing it for God, or for the likes?

Maintaining a Normal Appearance During Fasting

Jesus actually tells people to keep up their normal routines while fasting. Like, wash your face and fix your hair. The idea is that your fasting should be between you and God. It’s not something to broadcast to the world. This isn’t about looking miserable to gain attention. It’s about genuine devotion. It’s a private thing, not a public spectacle. It’s a way to understand biblical text without needing to show off.

The Father Who Sees in Secret Rewards Openly

This is where it gets interesting. Jesus says that if you fast in secret, your Father, who sees everything, will reward you openly. It’s like God appreciates the sincerity and the humility of keeping it on the down-low. It’s not about earning points with God, but about connecting with Him in a real way. The reward isn’t the point of fasting, but it’s a natural result of genuine devotion. It’s a cool reminder that God notices the things we do when no one else is watching.

Fasting, when done right, is more than just skipping meals. It’s about focusing your heart and mind on God. It’s a way to remove distractions and to seek Him with greater intention. It’s a discipline that can deepen your relationship with God, but only if it’s done with the right motives.

Divine Versus Earthly Rewards in Mateus 6,1-6.16-18

The Ephemeral Nature of Human Applause

Human applause? It’s like a sugar rush – feels amazing in the moment, but then you crash hard. Think about it: someone praises your generosity, and you feel great. But that feeling fades, doesn’t it? Jesus is pointing out that if you’re doing good stuff just to get pats on the back, that fleeting praise is all you’re gonna get. It’s a transaction: you perform, they applaud, deal done. There’s no lasting value there. It’s like building a sandcastle – impressive for a bit, but the tide always comes in.

The Enduring Value of Heavenly Rewards

Okay, so earthly praise is temporary. What about heavenly rewards? That’s where things get interesting. Jesus suggests that when you do good deeds in secret, God notices. And God’s reward isn’t some fleeting moment of glory; it’s something much deeper and more lasting. It’s about aligning yourself with God’s will and experiencing the joy of true righteousness. It’s not about the show; it’s about the substance. It’s like investing in something that grows over time, yielding more and more fruit.

God’s Generosity in Openly Rewarding

So, you might be thinking, "If I do everything in secret, how will anyone know I’m a good person?" That’s not the point. The point is that God sees your heart, and He rewards accordingly. And sometimes, that reward might even manifest openly. It’s not about seeking the spotlight, but about trusting that God will provide what you need, when you need it. It’s like planting a seed: you don’t know exactly when it will sprout, but you trust that it will in its own time.

Think of it this way: earthly rewards are like renting a fancy car – it’s fun for a while, but you still have to give it back. Heavenly rewards are like owning a home – it’s yours to keep, and it provides lasting security and joy.

The Importance of Motive in Spiritual Disciplines

God’s Care for the ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of Good Works

It’s easy to think that as long as we’re doing good things, the details don’t matter. But Jesus makes it clear that God isn’t just interested in what we do, but why and how we do it. God cares about the motives behind our actions. It’s like baking a cake – you can have all the right ingredients, but if you mix them wrong or bake it at the wrong temperature, it won’t turn out well. Similarly, our good works need to be done with the right heart and intention to truly please God. This applies to everything from secret giving to prayer and fasting.

Self-Interest as the Root of Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy often stems from self-interest. When we do things to impress others, we’re essentially using spiritual disciplines as a means to an end – that end being our own ego boost. It’s like putting on a show, and the applause becomes our reward. The problem is, that reward is fleeting and ultimately empty. As D. Martin Lloyd-Jones said, "Ultimately, our only reason for pleasing men around us is that we may be pleased.” It’s a subtle trap, but one that can rob us of genuine spiritual growth. It’s important to check our hearts and ask ourselves if we’re truly seeking God’s glory or our own.

Aligning Actions with God’s Glory

So, how do we make sure our actions are aligned with God’s glory? It starts with a shift in perspective. Instead of seeking human praise, we should focus on pleasing God. This means doing good works in secret, praying with sincerity, and fasting without drawing attention to ourselves. It’s about cultivating a heart that desires to honor God in all things, not just in public displays of piety. It’s a continuous process of self-reflection and seeking God’s guidance. Here are some practical steps:

• Pray for a pure heart and right motives.
• Regularly examine your intentions before engaging in spiritual disciplines.
• Seek accountability from trusted friends or mentors.

Doing good to please God is the ultimate goal. When we focus on God’s glory, our actions become acts of worship, and we experience the true joy of serving Him. It’s not about earning brownie points, but about expressing our love and gratitude to the One who has given us everything.

Practical Applications of Mateus 6,1-6.16-18 Today

Cultivating a Heart for God, Not for Men

It’s easy to get caught up in seeking approval from others, especially in our social media age. But Mateus 6 reminds us that our primary audience should be God. This means shifting our focus from external validation to internal integrity. It’s about doing what’s right because it is right, not because we want a pat on the back.

• Regularly examine your motives.
• Pray for a heart that seeks God’s will.
• Practice doing good deeds anonymously.

Embracing Humility in Acts of Piety

Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself; it’s about thinking of yourself less. When we give, pray, or fast, it shouldn’t be a performance. It’s a personal act of worship. Think about it: are you doing these things to impress others, or to connect with God?

The challenge is to let go of the need to be seen as "spiritual" by others. True piety is often quiet and unseen, a conversation between you and God.

Seeking God’s Approval Above All Else

Ultimately, Mateus 6 is about where we place our value. Are we chasing fleeting earthly rewards, or are we investing in eternal ones? It’s a daily choice. It’s about recognizing that God sees everything, even the things we do in secret, and that His approval is the only one that truly matters. It’s a tough lesson, but one that can change everything.

Wrapping It Up

So, what’s the big takeaway from Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18? It’s pretty simple, really. Jesus wants us to do good stuff, but not for show. He’s not saying don’t ever let anyone see you being kind or praying. That’s not it at all. What he’s getting at is the ‘why’ behind what we do. Are we doing it to get a pat on the back from people, or are we doing it because it’s the right thing to do, and we’re focused on God? If we’re just chasing human applause, well, that’s our reward, and that’s all we’ll get. But if we do things from a good place, God sees that, even the quiet stuff, and he’ll take care of the rest. It’s about keeping our hearts in the right spot, not just putting on a good act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be “righteous” according to Matthew 6?

Being truly good, or “righteous,” means doing things for God, not to get praise from people. It’s about what’s in your heart, not just what others see you do.

How should I give, pray, and fast, based on these teachings?

When you give to others, pray, or fast, do it quietly and without showing off. The Bible says not to make a big deal about it, like blowing a trumpet when you give money.

What happens if I do good deeds just to be seen by others?

If you do good things just so people will notice you, then the attention you get from them is your only reward. But if you do them for God, He will reward you in a much bigger way, even openly.

Does God care about why I do good things, or just that I do them?

God cares a lot about why you do things. It’s not just about doing good deeds, but about having the right reasons in your heart. He looks at your motives.

What’s the difference between earthly and heavenly rewards?

The Bible tells us that earthly rewards, like fame or praise from people, don’t last. But rewards from God, which are heavenly, are forever and much more valuable.

How can I apply these lessons from Matthew 6 to my life today?

These teachings encourage us to focus on pleasing God above all else. It means being humble in our good actions and seeking God’s approval, not the approval of others.