WEBVTT 00:00:00.980 --> 00:00:01.880 Good morning, church. 00:00:03.760 --> 00:00:05.900 Would you turn with me to Matthew chapter 6? 00:00:07.679 --> 00:00:10.700 Matthew chapter 6, that's page 761 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:10.900 --> 00:00:13.019 We're continuing our series in the Sermon on the Mount today. 00:00:13.820 --> 00:00:16.600 We're going to focus in chapter 6 on verses 1 through 4, 00:00:16.980 --> 00:00:22.539 but to get the context, I want to read all the way to verse 21, actually. 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:27.859 So let me pray for us, and then I will read. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.560 Father, we ask that as we come now to your word, 00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:41.159 your spirit would do his work to help us to see Christ 00:00:41.159 --> 00:00:49.340 and to see how our union with him continues to cleanse us, 00:00:49.340 --> 00:00:53.439 shape us, transform us into the kind of people 00:00:53.439 --> 00:00:55.740 that you've created and redeemed us to be. 00:00:55.740 --> 00:01:02.060 Would we see his beauty and his majesty and his glory 00:01:02.060 --> 00:01:05.620 and in beholding him become more and more like him? 00:01:06.299 --> 00:01:08.240 We pray this in Jesus' name, amen. 00:01:09.620 --> 00:01:12.379 All right, Matthew chapter 6, 1 through 21. 00:01:13.460 --> 00:01:14.219 Jesus says this, 00:01:14.219 --> 00:01:27.180 Thus, when you give to the needy, 00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:30.000 sound no trumpet before you as the hypocrites do 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:31.519 in the synagogues and in the streets, 00:01:31.599 --> 00:01:33.560 that they may be praised by others. 00:01:33.560 --> 00:01:37.079 Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 00:01:38.040 --> 00:01:39.180 But when you give to the needy, 00:01:39.240 --> 00:01:41.960 do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 00:01:42.379 --> 00:01:44.640 so that your giving may be in secret, 00:01:45.240 --> 00:01:48.700 and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 00:01:49.579 --> 00:01:52.500 And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, 00:01:52.560 --> 00:01:54.760 for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues 00:01:54.760 --> 00:01:57.719 and at the street corners that they may be seen by others. 00:01:58.460 --> 00:02:01.079 Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 00:02:01.079 --> 00:02:04.799 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door 00:02:04.799 --> 00:02:06.840 and pray to your Father who is in secret, 00:02:07.280 --> 00:02:11.060 and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 00:02:12.039 --> 00:02:14.199 And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases 00:02:14.199 --> 00:02:15.300 as the Gentiles do, 00:02:15.379 --> 00:02:17.719 for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 00:02:18.360 --> 00:02:19.379 Do not be like them, 00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:22.460 for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 00:02:23.319 --> 00:02:24.340 Pray then like this, 00:02:25.060 --> 00:02:27.120 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 00:02:27.659 --> 00:02:29.879 Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth 00:02:29.879 --> 00:02:30.719 as it is in heaven. 00:02:31.440 --> 00:02:33.040 Give us this day our daily bread, 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:34.960 and forgive us our debts, 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:36.900 as we also have forgiven our debtors. 