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{sermon on the mount}

 {sermon on the mount} 

HOW NOT TO BE RELIGIOUS_ 

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 

 
Not conforming to the world is a familiar New Testament concept. 
But it’s not so well known that Jesus also called us to not conform to the religious establishment... 

 
[Group discussion starter] A friend that you invited to this Bible Study has declined by saying that she finds all Christians to be hypocrites. What evidence is there that this is not true of the members of your group? 

 

In Matthew 5 Jesus taught us that our righteousness must be greater than that of the Pharisees (because they obeyed the letter of the Law, while obedience must include our heart)... and greater also than that of the pagans (because they love each other, while our love must include our enemies as well).  
Now, in Matthew 6 Jesus draws the same two contrasts when he talks about religion. He says that we should not be hypocritical like the Pharisees and not mechanical like the pagans...  

 
[Read Matthew 6:1-6 and 16-18] 

 

Jesus illustrates the principle of verse 1 by focusing on three religious practices: giving, praying and fasting. What images come to mind when you read about the hypocrites in verse 2? 

 

 
In verse 1 Jesus commands us “not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them.” Yet in Matthew 5:16 he said, “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds.” 
Is there a contradiction here? Explain. 

 
What does Jesus mean when he says, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”? 
Why is this important? 

 

 
In what ways are we tempted to be hypocritical in our giving? 

 

 
In verse 5, what was wrong with the way that hypocrites prayed in Jesus’ day? 
In what ways might hypocrites pray today? 

 

 
Why and how is our praying to be different? 

 

 
How do you think the reward that the Father will give us (in verse 6) will differ from the reward we receive from others (verse 5)? 

 

 
In verse 16, Jesus just assumes Christians will fast (although few of us do). 
Why and how should we fast? 

 

 
Fasting was a way that people were trying to seek the approval of others. 
In what other areas are we tempted to seek the approval of people rather than God? 

 

 

 
How can this passage help to purify our own motives? 

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