WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.660 Please take out your copy of God's Word and join me in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6. 00:00:07.660 --> 00:00:12.540 Unless the Lord decides to take me home now, we're actually going to preach the beginning of Matthew chapter 6. 00:00:12.540 --> 00:00:14.339 ! This is a good day. 00:00:16.719 --> 00:00:24.560 In today's text, Matthew records Jesus dismantling the hypocrisy of His day. 00:00:24.559 --> 00:00:35.500 Hypocrisy is the act of claiming some moral standard or beliefs and then living in contradiction to your claims. 00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:40.219 Hypocrisy was not new in Jesus' day. 00:00:40.379 --> 00:00:44.280 It has existed since the fall of man. 00:00:45.439 --> 00:00:53.920 In Genesis chapter 4, we can observe the very first hypocrite, Cain, who offered insincere worship to God. 00:00:53.920 --> 00:00:59.719 And when his hypocrisy was exposed, his true character was revealed in the murder of his brother. 00:01:01.300 --> 00:01:11.820 In 2 Samuel chapter 15, Absalom hypocritically vowed allegiance to his father, King David, while all along plotting to overthrow him. 00:01:12.900 --> 00:01:17.260 The prophets spoke against the hypocrisy of the nation of Israel. 00:01:17.260 --> 00:01:26.040 In Isaiah chapter 1, God is grieved over Israel because their religious devotion is not consistent with their actions. 00:01:27.219 --> 00:01:36.020 And in Amos chapter 5, verse 21 through 24, God deals strongly with the hypocrisy of Israel. 00:01:36.320 --> 00:01:38.300 Listen to what he says. 00:01:38.299 --> 00:02:02.000 Take away from me the noise of your songs. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:06.439 To the melody of your harps I will not listen. 00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:14.879 But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. 00:02:15.520 --> 00:02:23.439 You see the disconnect in the people of Israel's worship in that day and their obedience to God. 00:02:24.560 --> 00:02:29.460 There was such similar hypocrisy in Jesus' day. 00:02:29.460 --> 00:02:38.319 Listen to the very scathing words that Jesus speaks to the scribes and the Pharisees in Matthew chapter 23, verse 27 and 28. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:39.700 Jesus says, 00:02:39.699 --> 00:02:44.859 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! 00:02:45.859 --> 00:02:56.500 For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanliness. 00:02:57.280 --> 00:03:07.019 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 00:03:07.020 --> 00:03:13.780 In fact, much of the Sermon on the Mount, where our text for today is found, 00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:24.160 is concerned with correcting the gross misunderstanding of the law and subsequent hypocrisy in which Jesus lived. 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:32.360 Recall that one of the major themes of Jesus' sermon is whole person righteousness. 00:03:32.360 --> 00:03:41.000 He says astounding things in this sermon in chapter 5 we've looked at so far, like in verse 20. 00:03:41.760 --> 00:03:47.140 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, 00:03:47.280 --> 00:03:50.900 you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 00:03:51.620 --> 00:03:55.480 And the people in his day would have been absolutely astonished by this. 00:03:55.479 --> 00:04:02.879 If the scribes and Pharisees aren't keeping the law well enough, then who possibly can? 00:04:04.339 --> 00:04:07.099 And in verse 48 of chapter 5, Jesus said, 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:15.539 You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. 00:04:16.219 --> 00:04:21.420 You must be holy as God is holy. 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:27.000 And you have to try to imagine Jesus' listeners going, 00:04:27.220 --> 00:04:27.500 What? 00:04:28.319 --> 00:04:30.439 How is this possible? 00:04:31.180 --> 00:04:35.379 How can we be found more righteous than the scribes and Pharisees? 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:41.360 How can we be found perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect? 00:04:41.360 --> 00:04:48.300 And so we, with a bigger understanding of the good news of Jesus Christ, 00:04:48.480 --> 00:04:54.180 know that we are not and cannot be perfect under our own volition. 00:04:54.819 --> 00:04:59.280 But that we can have a righteousness that comes from outside of us. 00:04:59.540 --> 00:05:02.620 The perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. 00:05:02.620 --> 00:05:08.079 If we are found in Christ, we pursue perfection, 00:05:08.860 --> 00:05:12.840 being found by God to be perfect. 00:05:13.300 --> 00:05:17.019 We are declared righteous in Christ. 00:05:17.500 --> 00:05:22.540 We are positionally moved from unrighteous to righteous, 00:05:22.780 --> 00:05:25.240 from sinner to saint. 00:05:25.240 --> 00:05:27.280 And because of that new identity, 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:34.000 we now pursue this perfection by the power that God provides. 00:05:35.280 --> 00:05:38.740 The now and not yet of the Christian life 00:05:38.740 --> 00:05:43.199 is a matter for very careful consideration. 00:05:44.019 --> 00:05:47.079 Because hypocrisy was not left behind 00:05:47.079 --> 00:05:51.000 with the false practitioners of Jesus' day. 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:54.939 There were hypocrites in the early church. 00:05:55.720 --> 00:05:57.899 There were hypocrites in the medieval church. 00:05:58.500 --> 00:06:01.560 There were hypocrites in the Reformation church. 00:06:02.220 --> 00:06:05.620 And there are hypocrites in today's church. 00:06:07.139 --> 00:06:11.040 Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 4, verse 1 and 2, 00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:16.600 that there will be hypocrisy to the end of the age. 00:06:16.600 --> 00:06:22.240 Hypocrisy can be practiced by those who are not in the faith, 00:06:22.800 --> 00:06:24.920 but act as though they are, 00:06:25.240 --> 00:06:28.900 believing that, showing up, doing certain things, 00:06:29.080 --> 00:06:32.580 saying certain things, posting certain things, 00:06:32.900 --> 00:06:35.620 that they will be found right with God. 00:06:36.920 --> 00:06:39.060 Hypocrisy can also be practiced 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:41.860 by those who are in the faith, 00:06:42.360 --> 00:06:45.220 but act as though they are not. 00:06:45.220 --> 00:06:49.460 So all of us, every one of us, 00:06:50.060 --> 00:06:51.300 needs to be warned today 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:53.660 as we take a look at what Jesus has to say 00:06:53.660 --> 00:06:59.460 about the hypocrisy of His day and ours. 00:07:00.280 --> 00:07:05.140 So our text for this morning is Matthew 6, verses 1-18. 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:06.660 Before I read it, beloved, 00:07:06.760 --> 00:07:09.980 let me remind you that this is God's Word to us. 00:07:10.580 --> 00:07:13.560 It was written for His glory and our good, 00:07:13.560 --> 00:07:16.259 so we would all do well to listen to it 00:07:16.259 --> 00:07:17.740 in order to believe its promises 00:07:17.740 --> 00:07:20.600 and obey its commands. 00:07:21.439 --> 00:07:23.379 Begin reading in verse 1. 00:07:24.500 --> 00:07:25.060 Jesus says, 00:07:25.160 --> 00:07:27.899 Beware of practicing your righteousness 00:07:27.899 --> 00:07:29.360 before other people 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:32.259 in order to be seen by them. 00:07:32.259 --> 00:07:34.659 For then you will have no reward 00:07:34.659 --> 00:07:36.740 from your Father who is in heaven. 00:07:38.039 --> 00:07:39.659 Thus, when you give to the needy, 00:07:39.740 --> 00:07:41.079 sound no trumpet before you 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:43.379 as the hypocrites do in the synagogues 00:07:43.379 --> 00:07:44.399 and in the streets, 00:07:44.620 --> 00:07:46.819 that they may be praised by others. 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:49.079 Truly I say to you, 00:07:49.599 --> 00:07:51.300 they have received their reward. 00:07:52.319 --> 00:07:53.240 But when you give to the needy, 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:55.959 do not let your left hand know 00:07:55.959 --> 00:07:57.860 what your right hand is doing, 00:07:57.959 --> 00:07:59.480 so that your giving may be in secret. 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:01.819 And your Father who sees in secret 00:08:01.819 --> 00:08:03.439 will reward you. 00:08:04.439 --> 00:08:05.400 And when you pray, 00:08:05.500 --> 00:08:07.379 you must not be like the hypocrites. 00:08:08.220 --> 00:08:10.720 Do they love to stand and pray in the synagogues 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:11.660 and at the street corners 00:08:11.660 --> 00:08:13.500 that they may be seen by others? 00:08:14.480 --> 00:08:15.660 Truly I say to you, 00:08:16.080 --> 00:08:18.240 they have received their reward. 00:08:19.100 --> 00:08:20.120 But when you pray, 00:08:20.360 --> 00:08:22.259 go into your room and shut the door 00:08:22.259 --> 00:08:25.040 and pray to your Father who is in secret. 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:27.660 And your Father who sees in secret 00:08:27.660 --> 00:08:29.300 will reward you. 00:08:30.580 --> 00:08:31.340 And when you pray, 00:08:31.420 --> 00:08:32.800 do not heap up empty phrases 00:08:32.800 --> 00:08:33.899 as the Gentiles do, 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:35.879 for they think that they will be heard 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:37.060 for their many words. 00:08:38.120 --> 00:08:39.160 Do not be like them, 00:08:39.240 --> 00:08:41.000 for your Father knows what you need 00:08:41.000 --> 00:08:42.600 before you ask Him. 00:08:43.580 --> 00:08:44.720 Pray then like this, 00:08:45.420 --> 00:08:46.560 Our Father in heaven, 00:08:47.379 --> 00:08:48.279 hallowed be Your name. 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:50.240 Your kingdom come, 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:52.080 Your will be done on earth 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:53.379 as it is in heaven. 00:08:53.379 --> 00:08:56.000 Give us this day our daily bread 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:57.480 and forgive us our debts 00:08:57.480 --> 00:09:00.419 as we also have forgiven our debtors. 00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:02.639 And lead us not into temptation, 00:09:03.240 --> 00:09:05.580 but deliver us from evil. 00:09:06.600 --> 00:09:08.939 For if you forgive others their trespasses, 00:09:09.059 --> 00:09:11.639 your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 00:09:12.320 --> 00:09:14.539 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, 00:09:14.659 --> 00:09:16.960 neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:19.460 And when you fast, 00:09:19.620 --> 00:09:21.420 do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, 00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:23.460 for they disfigure their faces, 00:09:24.040 --> 00:09:26.240 that their fasting may be seen by others. 00:09:27.060 --> 00:09:28.240 Truly I say to you, 00:09:28.660 --> 00:09:30.900 they have received their reward. 00:09:31.620 --> 00:09:32.600 But when you fast, 00:09:32.720 --> 00:09:34.660 anoint your head and wash your face, 00:09:35.259 --> 00:09:37.259 that your fasting may not be seen by others, 00:09:37.300 --> 00:09:39.400 but by your Father who is in secret. 