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:39.080 And lead us not into temptation, 00:02:39.439 --> 00:02:40.600 but deliver us from evil. 00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:43.760 For if you forgive others their trespasses, 00:02:43.860 --> 00:02:45.660 your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 00:02:46.300 --> 00:02:48.439 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, 00:02:48.560 --> 00:02:50.720 neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 00:02:50.719 --> 00:02:53.500 And when you fast, 00:02:53.500 --> 00:02:55.259 do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, 00:02:55.319 --> 00:02:56.580 for they disfigure their faces, 00:02:56.699 --> 00:02:58.659 that their fasting may be seen by others. 00:02:58.759 --> 00:02:59.620 Truly, I say to you, 00:02:59.680 --> 00:03:01.139 they have received their reward. 00:03:01.860 --> 00:03:02.900 But when you fast, 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:04.740 anoint your head and wash your face, 00:03:04.800 --> 00:03:08.400 that your fasting may not be seen by others, 00:03:08.699 --> 00:03:11.039 but by your Father who sees in secret. 00:03:11.039 --> 00:03:15.079 And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 00:03:16.400 --> 00:03:18.439 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:20.739 where moth and rust destroy, 00:03:20.859 --> 00:03:22.239 and where thieves break in and steal. 00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:25.540 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 00:03:26.320 --> 00:03:28.820 where neither moth nor rust destroys, 00:03:29.700 --> 00:03:31.780 and where thieves do not break in and steal. 00:03:32.620 --> 00:03:34.439 For where your treasure is, 00:03:35.240 --> 00:03:38.000 there your heart will be also. 00:03:40.700 --> 00:03:43.800 Well, if you're a basketball fan, 00:03:44.580 --> 00:03:48.040 you probably know that the college basketball season 00:03:48.040 --> 00:03:49.600 begins when? 00:03:50.840 --> 00:03:51.379 Tomorrow. 00:03:52.240 --> 00:03:53.200 Right? 00:03:53.320 --> 00:03:54.659 Monday, November 4th. 00:03:55.020 --> 00:03:56.180 Of course, if you're a UConn fan, 00:03:56.240 --> 00:03:57.840 you have to wait till a little later in the week. 00:03:58.280 --> 00:03:59.939 The women play their first game on Thursday. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:01.340 I think they have like a scrimmage today 00:04:01.340 --> 00:04:02.540 or some off-season game today. 00:04:02.659 --> 00:04:04.900 But the men's team will begin their season on Wednesday. 00:04:05.159 --> 00:04:07.780 Either way, all across the country, pretty soon, 00:04:08.219 --> 00:04:09.680 these athletes are going to take the court 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:11.160 and find out what they're made of. 00:04:12.640 --> 00:04:13.760 Now, if you're like me, 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:15.460 you'll watch them, 00:04:15.500 --> 00:04:16.060 and honestly, 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:19.180 you'll think that they make it look so easy. 00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:20.480 Right? 00:04:20.480 --> 00:04:23.460 As they drive and pass and shoot, 00:04:23.580 --> 00:04:25.740 as they bury shot after shot 00:04:25.740 --> 00:04:28.439 from 22, 23, 24 feet away 00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:29.600 behind the three-point line, 00:04:30.140 --> 00:04:32.360 it all just seems natural, right? 00:04:32.360 --> 00:04:33.120 It seems easy. 00:04:34.819 --> 00:04:36.280 It seems like anybody could do it 00:04:36.280 --> 00:04:37.000 when you watch them. 00:04:38.860 --> 00:04:39.879 Until, that is, 00:04:40.020 --> 00:04:43.020 you actually try it yourself. 00:04:43.759 --> 00:04:44.220 Right? 00:04:44.259 --> 00:04:46.480 Until you actually try to dribble and shoot and pass, 00:04:46.480 --> 00:04:48.900 you realize it's not as easy as it looks. 00:04:50.600 --> 00:04:51.879 So what is it? 00:04:53.140 --> 00:04:56.180 How do these young women and men get so good, 00:04:56.580 --> 00:04:57.920 so natural, 00:04:58.379 --> 00:05:00.720 at something that quite honestly 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:03.640 is really, really difficult? 00:05:03.639 --> 00:05:07.199 One word. 00:05:09.099 --> 00:05:09.539 Practice. 