Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-21
I. Introduction
II. As kingdom disciples, it is not enough to worship but to worship uncorrupted by religious reputation (1-21)
- Jesus’ guiding principle in worship (1)
- We give to the needy without putting on a show (2-4)
- We fast without seeking for religious respectability (16-18)
- We pray without hiding behind masks (5-15)
III. The kingdom entering disciple worships God with a fully devoted heart and serves Him unseen by others (21)
- We worship in the presence of our all seeing Father (6:4,6,18)
- We worship from a heart fully devoted to our Father (2,5,16)
- We serve God who is our Father. (4,6,8,9,14,15,18)
- As kingdom disciples, our reward is in heaven and not on earth. (2,6,16)
V. Conclusion
- True righteousness comes from a sincere heart devoted to our God, not arising from an outward religious performance meant to impress others. Kingdom righteousness is about pleasing God.
- Our practice of worship arises from intentions of a heart that has been born again by the Holy Spirit.
- Our greater righteousness that saves glorifies God, not ourselves. The kingdom life of a disciple does not remain untouched. Disciples are called to be with Jesus, to become like him, and to do as he did.