00:09:40.040 --> 00:09:42.139 And your Father who sees in secret 00:09:42.139 --> 00:09:44.100 will reward you. 00:09:44.100 --> 00:09:48.940 Now, we don't normally deal with 00:09:48.940 --> 00:09:51.340 this much text at one time. 00:09:51.500 --> 00:09:52.980 There's a lot here. 00:09:53.220 --> 00:09:55.720 And there is much to be unpacked 00:09:55.720 --> 00:09:57.879 in some coming weeks. 00:09:58.659 --> 00:10:00.259 But I want you to see this morning 00:10:00.259 --> 00:10:03.360 that the primary exhortation 00:10:03.360 --> 00:10:05.040 of this entire text 00:10:05.040 --> 00:10:07.740 is found in verse 1. 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:09.960 The driving thing, 00:10:10.160 --> 00:10:11.980 the ultimate thing 00:10:11.980 --> 00:10:13.840 that Jesus is trying to communicate here 00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:15.460 is this idea 00:10:15.460 --> 00:10:18.680 of not practicing your righteousness 00:10:18.680 --> 00:10:20.720 to be seen by people, 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:23.200 to be praised by people, 00:10:23.200 --> 00:10:24.560 because if you do, 00:10:24.680 --> 00:10:25.700 then you will have 00:10:25.700 --> 00:10:28.440 no reward in heaven. 00:10:28.960 --> 00:10:30.879 And he calls this activity 00:10:30.879 --> 00:10:32.780 hypocrisy. 00:10:33.899 --> 00:10:36.019 Jesus issues a caution 00:10:36.019 --> 00:10:38.660 that if the point of our good works 00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:41.100 is to be praised by men, 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:43.319 if we are motivated 00:10:43.319 --> 00:10:44.719 by what others think of us 00:10:44.719 --> 00:10:47.019 rather than what God thinks of us, 00:10:47.579 --> 00:10:48.699 then we do not receive 00:10:48.699 --> 00:10:49.980 heavenly reward 00:10:49.980 --> 00:10:51.480 for our good works. 00:10:52.539 --> 00:10:55.500 There is such danger here 00:10:55.500 --> 00:11:00.219 as hypocrisy can be so deceptive. 00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:03.000 Augustine once wrote, 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:05.259 the love of honor 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:07.419 is the deadly bane 00:11:07.419 --> 00:11:09.820 of true piety or holiness. 00:11:10.919 --> 00:11:13.639 The vices bring forth evil works, 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.100 but this, 00:11:15.519 --> 00:11:17.039 this love of honor, 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:19.480 brings forth good works 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:22.080 in an evil way. 00:11:22.080 --> 00:11:24.360 So we can be doing 00:11:24.360 --> 00:11:25.600 all the right things, 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:27.259 even in our own estimation, 00:11:27.860 --> 00:11:29.220 doing them rightly. 00:11:29.680 --> 00:11:31.139 People can be praising us 00:11:31.139 --> 00:11:33.340 for all of our outward appearance 00:11:33.340 --> 00:11:34.600 of holiness, 00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:36.840 but we can be altogether 00:11:36.840 --> 00:11:38.460 unpleasing to God 00:11:38.460 --> 00:11:41.040 in the way we do the things 00:11:41.040 --> 00:11:42.180 that we do. 00:11:44.060 --> 00:11:46.220 Do you notice that in verse 1 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:50.680 that Jesus is tying obedience 00:11:50.680 --> 00:11:53.779 toward God with reward? 00:11:54.860 --> 00:11:57.100 He's placing the two things together 00:11:57.100 --> 00:11:58.220 side by side. 00:11:58.300 --> 00:12:00.519 He's partnering them up. 00:12:01.519 --> 00:12:03.340 I am so grateful 00:12:03.340 --> 00:12:04.860 to serve a God 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:06.759 that is ever seeking His own glory 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:10.300 and is ever working for my good. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:13.580 Duty and delight 00:12:13.580 --> 00:12:16.460 are not mutually exclusive, 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:18.960 but are intrinsic 00:12:18.960 --> 00:12:21.960 for a life well lived. 00:12:22.960 --> 00:12:24.340 We as people 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:27.420 just seem so apt 00:12:27.420 --> 00:12:29.040 to want to cast off 00:12:29.040 --> 00:12:30.300 all authority, 00:12:30.820 --> 00:12:33.000 any instruction whatsoever. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:34.500 We want to be autonomous 00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:36.360 in all ways. 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:38.340 And this is never good 00:12:38.340 --> 00:12:39.460 for people. 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:42.259 It's good for us to live 00:12:42.259 --> 00:12:44.639 under the loving instruction 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:46.419 of our God. 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:47.779 These two things 00:12:47.779 --> 00:12:48.639 come together, 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:50.879 duty and delight. 00:12:51.480 --> 00:12:52.759 You want to be filled with joy? 00:12:53.480 --> 00:12:55.460 Set yourself to obedience 00:12:55.460 --> 00:12:56.799 to God. 00:12:58.240 --> 00:13:00.319 The 17 verses that follow, 00:13:00.519 --> 00:13:01.159 verse 1, 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:03.139 are illustrations 00:13:03.139 --> 00:13:04.700 of what Jesus is trying 00:13:04.700 --> 00:13:06.659 to teach His listeners. 00:13:07.759 --> 00:13:09.240 And with the exception 00:13:09.240 --> 00:13:10.539 of verses 9-15, 00:13:10.539 --> 00:13:11.699 which we know 00:13:11.699 --> 00:13:12.179 is the teaching 00:13:12.179 --> 00:13:13.480 on the Lord's Prayer, 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:15.039 and we're going to deal 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:16.019 with that at length 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:17.000 in some coming weeks, 00:13:17.819 --> 00:13:18.740 these illustrations 00:13:18.740 --> 00:13:20.620 follow a carefully 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:22.839 crafted pattern 00:13:22.839 --> 00:13:24.099 as follows. 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:25.099 And I want you to see this, 00:13:25.159 --> 00:13:26.279 and I know that I'm saying it 00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:27.079 and I'm looking at it. 00:13:27.099 --> 00:13:28.240 It's much easier to look at it 00:13:28.240 --> 00:13:29.099 than to hear it. 00:13:29.519 --> 00:13:30.459 So I'm going to repeat it 00:13:30.459 --> 00:13:31.360 a number of times. 00:13:32.219 --> 00:13:33.199 But it follows 00:13:33.199 --> 00:13:35.079 a six-point pattern. 00:13:35.599 --> 00:13:35.759 Okay? 00:13:35.839 --> 00:13:36.459 So just listen. 00:13:36.559 --> 00:13:37.159 Don't try to write 00:13:37.159 --> 00:13:37.659 all this down. 00:13:37.659 --> 00:13:41.719 In each of the three illustrations, 00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:43.939 Jesus brilliantly 00:13:43.939 --> 00:13:45.039 uses the same pattern. 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:47.579 First, the observance. 00:13:48.699 --> 00:13:50.419 Second, the prohibition. 00:13:51.620 --> 00:13:52.980 Third, the intent. 00:13:54.319 --> 00:13:56.039 Fourth, the reward. 00:13:57.399 --> 00:14:00.240 Fifth, the better observant. 00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:04.220 And sixth, the better reward. 00:14:04.220 --> 00:14:07.460 And each of them neatly walk through 00:14:07.460 --> 00:14:09.740 this pattern of presentation. 00:14:10.899 --> 00:14:15.899 We'll see very particularly momentarily 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:17.740 how this happens. 00:14:18.180 --> 00:14:19.180 But before we do that, 00:14:19.300 --> 00:14:20.580 I want us to consider 00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:22.519 why Jesus uses 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:24.100 the three illustrations 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:25.600 of giving to the needy 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:27.019 or almsgiving, 00:14:28.060 --> 00:14:28.720 prayer, 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:30.200 and fasting. 00:14:30.200 --> 00:14:31.180 Why do you think 00:14:31.180 --> 00:14:33.879 He uses these three? 00:14:35.020 --> 00:14:35.620 Do you think 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:36.860 that these three activities 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:39.300 are particularly susceptible 00:14:39.300 --> 00:14:40.360 to hypocrisy? 00:14:40.900 --> 00:14:42.480 Or that these three activities 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:44.500 are of particular value 00:14:44.500 --> 00:14:45.740 in our pursuit 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:46.820 of righteousness? 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:49.620 I don't think 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:50.320 that either 00:14:50.320 --> 00:14:51.440 is true. 00:14:52.340 --> 00:14:54.000 All three of these things 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:54.360 we'll see 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:55.759 are things that we should be doing 00:14:55.759 --> 00:14:57.000 as Christian people, 00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:59.220 as disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:00.560 But I don't think 00:15:00.560 --> 00:15:01.180 they're particular 00:15:01.180 --> 00:15:02.399 for that reason, 00:15:02.540 --> 00:15:03.720 for our instruction, 00:15:04.500 --> 00:15:06.300 as these are more important 00:15:06.300 --> 00:15:08.379 than others. 00:15:09.720 --> 00:15:10.480 But these 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:13.700 were the most important acts 00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:16.160 of personal piety 00:15:16.160 --> 00:15:18.300 for the falsely religious 00:15:18.300 --> 00:15:20.040 of Jesus' day. 00:15:20.840 --> 00:15:22.580 They elevated these three 00:15:22.580 --> 00:15:24.279 in personal piety. 00:15:24.440 --> 00:15:25.300 So the scribes 00:15:25.300 --> 00:15:26.019 and the Pharisees 00:15:26.019 --> 00:15:27.019 would have talked lots 00:15:27.019 --> 00:15:28.040 about almsgivings 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:28.980 and prayer 00:15:28.980 --> 00:15:30.519 and fasting. 00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:32.599 You want to be viewed 00:15:32.599 --> 00:15:34.759 as personally pious? 00:15:35.099 --> 00:15:36.079 These are the things 00:15:36.079 --> 00:15:38.819 that you will pick up. 00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:41.079 So Jesus is not so much 00:15:41.079 --> 00:15:42.120 building for us 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:44.179 what true religion looks like, 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:46.419 merely these three practices, 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:48.500 but He's dismantling 00:15:48.500 --> 00:15:49.899 the hypocrisy 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:51.079 of His day. 00:15:51.799 --> 00:15:53.719 He's very poignantly speaking 00:15:53.719 --> 00:15:54.480 the hypocrisy 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:56.299 of His day. 00:15:56.299 --> 00:15:57.859 So, 00:15:58.079 --> 00:15:59.559 we may find 00:15:59.559 --> 00:16:00.199 that we are 00:16:00.199 --> 00:16:01.679 given to hypocrisy 00:16:01.679 --> 00:16:02.779 in these activities. 