00:05:11.279 --> 00:05:15.500 Hours and hours and hours of practice. 00:05:17.099 --> 00:05:19.039 And that's not just true of basketball, right? 00:05:19.079 --> 00:05:20.019 Or athletics in general. 00:05:20.759 --> 00:05:23.219 Think of the hours of intentional practice 00:05:23.219 --> 00:05:26.199 represented by a great musician, 00:05:26.199 --> 00:05:27.719 or a great artist, 00:05:28.099 --> 00:05:28.979 or a great writer. 00:05:30.620 --> 00:05:32.019 You've probably heard this statistic 00:05:32.019 --> 00:05:33.740 popularized by Malcolm Gladwell 00:05:33.740 --> 00:05:35.920 that it takes 10,000 hours 00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:37.539 to become an expert in something, right? 00:05:38.079 --> 00:05:39.639 Of course, people have taken issue 00:05:39.639 --> 00:05:40.500 with that exact number. 00:05:41.180 --> 00:05:42.240 But the point is well made. 00:05:43.019 --> 00:05:43.560 The key 00:05:43.560 --> 00:05:45.339 is deliberate 00:05:45.339 --> 00:05:46.740 practice. 00:05:46.740 --> 00:05:50.759 Now, 00:05:51.019 --> 00:05:53.139 in Matthew chapter 5, 00:05:53.900 --> 00:05:56.000 in chapter 5 of Matthew's gospel 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:57.939 that we've spent nearly all of the fall 00:05:57.939 --> 00:05:59.639 studying so far, 00:06:00.439 --> 00:06:01.639 Jesus has described 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:04.460 a way of being in the world 00:06:04.460 --> 00:06:06.740 that does not come naturally. 00:06:08.220 --> 00:06:09.860 He's described a way of 00:06:09.860 --> 00:06:12.939 complete and costly faithfulness 00:06:12.939 --> 00:06:14.980 and of utter truthfulness, 00:06:14.980 --> 00:06:17.340 a way of being in the world 00:06:17.340 --> 00:06:18.400 where we respond 00:06:18.400 --> 00:06:19.939 to evil with good, 00:06:20.620 --> 00:06:21.759 a way where 00:06:21.759 --> 00:06:23.280 we love 00:06:23.280 --> 00:06:24.660 not just our family 00:06:24.660 --> 00:06:26.060 or our neighbors, 00:06:26.280 --> 00:06:26.939 but we love 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:27.759 even our enemies. 00:06:29.939 --> 00:06:32.020 So how do we become 00:06:32.020 --> 00:06:34.120 that sort of people? 00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:37.100 How does this 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:38.120 unnatural, 00:06:38.800 --> 00:06:39.960 difficult way 00:06:39.960 --> 00:06:41.319 that Jesus describes 00:06:41.319 --> 00:06:43.140 become more natural, 00:06:43.620 --> 00:06:44.660 more instinctual, 00:06:44.660 --> 00:06:45.220 in us, 00:06:45.280 --> 00:06:45.880 His followers? 00:06:48.520 --> 00:06:48.960 Well, 00:06:48.980 --> 00:06:49.439 on the one hand, 00:06:49.500 --> 00:06:49.840 of course, 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:51.460 it's God's work in us 00:06:51.460 --> 00:06:52.080 and through us 00:06:52.080 --> 00:06:53.020 through the Holy Spirit. 00:06:53.520 --> 00:06:54.460 The same Spirit 00:06:54.460 --> 00:06:55.300 that causes us 00:06:55.300 --> 00:06:57.060 to be spiritually regenerated 00:06:57.060 --> 00:06:58.220 through faith in Jesus, 00:06:58.880 --> 00:06:59.720 the same Spirit 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:00.920 that causes us 00:07:00.920 --> 00:07:01.379 to be brought 00:07:01.379 --> 00:07:01.940 from death 00:07:01.940 --> 00:07:03.120 to life spiritually, 00:07:03.300 --> 00:07:04.360 continues His work 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:05.840 to make us more like Jesus 00:07:05.840 --> 00:07:07.140 throughout our life. 00:07:07.139 --> 00:07:07.199 life. 00:07:08.779 --> 00:07:10.039 But if you ask 00:07:10.039 --> 00:07:11.599 any mature Christian, 00:07:12.599 --> 00:07:14.560 any mature Christian 00:07:14.560 --> 00:07:15.120 will tell you 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:16.500 that the Holy Spirit's work 00:07:16.500 --> 00:07:17.839 doesn't happen 00:07:17.839 --> 00:07:19.419 automatically. 