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:04.379 It's so very possible 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:05.240 to do 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:06.039 the very thing 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:06.500 that people 00:16:06.500 --> 00:16:07.719 in Jesus' day 00:16:07.719 --> 00:16:08.259 were doing, 00:16:08.579 --> 00:16:09.500 but we should not 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:10.979 limit the teaching here 00:16:10.979 --> 00:16:12.919 to these activities. 00:16:14.319 --> 00:16:15.479 What else 00:16:15.479 --> 00:16:16.620 might you do 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:17.259 to seek 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:17.939 the approval 00:16:17.939 --> 00:16:19.299 of others? 00:16:19.299 --> 00:16:21.339 what might you do 00:16:21.339 --> 00:16:22.059 because you want 00:16:22.059 --> 00:16:22.679 others 00:16:22.679 --> 00:16:23.399 to think 00:16:23.399 --> 00:16:24.299 that you are 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:25.379 particularly 00:16:25.379 --> 00:16:26.539 holy? 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:27.839 I could list 00:16:27.839 --> 00:16:29.079 a slew of things 00:16:29.079 --> 00:16:29.659 that could fit 00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:30.279 in this 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:31.779 category. 00:16:32.519 --> 00:16:33.399 How are your 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:34.819 actions and intentions 00:16:34.819 --> 00:16:35.740 inconsistent 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:37.599 with your stated 00:16:37.599 --> 00:16:39.000 moral standards 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:40.319 or beliefs? 00:16:41.579 --> 00:16:42.679 And I pray for this 00:16:42.679 --> 00:16:43.599 for us this morning. 00:16:44.099 --> 00:16:44.240 Well, 00:16:44.620 --> 00:16:45.359 it's been my prayer for us 00:16:45.359 --> 00:16:46.379 across the last couple 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:46.879 of weeks 00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:48.000 to this morning 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:49.860 so that we would all 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:50.700 find ourselves 00:16:50.700 --> 00:16:52.159 carefully examining 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:52.980 our lives 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:54.840 in the coming moments 00:16:54.840 --> 00:16:55.820 and beyond 00:16:55.820 --> 00:16:57.980 that God would reveal 00:16:57.980 --> 00:16:59.519 any hypocrisy in us 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:00.320 so that we would be 00:17:00.320 --> 00:17:00.759 brought 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:02.659 to repentance. 00:17:03.539 --> 00:17:04.559 So again, 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.920 the exhortation 00:17:05.920 --> 00:17:07.880 for us 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:08.480 this morning 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:09.779 from the words 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:10.839 of Jesus. 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:11.819 Beware of 00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:12.399 practicing 00:17:12.399 --> 00:17:13.759 your righteousness 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:14.960 before other people 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:16.339 in order to be 00:17:16.339 --> 00:17:17.839 seen by them 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:19.579 for then you will 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:20.779 have no reward 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:21.440 from your Father 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:23.000 who is in heaven. 00:17:24.879 --> 00:17:25.680 So let's 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:26.859 look at them 00:17:26.859 --> 00:17:27.460 and we'll look at them 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:28.440 in three points 00:17:28.440 --> 00:17:30.039 following each 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:30.599 of the examples. 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:31.160 Number one, 00:17:32.639 --> 00:17:33.160 do not give 00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:33.899 like the hypocrites 00:17:33.899 --> 00:17:35.920 but rather look 00:17:35.920 --> 00:17:37.279 to heavenly reward. 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:37.920 Let me see this 00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:40.880 in verses 2, 3, and 4. 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:42.580 Do not give 00:17:42.580 --> 00:17:43.500 like the hypocrites 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:44.580 but rather look 00:17:44.580 --> 00:17:47.220 to heavenly reward. 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:49.060 Notice first, 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:49.680 verse 2, 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:52.060 the observance. 00:17:53.100 --> 00:17:53.460 Thus, 00:17:53.800 --> 00:17:55.220 when you give 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:56.820 to the needy, 00:17:57.680 --> 00:17:58.160 thus, 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:00.340 in your alms 00:18:00.340 --> 00:18:01.460 giving, 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:03.700 this is practice 00:18:03.700 --> 00:18:04.640 that was going on 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:05.320 in their day. 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:07.200 Jesus does not do away 00:18:07.200 --> 00:18:07.840 with the practice. 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:08.980 We are also meant 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:10.279 to give to the needy 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:10.940 in our day 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:13.740 but in a particular way. 00:18:14.420 --> 00:18:15.200 In Jesus' day, 00:18:15.299 --> 00:18:16.319 the giving of alms 00:18:16.319 --> 00:18:17.200 had been taken 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:19.539 to extreme measures 00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:22.140 in Second Temple Judaism. 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:24.420 In rabbinical teaching, 00:18:24.519 --> 00:18:25.519 we can read things 00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:26.440 like this. 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:27.620 I quote, 00:18:28.660 --> 00:18:29.539 It is better to give 00:18:29.539 --> 00:18:30.039 to charity 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:31.400 than to lay up gold. 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.720 I think we're on board 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:33.299 so far. 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:34.419 However, 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:36.200 for charity 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:37.960 will save a man 00:18:37.960 --> 00:18:39.359 from death. 00:18:39.879 --> 00:18:42.519 It will expiate sin 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:43.519 or atone 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:45.139 for sin. 00:18:46.139 --> 00:18:46.599 So, 00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:47.099 works. 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:49.019 Second Temple Judaism, 00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:50.159 the Pharisees were teaching 00:18:50.159 --> 00:18:51.539 that giving 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:53.480 would cancel out 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:54.680 sin. 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:55.899 Does that heresy 00:18:55.899 --> 00:18:57.419 sound familiar? 00:18:57.420 --> 00:19:00.300 As a result, 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.720 many in Jesus' time 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:03.480 thought that the rich 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:05.019 were much more likely 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:06.740 to make it to heaven. 00:19:07.840 --> 00:19:08.620 And they would make 00:19:08.620 --> 00:19:09.360 a big deal, 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:10.480 a big fanfare 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:12.519 out of this giving. 00:19:13.340 --> 00:19:14.720 This is why Jesus' statement 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:15.840 in Matthew 19, 00:19:16.140 --> 00:19:16.840 verse 24, 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:18.800 was so shocking 00:19:18.800 --> 00:19:20.360 to the disciples. 00:19:20.560 --> 00:19:21.140 He said there, 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:22.380 I tell you, 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:23.340 it is easier 00:19:23.340 --> 00:19:24.480 for a camel 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:24.940 to go through 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:25.660 the eye of a needle 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:26.920 than for a rich person 00:19:26.920 --> 00:19:27.780 to enter 00:19:27.780 --> 00:19:29.340 the kingdom of God. 00:19:30.380 --> 00:19:31.340 That's the context 00:19:31.340 --> 00:19:32.580 behind that statement. 00:19:32.860 --> 00:19:33.980 And do you recall 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:35.320 the response 00:19:35.320 --> 00:19:36.440 of the disciples 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:37.560 in verse 25? 00:19:38.780 --> 00:19:39.920 They were greatly 00:19:39.920 --> 00:19:41.220 astonished, 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:42.120 Matthew says, 00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:43.780 and they asked, 00:19:44.540 --> 00:19:46.160 who then can be saved? 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:48.300 If the rich 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:50.180 can't do enough 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:51.240 almsgiving, 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.339 then who can? 00:19:54.139 --> 00:19:55.680 And Jesus is destroying 00:19:55.680 --> 00:19:57.879 this type of thinking, 00:19:58.039 --> 00:19:59.180 this earning favor 00:19:59.180 --> 00:20:00.460 before God, 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:02.079 thinking apart from 00:20:02.079 --> 00:20:03.579 the perfect life, 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:04.019 death, 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:04.639 and resurrection 00:20:04.639 --> 00:20:06.240 of Jesus Christ. 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:07.619 So, 00:20:07.819 --> 00:20:09.879 that is the observance. 00:20:09.879 --> 00:20:10.740 That's what they're doing 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:12.639 in this day. 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:13.099 And second, 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:14.779 we see the prohibition. 00:20:15.960 --> 00:20:16.519 Jesus says, 00:20:17.319 --> 00:20:17.980 sound no trumpet 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:18.700 before you, 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:20.200 as the hypocrites 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:22.079 do in the synagogues 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:23.579 and in the streets. 00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:24.660 It would seem 00:20:24.660 --> 00:20:25.799 that they held parades 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:26.380 when they were coming 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:26.880 to the temple 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:28.120 to give their money. 00:20:28.779 --> 00:20:29.839 People would look at them 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:30.940 and praise them 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:33.000 for their good doing. 00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.299 And Jesus tells us, 00:20:34.420 --> 00:20:34.700 thirdly, 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:36.019 what their intent is. 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:39.079 That they may be praised 00:20:39.079 --> 00:20:40.960 by others. 00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:42.319 That they would be 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:43.299 seeking the approval 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:44.079 of others. 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:45.079 The building up 00:20:45.079 --> 00:20:46.720 of others. 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:47.920 That they would please 00:20:47.920 --> 00:20:48.880 praise men. 00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:51.840 And what is the reward 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:52.380 for this? 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:53.000 Fourth, 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:54.460 Jesus says, 00:20:54.519 --> 00:20:55.700 truly I say to you, 00:20:55.820 --> 00:20:57.080 they have received 00:20:57.080 --> 00:20:59.220 their reward. 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:00.680 And what is that reward? 00:21:01.800 --> 00:21:02.880 The praise of men. 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:06.340 what a paltry reward. 00:21:07.340 --> 00:21:10.760 What an insignificant reward. 00:21:11.580 --> 00:21:12.680 And it's such a shame 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:13.780 in our culture 00:21:13.780 --> 00:21:15.760 that what we seem 00:21:15.760 --> 00:21:17.100 to worship most 00:21:17.100 --> 00:21:18.600 is celebrity. 00:21:19.860 --> 00:21:21.440 Not intelligence. 00:21:22.600 --> 00:21:24.020 Not good doing. 00:21:24.540 --> 00:21:25.240 There are people 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:26.120 who are famous 00:21:26.120 --> 00:21:27.420 for being famous 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:28.860 in our culture. 00:21:28.859 --> 00:21:31.579 this is an astonishing 00:21:31.579 --> 00:21:32.379 thing. 00:21:33.939 --> 00:21:35.379 All of the acclaim. 00:21:35.639 --> 00:21:36.939 All of the praise. 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.699 You have people 00:21:38.699 --> 00:21:40.240 on shows, 00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:41.119 talent shows, 00:21:41.319 --> 00:21:41.779 weeping. 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:43.539 This is the dream 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.679 of my life. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.559 That what? 00:21:46.399 --> 00:21:47.259 That for a moment 00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:48.879 people would praise me. 00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:49.939 That I would be 00:21:49.939 --> 00:21:50.659 the next 00:21:50.659 --> 00:21:52.259 America's whatever. 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:56.660 insignificant reward. 00:21:57.960 --> 00:21:58.559 Paltry 00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:59.879 compared to the reward 00:21:59.879 --> 00:22:00.879 of heaven. 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:02.519 Who cares 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.879 if people like us 00:22:03.879 --> 00:22:05.279 if we're not 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:06.700 pleasing God? 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:09.279 So this is a 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:09.839 declaration 00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:10.700 of 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:12.220 judgment. 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:16.420 Truly I say to you, 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:18.759 they have received 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.700 their reward. 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:20.460 And we'll see 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.000 some repetition 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:21.680 of that 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:22.859 very 00:22:22.859 --> 00:22:24.180 phrase. 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:26.579 Look then though 00:22:26.579 --> 00:22:26.900 at the beginning 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:27.519 of verse 3 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:28.220 at the better 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:29.079 observance. 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:30.299 Jesus says, 00:22:31.079 --> 00:22:31.960 but when you give 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:33.039 to the needy. 00:22:33.380 --> 00:22:34.019 So give, 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:34.539 and we talked 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:35.220 some weeks ago 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:35.799 about giving 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:36.440 and the necessity 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:36.900 of giving, 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:37.480 so we're not going 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:37.940 to spend a lot 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:38.700 of time on 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:40.380 that very topic. 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.680 But we are meant 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.180 to give. 00:22:42.420 --> 00:22:42.819 We are meant 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:43.380 to recognize 00:22:43.380 --> 00:22:44.680 that all good 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.500 things come 00:22:45.500 --> 00:22:46.259 from God. 00:22:46.900 --> 00:22:47.859 When you begin 00:22:47.859 --> 00:22:48.380 to realize 00:22:48.380 --> 00:22:49.019 that the blessings 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:49.559 that God 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:50.240 has given you 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:50.920 are meant 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:51.240 for you 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:51.840 to turn around 00:22:51.840 --> 00:22:52.360 and bless 00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:52.820 others 00:22:52.820 --> 00:22:53.320 and that 00:22:53.320 --> 00:22:54.400 that is good 00:22:54.400 --> 00:22:54.880 for you, 00:22:55.060 --> 00:22:56.100 that that duty 00:22:56.100 --> 00:22:57.180 is married 00:22:57.180 --> 00:22:58.060 with delight, 00:22:58.519 --> 00:22:59.300 this will be 00:22:59.300 --> 00:23:00.200 a turning point 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:01.160 in your life 00:23:01.160 --> 00:23:01.680 in America. 00:23:02.380 --> 00:23:03.400 When you actually 00:23:03.400 --> 00:23:04.039 begin to wrap 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:04.720 your brain 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:05.800 around this fact 00:23:05.800 --> 00:23:06.539 that God 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:07.200 doesn't give you 00:23:07.200 --> 00:23:07.960 things just 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:08.860 for you, 00:23:09.259 --> 00:23:10.380 but for others 00:23:10.380 --> 00:23:11.160 which is for 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:12.220 your good. 00:23:12.900 --> 00:23:13.500 That you might 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.279 gain more 00:23:14.279 --> 00:23:15.200 of Him 00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:16.840 in the process. 00:23:17.840 --> 00:23:18.400 So when you 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:19.519 give to the 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:19.900 needy, 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:21.299 do not let 00:23:21.299 --> 00:23:21.640 your left 00:23:21.640 --> 00:23:22.220 hand know 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.100 what your 00:23:23.100 --> 00:23:23.660 right hand 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:24.400 is doing. 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:24.980 And clearly 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:25.480 this is an 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.120 exaggeration. 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:26.600 This is not 00:23:26.600 --> 00:23:27.120 a possible 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:28.340 act to do. 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:30.220 Jesus is trying 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:30.740 to help us 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:31.319 understand 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:32.640 that this 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:33.720 should so 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.299 be done 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:34.840 in a way 00:23:34.840 --> 00:23:35.299 that we're 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:36.220 not being 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:36.819 praised 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:37.819 by men. 00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:38.700 See if you 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:38.980 can get 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.539 the left 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.019 hand of your 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:40.740 body to not 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.140 know what's 00:23:41.140 --> 00:23:41.480 happening 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:41.980 with the 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.420 right hand 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.660 of your 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:43.980 body. 00:23:44.079 --> 00:23:44.339 Jesus is 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:44.720 saying do 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:45.059 it in 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:46.019 that way. 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:46.660 Do it 00:23:46.660 --> 00:23:47.140 in a way 00:23:47.140 --> 00:23:47.720 that is 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.620 fully fixed 00:23:48.620 --> 00:23:49.720 on pleasing 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:51.000 the Lord 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:52.279 and not 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:52.519 men. 00:23:54.599 --> 00:23:55.279 So that 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:55.700 your giving 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:56.759 may be 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.440 in secret. 00:23:57.620 --> 00:23:58.019 And then 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.599 there's this 00:23:58.599 --> 00:23:59.640 better reward. 00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:01.400 And your 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:02.019 Father who 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.839 sees in 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:03.339 secret 00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:05.019 will reward 00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:05.259 you. 00:24:05.819 --> 00:24:06.599 This is the 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:07.120 reward we 00:24:07.120 --> 00:24:07.460 want. 00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:09.160 This is what 00:24:09.160 --> 00:24:09.759 we're seeking 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.660 after. 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:11.880 as followers 00:24:11.880 --> 00:24:13.000 of Jesus 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:13.500 Christ. 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:15.440 If that is 00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:16.240 an astounding 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:16.840 thing to 00:24:16.840 --> 00:24:17.200 you, 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:18.800 but why? 00:24:18.940 --> 00:24:19.540 Why would I 00:24:19.540 --> 00:24:20.120 seek the 00:24:20.120 --> 00:24:20.560 reward of 00:24:20.560 --> 00:24:21.120 heaven and 00:24:21.120 --> 00:24:21.480 not the 00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:22.759 reward of 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.220 earth? 00:24:23.840 --> 00:24:24.200 Then you 00:24:24.200 --> 00:24:24.779 have not 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:26.380 tasted and 00:24:26.380 --> 00:24:27.279 seen the 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:28.220 goodness of 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:28.519 God. 00:24:29.600 --> 00:24:30.060 If you've 00:24:30.060 --> 00:24:31.140 beheld God 00:24:31.140 --> 00:24:31.900 in his 00:24:31.900 --> 00:24:32.320 glory, 00:24:33.040 --> 00:24:33.640 this should 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:35.060 ignite you. 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:35.700 You should 00:24:35.700 --> 00:24:36.000 come to 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.759 life at the 00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:37.180 thought of 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:37.840 heavenly 00:24:37.840 --> 00:24:38.720 reward. 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:39.700 At putting 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.340 off reward 00:24:40.339 --> 00:24:41.199 for now, 00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:41.939 for reward 00:24:41.939 --> 00:24:42.980 for later, 00:24:43.419 --> 00:24:43.699 ought to 00:24:43.699 --> 00:24:44.059 make you 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:44.319 go, 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:44.959 yes. 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:46.259 I don't 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:46.459 want to 00:24:46.459 --> 00:24:46.879 be found 00:24:46.879 --> 00:24:47.240 as these 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:47.639 people. 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:48.839 I don't 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:49.319 want Jesus 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:49.819 to say 00:24:49.819 --> 00:24:50.439 of me, 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:50.819 of my 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:51.119 life, 00:24:51.359 --> 00:24:51.779 truly I 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.119 say to 00:24:52.119 --> 00:24:52.379 you, 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.099 you've 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:53.339 already 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:53.899 received 00:24:53.899 --> 00:24:54.839 your reward. 00:24:55.299 --> 00:24:55.759 I want 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.039 to lay 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:56.359 it up 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:57.279 for later 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.000 because it 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:59.359 is better 00:24:59.359 --> 00:25:00.559 later. 00:25:01.919 --> 00:25:02.599 He gives 00:25:02.599 --> 00:25:03.039 us another 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:03.579 example, 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:03.980 another 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:04.579 illustration. 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.379 So secondly, 00:25:06.380 --> 00:25:07.680 do not 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:08.860 pray like 00:25:08.860 --> 00:25:09.020 the 00:25:09.020 --> 00:25:09.580 hypocrites, 00:25:10.120 --> 00:25:10.940 but rather 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:12.340 look to 00:25:12.340 --> 00:25:12.700 heavenly 00:25:12.700 --> 00:25:14.160 reward. 00:25:14.820 --> 00:25:15.240 Verses 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.640 5 and 00:25:16.640 --> 00:25:17.000 8. 00:25:17.800 --> 00:25:18.220 And there's 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:18.640 a repetition 00:25:18.640 --> 00:25:19.180 in the 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:19.900 pattern here. 00:25:20.360 --> 00:25:20.740 So he gives 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.260 a couple of 00:25:21.260 --> 00:25:21.720 instructions, 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:22.260 but you see 00:25:22.260 --> 00:25:22.700 the pattern 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.320 once again, 00:25:23.400 --> 00:25:24.320 these six 00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:24.880 points. 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.460 Beginning of 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:27.720 verse 5 and 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:28.060 the beginning 00:25:28.060 --> 00:25:29.060 of verse 7. 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:29.940 And when 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:32.200 you pray. 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:33.519 So certainly 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.120 not teaching us 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:34.740 not to pray, 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.080 but he's 00:25:35.080 --> 00:25:35.440 teaching us 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:35.840 to pray 00:25:35.840 --> 00:25:36.840 in a very 00:25:36.840 --> 00:25:37.440 particular 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:38.680 way. 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:39.340 So first 00:25:39.340 --> 00:25:39.680 we see 00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:40.460 this observance 00:25:40.460 --> 00:25:41.240 and when 00:25:41.240 --> 00:25:42.539 you pray. 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:42.980 And then 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.580 we see 00:25:43.580 --> 00:25:44.840 the prohibition. 00:25:45.620 --> 00:25:46.220 How are we 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:46.960 to not 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:48.500 pray then? 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.680 We must 00:25:49.680 --> 00:25:49.980 not be 00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:50.500 like the 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:51.100 hypocrites, 00:25:52.100 --> 00:25:52.620 for they 00:25:52.620 --> 00:25:53.259 love to 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:53.740 stand and 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:54.100 pray in 00:25:54.100 --> 00:25:55.000 the synagogues 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:55.920 and at 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:57.000 the street 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:57.420 corners. 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.480 They love 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.080 to go out 00:25:59.080 --> 00:25:59.400 in the 00:25:59.400 --> 00:25:59.660 public 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.279 places 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.299 seeking 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:02.700 the praise 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.759 of men. 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:04.539 This is 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:04.940 what they're 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:05.779 hoping for. 00:26:05.940 --> 00:26:06.500 Look at 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.399 how holy 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:09.539 I am. 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.139 And we're 00:26:11.139 --> 00:26:12.500 also not 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:12.919 to heap 00:26:12.919 --> 00:26:13.819 up empty 00:26:13.819 --> 00:26:15.059 phrases as 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:16.480 the Gentiles 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:16.960 do. 00:26:17.180 --> 00:26:17.720 As those 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.480 outside 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:21.259 the family 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:21.759 of God, 00:26:21.879 --> 00:26:22.299 we're not 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:22.759 to heap 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.480 up empty 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:24.599 phrases as 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:26.159 the Gentiles. 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:27.019 And you 00:26:27.019 --> 00:26:27.279 can see 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:27.839 the intent 00:26:27.839 --> 00:26:28.099 then, 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:28.579 thirdly, 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:29.539 that they 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:29.899 may be 00:26:29.899 --> 00:26:30.379 seen by 00:26:30.379 --> 00:26:30.799 others, 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:31.159 and the 00:26:31.160 --> 00:26:31.680 Gentiles 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:32.180 think that 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:32.420 they will 00:26:32.420 --> 00:26:33.080 be heard 00:26:33.080 --> 00:26:33.720 for their 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:34.620 many 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:36.740 words. 00:26:38.060 --> 00:26:38.320 And the 00:26:38.320 --> 00:26:39.180 reward again, 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.120 truly I 00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:41.000 say to 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:41.440 you, 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:43.460 they have 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:44.120 received 00:26:44.120 --> 00:26:45.080 their 00:26:45.080 --> 00:26:45.600 reward. 00:26:47.700 --> 00:26:48.360 But then 00:26:48.360 --> 00:26:48.759 Jesus, 00:26:49.259 --> 00:26:49.779 once again, 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:50.400 gives us 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:51.160 a better 00:26:51.160 --> 00:26:52.560 observance. 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:54.100 A better 00:26:54.100 --> 00:26:54.740 observance. 00:26:54.900 --> 00:26:56.380 But when 00:26:56.380 --> 00:26:57.220 you 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:58.040 pray, 00:26:59.300 --> 00:26:59.800 go into 00:26:59.800 --> 00:27:00.220 your room 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:00.480 and shut 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:00.839 the door 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:01.339 and pray 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:02.180 to your 00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:02.620 Father 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:03.860 who is 00:27:03.860 --> 00:27:04.360 in secret. 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.079 We have 00:27:06.079 --> 00:27:06.500 been, 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.460 by the 00:27:07.460 --> 00:27:07.860 sacrificial 00:27:07.860 --> 00:27:08.319 work of 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:09.160 Jesus Christ, 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:10.319 who intercedes 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:11.019 for us, 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:12.339 drawn into 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:13.559 a relationship 00:27:13.559 --> 00:27:14.920 with God. 00:27:15.839 --> 00:27:16.519 Here Jesus 00:27:16.519 --> 00:27:17.920 calls him 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:18.440 our 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:19.779 Father. 00:27:21.120 --> 00:27:21.539 What a 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:22.380 glorious thing 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:23.100 this is. 00:27:23.600 --> 00:27:24.299 At the 00:27:24.299 --> 00:27:25.120 almighty of 00:27:25.120 --> 00:27:25.920 heaven and 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:26.380 earth, 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:27.240 the one who 00:27:27.240 --> 00:27:27.940 spoke all 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:28.759 things into 00:27:28.759 --> 00:27:29.580 existence, 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.720 will have 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.720 a conversation 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:33.340 with us. 00:27:34.059 --> 00:27:34.380 This should 00:27:34.380 --> 00:27:35.180 be massively 00:27:35.180 --> 00:27:35.880 humbling. 00:27:37.080 --> 00:27:37.420 And once 00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:37.640 again, 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:38.100 if it doesn't 00:27:38.100 --> 00:27:39.600 seem massive 00:27:39.600 --> 00:27:40.220 to you, 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:40.720 that you 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.039 could go 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:41.420 into your 00:27:41.420 --> 00:27:42.039 room and 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:42.460 shut the 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:43.220 door and 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:44.059 spend time 00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:44.660 with God 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.500 in prayer, 00:27:45.680 --> 00:27:46.180 then you've 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:47.080 not tasted 00:27:47.080 --> 00:27:48.019 and seen 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:48.860 the goodness 00:27:48.860 --> 00:27:49.640 of God. 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:50.900 You have 00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:51.920 not understood 00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:53.680 the vastness 00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:54.460 of his 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.660 power and 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:56.440 his might. 00:27:57.720 --> 00:27:58.380 You have 00:27:58.380 --> 00:27:59.420 a small 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:00.759 view of 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:01.060 God. 00:28:01.900 --> 00:28:02.300 He's not 00:28:02.300 --> 00:28:02.680 just the 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.060 guy that 00:28:03.060 --> 00:28:03.340 you go 00:28:03.340 --> 00:28:03.900 hang out 00:28:03.900 --> 00:28:04.240 with. 00:28:05.100 --> 00:28:05.800 He's the 00:28:05.800 --> 00:28:06.200 God of 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:06.960 the universe 00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:08.740 and yet 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:10.440 he's called 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:10.880 our Father. 00:28:11.800 --> 00:28:12.320 I love, 00:28:12.380 --> 00:28:12.580 and we'll 00:28:12.580 --> 00:28:13.039 talk about 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:14.000 next week, 00:28:14.060 --> 00:28:14.539 Lord willing, 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:15.820 the opening 00:28:15.820 --> 00:28:16.779 of the 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:17.060 Lord's 00:28:17.060 --> 00:28:17.500 prayer is 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:18.360 our Father 00:28:18.359 --> 00:28:20.019 in Heaven. 00:28:20.699 --> 00:28:21.299 Wraps 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:21.859 all that 00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.939 up together. 00:28:23.439 --> 00:28:23.740 Our 00:28:23.740 --> 00:28:24.500 Father 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:26.539 in Heaven. 00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:28.299 And I 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.159 have learned 00:28:29.159 --> 00:28:30.539 things about 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:31.500 God's loving 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:32.179 kindness towards 00:28:32.179 --> 00:28:32.759 me as a 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:33.539 father in 00:28:33.539 --> 00:28:35.139 becoming a 00:28:35.139 --> 00:28:35.439 father. 00:28:36.339 --> 00:28:36.839 And I can't 00:28:36.839 --> 00:28:37.339 help but be 00:28:37.339 --> 00:28:38.159 moved when my 00:28:38.159 --> 00:28:38.759 kids want to 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:39.419 come and talk 00:28:39.419 --> 00:28:39.979 with me in the 00:28:39.979 --> 00:28:40.419 way that they 00:28:40.419 --> 00:28:40.939 climb up on 00:28:40.939 --> 00:28:41.539 my lap and 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:42.119 they sit. 00:28:42.879 --> 00:28:44.039 And as an 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:44.559 imperfect 00:28:44.559 --> 00:28:45.319 father, a 00:28:45.319 --> 00:28:46.240 very imperfect 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:47.419 father, my 00:28:47.419 --> 00:28:48.199 attention is 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:49.420 riveted on 00:28:49.420 --> 00:28:49.740 them. 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:52.900 God does 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:54.100 this with 00:28:54.100 --> 00:28:54.620 us. 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:55.980 So we can 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.440 go into our 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:57.500 room and we 00:28:57.500 --> 00:28:58.080 can shut the 00:28:58.080 --> 00:28:59.259 door and we 00:28:59.259 --> 00:29:00.700 can pray to 00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:01.259 our Father 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:02.559 who is in 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:02.860 secret. 00:29:04.640 --> 00:29:05.279 Does this 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:05.680 mean that we 00:29:05.680 --> 00:29:06.180 cannot pray 00:29:06.180 --> 00:29:06.559 publicly? 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:07.740 No. 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.160 It does not 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:09.539 mean that. 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:10.480 Many have 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.019 made that mean 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:11.259 that. 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.279 It does not 00:29:12.279 --> 00:29:12.819 mean that. 00:29:13.380 --> 00:29:13.740 It just 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.180 means that we 00:29:14.180 --> 00:29:14.539 should be 00:29:14.539 --> 00:29:15.440 careful about 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.299 the intent 00:29:16.299 --> 00:29:16.759 of our 00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:17.299 public 00:29:17.299 --> 00:29:18.599 prayers. 00:29:19.099 --> 00:29:19.519 It's good 00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:19.919 for us when 00:29:19.919 --> 00:29:20.259 we gather 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:20.700 together. 00:29:21.359 --> 00:29:22.000 I would 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:22.419 even suggest 00:29:22.419 --> 00:29:23.319 necessary for 00:29:23.319 --> 00:29:23.759 us as we 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.359 gather together 00:29:24.359 --> 00:29:24.759 that we 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.279 pray together. 00:29:27.119 --> 00:29:27.440 But as 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.119 someone comes 00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:28.980 to lead us 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:29.680 in public 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:30.779 prayer, we 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:31.480 should be so 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:32.559 careful about 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:33.740 the intent. 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:35.019 Am I 00:29:35.019 --> 00:29:35.619 leading us in 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.659 prayer because 00:29:36.659 --> 00:29:38.480 I want us to 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:39.059 be pleasing to 00:29:39.059 --> 00:29:39.480 God as we 00:29:39.480 --> 00:29:39.960 pray together 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:40.579 or because I 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:41.079 am concerned 00:29:41.079 --> 00:29:41.539 about what 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.000 you'll think 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:43.139 of me in 00:29:43.139 --> 00:29:44.319 my praying? 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:46.299 We see 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:46.980 public prayer 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.559 happening in 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:47.899 the Scripture. 00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:48.259 I just want 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:48.500 to give you 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.179 one example. 00:29:49.399 --> 00:29:50.099 Acts 1 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:51.539 verse 14. 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:52.099 The disciples 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:52.819 are waiting. 00:29:53.039 --> 00:29:53.379 Jesus has 00:29:53.379 --> 00:29:53.939 said, wait 00:29:53.939 --> 00:29:54.379 for me. 00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:55.319 Wait for my 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:55.879 power to 00:29:55.879 --> 00:29:56.220 come. 00:29:56.519 --> 00:29:56.700 And what 00:29:56.700 --> 00:29:57.119 do we find 00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:57.740 them doing 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:59.019 in an 00:29:59.019 --> 00:29:59.720 upper room? 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:00.379 All these 00:30:00.379 --> 00:30:00.720 with one 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:01.159 accord were 00:30:01.159 --> 00:30:01.579 devoting 00:30:01.579 --> 00:30:02.539 themselves to 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:05.000 prayer together 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:05.359 with the 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:05.759 women and 00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:06.099 Mary the 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:06.439 mother of 00:30:06.439 --> 00:30:07.139 Jesus and 00:30:07.139 --> 00:30:08.139 his brothers. 00:30:08.279 --> 00:30:08.480 They were 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:09.139 together and 00:30:09.139 --> 00:30:09.399 they were 00:30:09.399 --> 00:30:10.779 praying together. 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:11.559 People were 00:30:11.559 --> 00:30:12.619 praying out 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:14.379 loud together 00:30:14.379 --> 00:30:15.879 in this 00:30:15.879 --> 00:30:16.339 place and 00:30:16.339 --> 00:30:16.639 we should 00:30:16.639 --> 00:30:17.359 do the 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:17.619 same. 00:30:17.699 --> 00:30:17.879 But we 00:30:17.879 --> 00:30:18.139 should be 00:30:18.139 --> 00:30:18.979 very careful 00:30:18.979 --> 00:30:20.399 the intent 00:30:20.399 --> 00:30:21.079 of what we 00:30:21.079 --> 00:30:22.579 do when 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.099 we pray 00:30:23.099 --> 00:30:24.119 publicly. 00:30:25.159 --> 00:30:25.799 We also 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:26.239 see in this 00:30:26.239 --> 00:30:27.179 better observance 00:30:27.179 --> 00:30:27.879 Jesus simply 00:30:27.879 --> 00:30:28.619 says, do not 00:30:28.619 --> 00:30:29.599 be like them. 00:30:29.659 --> 00:30:29.939 And who is 00:30:29.939 --> 00:30:30.319 he referring 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:30.559 to? 00:30:30.599 --> 00:30:31.000 He's referring 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:31.859 to these 00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:32.539 Gentiles, 00:30:32.619 --> 00:30:32.939 right, that 00:30:32.939 --> 00:30:33.779 heap up 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:35.099 empty phrases, 00:30:35.359 --> 00:30:36.159 thinking that 00:30:36.159 --> 00:30:36.419 they'll be 00:30:36.419 --> 00:30:37.059 heard for 00:30:37.059 --> 00:30:37.919 their many 00:30:37.919 --> 00:30:38.739 words. 00:30:38.879 --> 00:30:39.399 And does 00:30:39.399 --> 00:30:39.839 this mean 00:30:39.839 --> 00:30:40.239 that we 00:30:40.239 --> 00:30:41.759 cannot pray 00:30:41.759 --> 00:30:42.579 long? 00:30:42.619 --> 00:30:43.659 prayers? 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:45.839 Many will 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:46.359 take the 00:30:46.359 --> 00:30:46.699 Lord's 00:30:46.699 --> 00:30:47.239 prayer and 00:30:47.239 --> 00:30:48.059 recite it. 00:30:48.259 --> 00:30:48.500 And I'm 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:49.099 okay with 00:30:49.099 --> 00:30:49.919 the recitation 00:30:49.919 --> 00:30:50.719 of the 00:30:50.719 --> 00:30:51.000 Lord's 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:51.279 prayer. 00:30:51.439 --> 00:30:51.579 I don't 00:30:51.579 --> 00:30:51.979 think that's 00:30:51.979 --> 00:30:52.500 particularly 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:53.319 sinful. 00:30:54.679 --> 00:30:55.059 However, 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:55.959 Jesus doesn't 00:30:55.959 --> 00:30:56.419 say pray 00:30:56.419 --> 00:30:56.719 this. 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:57.059 He says 00:30:57.059 --> 00:30:57.639 pray then 00:30:57.639 --> 00:30:58.779 like this. 00:30:59.699 --> 00:31:00.639 This is a 00:31:00.639 --> 00:31:01.479 model for 00:31:01.479 --> 00:31:03.179 your praying. 00:31:03.959 --> 00:31:04.439 But some 00:31:04.439 --> 00:31:05.319 will advocate 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:06.299 the recitation 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.099 of this because 00:31:07.099 --> 00:31:07.699 it's brief. 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:08.859 We should 00:31:08.859 --> 00:31:09.299 keep things 00:31:09.299 --> 00:31:10.059 brief because 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:10.500 he says don't 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:10.919 be like the 00:31:10.919 --> 00:31:11.339 Gentiles. 00:31:11.339 --> 00:31:12.679 Heap up 00:31:12.679 --> 00:31:14.500 many words. 00:31:14.699 --> 00:31:15.059 So is that 00:31:15.059 --> 00:31:15.279 what it 00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:15.639 means? 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.119 No. 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.179 But we 00:31:19.179 --> 00:31:19.579 should not 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.399 pray long 00:31:20.399 --> 00:31:21.039 prayers because 00:31:21.039 --> 00:31:21.899 we think that 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:23.240 lengthy prayers 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:24.659 are a mark 00:31:24.659 --> 00:31:25.279 of holiness. 00:31:26.119 --> 00:31:27.039 Even when I'm 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:27.759 by myself, 00:31:27.859 --> 00:31:28.519 right, in that 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.139 time of 00:31:29.139 --> 00:31:29.939 closed-door 00:31:29.939 --> 00:31:30.699 secret prayer, 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:31.159 I should not 00:31:31.159 --> 00:31:31.579 think of 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:32.000 myself, 00:31:32.220 --> 00:31:33.059 wow, can I 00:31:33.059 --> 00:31:33.439 pray? 00:31:34.379 --> 00:31:35.059 Look at the 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:35.859 words I can 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:36.459 spill out 00:31:36.459 --> 00:31:37.419 before God. 00:31:37.419 --> 00:31:37.919 And certainly 00:31:37.919 --> 00:31:38.599 in our public 00:31:38.599 --> 00:31:39.579 praying together, 00:31:39.740 --> 00:31:40.219 we shouldn't 00:31:40.219 --> 00:31:40.799 heap up 00:31:40.799 --> 00:31:41.819 words and 00:31:41.819 --> 00:31:42.359 words and 00:31:42.359 --> 00:31:42.839 words upon 00:31:42.839 --> 00:31:43.379 words because 00:31:43.379 --> 00:31:44.079 people will 00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:44.459 think we're 00:31:44.459 --> 00:31:46.000 so holy 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:47.000 for how much 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:47.719 we have 00:31:47.719 --> 00:31:49.099 to say. 00:31:50.379 --> 00:31:51.179 How can I 00:31:51.179 --> 00:31:51.500 make this 00:31:51.500 --> 00:31:53.099 claim to 00:31:53.099 --> 00:31:53.879 counterpoint 00:31:53.879 --> 00:31:54.339 what some 00:31:54.339 --> 00:31:54.639 would say 00:31:54.639 --> 00:31:54.959 here? 00:31:55.659 --> 00:31:56.219 Jesus 00:31:56.219 --> 00:31:57.740 prayed long 00:31:57.740 --> 00:31:58.859 prayers. 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:00.519 Luke 6, 00:32:00.599 --> 00:32:01.099 verse 12, 00:32:01.199 --> 00:32:01.619 Luke says, 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.299 in these days 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:02.819 he went out 00:32:02.819 --> 00:32:03.240 to the mountain 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:03.719 to pray, 00:32:03.720 --> 00:32:04.860 and all 00:32:04.860 --> 00:32:06.160 night he 00:32:06.160 --> 00:32:07.039 continued in 00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:08.259 prayer to 00:32:08.259 --> 00:32:08.579 God. 00:32:08.960 --> 00:32:09.360 It would be 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:10.000 very silly to 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:10.400 think that he 00:32:10.400 --> 00:32:10.940 recited the 00:32:10.940 --> 00:32:11.299 Lord's Prayer 00:32:11.299 --> 00:32:11.700 over and 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:11.980 over and 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.480 over again. 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:14.860 Many words 00:32:14.860 --> 00:32:15.920 poured out 00:32:15.920 --> 00:32:16.660 to God in 00:32:16.660 --> 00:32:18.039 those times 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:18.579 of prayer 00:32:18.579 --> 00:32:20.140 with him. 00:32:20.819 --> 00:32:21.240 And then 00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:21.819 Jesus says 00:32:21.819 --> 00:32:22.120 there will 00:32:22.120 --> 00:32:22.839 be a 00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:24.319 better reward. 00:32:24.920 --> 00:32:25.460 A better 00:32:25.460 --> 00:32:25.900 reward. 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:26.200 And your 00:32:26.200 --> 00:32:26.819 Father who 00:32:26.819 --> 00:32:27.339 sees in 00:32:27.339 --> 00:32:29.120 secret will 00:32:29.120 --> 00:32:30.940 reward you. 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:32.240 So we're 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:32.860 looking to 00:32:32.859 --> 00:32:33.439 the heavenly 00:32:33.439 --> 00:32:34.159 reward to 00:32:34.159 --> 00:32:34.819 the eternal 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:35.819 reward. 00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:36.639 And Jesus 00:32:36.639 --> 00:32:37.439 also says, 00:32:37.639 --> 00:32:37.839 for your 00:32:37.839 --> 00:32:38.979 Father knows 00:32:38.979 --> 00:32:39.399 what you 00:32:39.399 --> 00:32:40.579 need before 00:32:40.579 --> 00:32:42.099 you ask 00:32:42.099 --> 00:32:42.319 him. 00:32:43.139 --> 00:32:43.459 So it 00:32:43.459 --> 00:32:44.139 means reward 00:32:44.139 --> 00:32:44.839 for now 00:32:44.839 --> 00:32:45.819 as well. 00:32:45.979 --> 00:32:46.979 His presence 00:32:46.979 --> 00:32:47.379 and his 00:32:47.379 --> 00:32:48.919 power in 00:32:48.919 --> 00:32:49.479 our lives. 00:32:51.139 --> 00:32:51.399 And the 00:32:51.399 --> 00:32:51.559 third 00:32:51.559 --> 00:32:52.039 illustration. 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:54.199 It says, 00:32:54.399 --> 00:32:54.779 do not 00:32:54.779 --> 00:32:56.599 fast like 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:57.240 the hypocrites, 00:32:57.679 --> 00:32:58.559 but rather 00:32:58.559 --> 00:32:59.519 look to 00:32:59.519 --> 00:32:59.879 heavenly 00:32:59.879 --> 00:33:00.799 reward. 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.279 Do not 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:03.339 fast like 00:33:03.339 --> 00:33:04.200 the hypocrites. 00:33:05.299 --> 00:33:05.559 And I 00:33:05.559 --> 00:33:05.799 think we 00:33:05.799 --> 00:33:06.139 will spend 00:33:06.139 --> 00:33:06.519 some time 00:33:06.519 --> 00:33:07.039 on fasting 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:07.359 in some 00:33:07.359 --> 00:33:07.960 coming weeks. 00:33:08.639 --> 00:33:09.099 But briefly 00:33:09.099 --> 00:33:09.740 look again 00:33:09.740 --> 00:33:10.579 the observance. 00:33:10.819 --> 00:33:12.000 And when 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:12.879 you 00:33:12.879 --> 00:33:14.180 fast. 00:33:14.359 --> 00:33:14.799 Again in 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:15.339 verse 17, 00:33:15.460 --> 00:33:16.059 but when 00:33:16.059 --> 00:33:17.019 you 00:33:17.019 --> 00:33:18.859 fast. 00:33:19.379 --> 00:33:19.740 I think 00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.119 this is a 00:33:20.119 --> 00:33:20.799 practice that 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:21.339 many in 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:21.819 this room 00:33:21.819 --> 00:33:23.420 have never 00:33:23.420 --> 00:33:24.000 done and 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:24.440 probably 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:25.740 misunderstand. 00:33:26.599 --> 00:33:26.899 But the 00:33:26.899 --> 00:33:27.440 assumption here 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:27.819 is that we 00:33:27.819 --> 00:33:28.139 will. 00:33:29.379 --> 00:33:29.980 As we'll be 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:30.319 part of 00:33:30.319 --> 00:33:30.539 our 00:33:30.539 --> 00:33:31.500 following 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:31.799 of 00:33:31.799 --> 00:33:32.299 Jesus 00:33:32.299 --> 00:33:32.720 Christ 00:33:32.720 --> 00:33:33.140 will be 00:33:33.140 --> 00:33:34.140 times of 00:33:34.140 --> 00:33:35.220 fasting 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:35.860 in our 00:33:35.860 --> 00:33:36.360 lives. 00:33:37.120 --> 00:33:37.420 But he 00:33:37.420 --> 00:33:37.779 issues a 00:33:37.779 --> 00:33:38.420 prohibition. 00:33:39.559 --> 00:33:39.960 Do not 00:33:39.960 --> 00:33:40.660 look gloomy 00:33:40.660 --> 00:33:41.240 like the 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:41.740 hypocrites 00:33:41.740 --> 00:33:42.819 for they 00:33:42.819 --> 00:33:43.700 disfigure 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.860 their faces. 00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:45.279 They would 00:33:45.279 --> 00:33:46.120 literally put 00:33:46.120 --> 00:33:46.660 on makeup 00:33:46.660 --> 00:33:47.240 to look 00:33:47.240 --> 00:33:47.819 pitiful. 00:33:49.799 --> 00:33:50.480 And what 00:33:50.480 --> 00:33:50.860 he's saying 00:33:50.860 --> 00:33:51.420 to us here 00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:51.860 is that you're 00:33:51.860 --> 00:33:52.360 not doing 00:33:52.360 --> 00:33:52.740 this to be 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.180 seen by 00:33:53.180 --> 00:33:53.480 others. 00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:53.980 I've had 00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:54.299 people who 00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:54.779 are fasting 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:56.799 tell me 00:33:56.799 --> 00:33:56.960 they're 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.519 fasting and 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:57.860 then tell me 00:33:57.860 --> 00:33:58.180 they probably 00:33:58.180 --> 00:33:58.480 shouldn't have 00:33:58.480 --> 00:33:58.880 told me that 00:33:58.880 --> 00:33:59.120 they were 00:33:59.120 --> 00:33:59.480 fasting. 00:33:59.640 --> 00:34:00.040 He's also 00:34:00.040 --> 00:34:00.680 not prohibiting 00:34:00.680 --> 00:34:01.060 that. 00:34:01.500 --> 00:34:02.540 Like, oh, I 00:34:02.540 --> 00:34:02.840 shouldn't have 00:34:02.840 --> 00:34:03.260 said that. 00:34:03.540 --> 00:34:03.780 Like, my 00:34:03.780 --> 00:34:04.200 fasting is 00:34:04.200 --> 00:34:04.520 supposed to be 00:34:04.520 --> 00:34:05.140 so secretive 00:34:05.140 --> 00:34:05.480 that no one 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:05.940 can possibly 00:34:05.940 --> 00:34:06.860 know that 00:34:06.860 --> 00:34:07.800 I'm fasting. 00:34:07.920 --> 00:34:08.260 No, he's 00:34:08.260 --> 00:34:08.660 getting that 00:34:08.660 --> 00:34:09.180 intent. 00:34:09.640 --> 00:34:10.360 Why are you 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:10.780 doing the 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:11.820 thing that 00:34:11.820 --> 00:34:12.320 you're doing? 00:34:12.720 --> 00:34:12.880 Right? 00:34:13.059 --> 00:34:13.559 Is it for the 00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:14.019 praise of 00:34:14.019 --> 00:34:15.260 others or 00:34:15.260 --> 00:34:15.579 is it to 00:34:15.579 --> 00:34:17.160 please God? 00:34:17.619 --> 00:34:18.340 So we're 00:34:18.340 --> 00:34:19.360 prohibited here 00:34:19.360 --> 00:34:20.000 by Jesus to 00:34:20.000 --> 00:34:20.860 not look gloomy 00:34:20.860 --> 00:34:21.320 like the 00:34:21.320 --> 00:34:22.940 hypocrites, for 00:34:22.940 --> 00:34:23.539 they disfigure 00:34:23.539 --> 00:34:24.519 their faces and 00:34:24.519 --> 00:34:25.360 the intent that 00:34:25.360 --> 00:34:26.119 their fasting 00:34:26.119 --> 00:34:27.640 may be seen 00:34:27.639 --> 00:34:29.379 by others. 00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:30.059 And once 00:34:30.059 --> 00:34:31.379 again, this 00:34:31.379 --> 00:34:32.420 repetition, their 00:34:32.420 --> 00:34:33.900 reward, truly I 00:34:33.900 --> 00:34:35.879 say to you, they 00:34:35.879 --> 00:34:37.500 have received 00:34:37.500 --> 00:34:39.000 their reward. 00:34:40.379 --> 00:34:40.739 But then he 00:34:40.739 --> 00:34:41.359 gives to us the 00:34:41.359 --> 00:34:42.079 better observance, 00:34:42.159 --> 00:34:42.659 but when you 00:34:42.659 --> 00:34:44.920 fast, anoint your 00:34:44.920 --> 00:34:46.639 head, wash your 00:34:46.639 --> 00:34:47.940 face, make 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:49.119 yourself look 00:34:49.119 --> 00:34:50.759 nice, presentable 00:34:50.759 --> 00:34:52.460 to those around 00:34:52.460 --> 00:34:52.960 you, that your 00:34:52.960 --> 00:34:54.139 fasting may not be 00:34:54.139 --> 00:34:54.839 seen by others, 00:34:54.840 --> 00:34:55.320 but by your 00:34:55.320 --> 00:34:56.980 father who is 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:57.440 in secret. 00:34:57.720 --> 00:34:59.039 And then the 00:34:59.039 --> 00:35:00.539 better reward. 00:35:00.860 --> 00:35:01.100 And your 00:35:01.100 --> 00:35:02.320 father who sees 00:35:02.320 --> 00:35:04.500 in secret will 00:35:04.500 --> 00:35:05.100 reward you. 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:07.059 So you see how 00:35:07.059 --> 00:35:07.840 all of these, 00:35:07.900 --> 00:35:08.780 these 17 verses 00:35:08.780 --> 00:35:09.700 are aiming us 00:35:09.700 --> 00:35:11.300 back at verse 00:35:11.300 --> 00:35:12.280 1. 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:13.539 And this 00:35:13.539 --> 00:35:14.760 strong warning, 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:17.019 this beware of 00:35:17.019 --> 00:35:18.460 practicing your 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:19.740 righteousness before 00:35:19.740 --> 00:35:20.600 other people in 00:35:20.600 --> 00:35:21.660 order to be seen 00:35:21.660 --> 00:35:22.260 by them. 00:35:22.260 --> 00:35:23.360 for then you 00:35:23.360 --> 00:35:24.180 will have no 00:35:24.180 --> 00:35:25.200 reward from your 00:35:25.200 --> 00:35:26.740 father who is in 00:35:26.740 --> 00:35:27.060 heaven. 00:35:27.980 --> 00:35:29.080 So we ought not 00:35:29.080 --> 00:35:30.720 give or pray or 00:35:30.720 --> 00:35:32.040 fast or do 00:35:32.040 --> 00:35:32.680 anything 00:35:32.680 --> 00:35:34.380 hypocritically, 00:35:35.280 --> 00:35:36.260 seeking the praise 00:35:36.260 --> 00:35:36.760 of man, but 00:35:36.760 --> 00:35:37.680 should rather do 00:35:37.680 --> 00:35:38.460 everything to 00:35:38.460 --> 00:35:40.000 please God and 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:40.760 the reward that 00:35:40.760 --> 00:35:42.180 is given by him 00:35:42.180 --> 00:35:43.840 and found in 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:44.100 him. 00:35:45.360 --> 00:35:47.460 I hope that 00:35:47.460 --> 00:35:48.300 you will join 00:35:48.300 --> 00:35:49.620 me in continued 00:35:49.620 --> 00:35:50.700 self-examination 00:35:50.700 --> 00:35:51.420 in our devotion 00:35:51.420 --> 00:35:52.840 to God for 00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:54.420 our good and 00:35:54.420 --> 00:35:55.460 his glory as 00:35:55.460 --> 00:35:56.099 we work in 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:57.099 this text more 00:35:57.099 --> 00:35:58.139 in the following 00:35:58.139 --> 00:35:58.700 weeks. 00:35:59.000 --> 00:36:00.099 As we look more 00:36:00.099 --> 00:36:00.780 at what is the 00:36:00.780 --> 00:36:01.659 right way to go 00:36:01.659 --> 00:36:03.240 about praying, 00:36:03.360 --> 00:36:03.740 I think we'll 00:36:03.740 --> 00:36:04.500 spend two or 00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:05.360 three weeks there 00:36:05.360 --> 00:36:06.240 and how ought 00:36:06.240 --> 00:36:07.500 we also 00:36:07.500 --> 00:36:09.159 fast. 00:36:10.280 --> 00:36:10.960 Let me close 00:36:10.960 --> 00:36:11.539 this morning 00:36:11.539 --> 00:36:13.420 with a quotation 00:36:13.420 --> 00:36:14.840 from Thomas 00:36:14.840 --> 00:36:15.619 Brooks who was 00:36:15.619 --> 00:36:16.619 a 17th century 00:36:16.619 --> 00:36:17.960 Puritan preacher. 00:36:18.159 --> 00:36:18.579 It was on your 00:36:18.579 --> 00:36:19.240 bulletin the last 00:36:19.240 --> 00:36:19.700 two weeks, 00:36:19.800 --> 00:36:20.240 but I just didn't 00:36:20.240 --> 00:36:20.740 feel like I could 00:36:20.739 --> 00:36:21.139 put it on there 00:36:21.139 --> 00:36:21.759 one more time. 00:36:22.359 --> 00:36:23.299 So if you 00:36:23.299 --> 00:36:23.739 happen to have 00:36:23.739 --> 00:36:24.339 an old bulletin 00:36:24.339 --> 00:36:25.000 you could read 00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:25.339 along. 00:36:26.519 --> 00:36:27.159 If not, 00:36:27.219 --> 00:36:27.779 listen carefully. 00:36:29.159 --> 00:36:30.119 He wrote this, 00:36:30.199 --> 00:36:30.759 which I love. 00:36:31.539 --> 00:36:32.379 Remember this, 00:36:33.379 --> 00:36:34.079 that your life 00:36:34.079 --> 00:36:34.659 is short, 00:36:35.319 --> 00:36:36.219 your duties 00:36:36.219 --> 00:36:36.559 many, 00:36:37.259 --> 00:36:38.419 your assistance 00:36:38.419 --> 00:36:39.219 great, 00:36:39.639 --> 00:36:41.000 and your reward 00:36:41.000 --> 00:36:41.859 sure. 00:36:42.719 --> 00:36:43.159 Therefore, 00:36:43.419 --> 00:36:44.019 faint not, 00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:45.699 hold on and 00:36:45.699 --> 00:36:46.899 hold up in 00:36:46.899 --> 00:36:48.219 ways of well-doing, 00:36:48.219 --> 00:36:49.439 and heaven 00:36:49.439 --> 00:36:50.500 shall make 00:36:50.500 --> 00:36:51.279 amends 00:36:51.279 --> 00:36:52.519 for all. 00:36:53.059 --> 00:36:53.679 Let's pray 00:36:53.679 --> 00:36:53.980 together. 00:36:53.980 --> 00:37:23.960 Thank you.