00:07:22.219 --> 00:07:23.599 It takes practice. 00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:27.300 And that's what 00:07:27.300 --> 00:07:28.339 this next section 00:07:28.339 --> 00:07:29.399 of the Sermon on the Mount 00:07:29.399 --> 00:07:30.779 is all about. 00:07:31.919 --> 00:07:32.439 Practice. 00:07:32.439 --> 00:07:34.860 You see, 00:07:34.920 --> 00:07:35.740 you won't become 00:07:35.740 --> 00:07:36.319 the person 00:07:36.319 --> 00:07:37.319 of chapter 5 00:07:37.319 --> 00:07:39.339 without taking up 00:07:39.339 --> 00:07:39.980 the practices 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:40.980 of chapter 6 00:07:40.980 --> 00:07:42.620 and the other practices 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:43.339 that are described 00:07:43.339 --> 00:07:44.019 in the New Testament. 00:07:46.500 --> 00:07:46.939 So, 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:47.379 with that in mind, 00:07:47.420 --> 00:07:48.000 I want to consider 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:48.860 three things today 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:50.159 in light of this passage. 00:07:50.420 --> 00:07:50.860 First, 00:07:51.279 --> 00:07:52.019 the necessity 00:07:52.019 --> 00:07:54.060 of these spiritual practices, 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:54.860 and then second, 00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:55.519 we're going to look 00:07:55.519 --> 00:07:56.920 at the danger of them, 00:07:57.240 --> 00:07:58.139 and then third, 00:07:58.220 --> 00:07:59.159 we'll look at the reward 00:07:59.159 --> 00:08:00.420 of spiritual practices. 00:08:00.420 --> 00:08:01.560 So, 00:08:01.640 --> 00:08:01.800 first, 00:08:01.879 --> 00:08:02.660 think about the necessity 00:08:02.660 --> 00:08:03.680 of spiritual practices. 00:08:03.840 --> 00:08:04.360 In verse 1, 00:08:04.439 --> 00:08:05.160 Jesus talks about 00:08:05.160 --> 00:08:07.280 practicing your righteousness, 00:08:07.699 --> 00:08:07.900 right? 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:09.180 Doing things 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:10.560 to put it into motion, 00:08:11.180 --> 00:08:12.060 to get it going, 00:08:12.199 --> 00:08:12.780 to do it, 00:08:12.819 --> 00:08:13.680 to perform it. 00:08:15.460 --> 00:08:16.000 And of course, 00:08:16.080 --> 00:08:17.319 right away in verse 1, 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:18.080 he brings up 00:08:18.080 --> 00:08:19.319 the danger and the reward, 00:08:19.420 --> 00:08:20.060 and we'll get to those 00:08:20.060 --> 00:08:20.600 soon enough, 00:08:20.960 --> 00:08:21.540 but first, 00:08:21.639 --> 00:08:22.120 we have to see 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:23.080 this important point, 00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:24.660 that Jesus is assuming 00:08:24.660 --> 00:08:25.939 that we will be 00:08:25.939 --> 00:08:26.759 doing these things. 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:29.819 He lists three 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:31.459 very common practices here, 00:08:31.599 --> 00:08:32.399 giving to the poor, 00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:33.379 praying, 00:08:33.860 --> 00:08:34.519 and fasting. 00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:36.819 And notice, 00:08:36.919 --> 00:08:37.580 Jesus doesn't say 00:08:37.580 --> 00:08:38.279 to his disciples, 00:08:38.939 --> 00:08:40.080 if you do these things, 00:08:41.080 --> 00:08:42.039 he says, 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:42.439 when, 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:43.960 when you do these things, 00:08:44.460 --> 00:08:45.299 when you give, 00:08:45.759 --> 00:08:46.480 when you pray, 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:47.819 when you fast. 00:08:49.899 --> 00:08:50.259 Now, 00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:51.059 there's a big difference, 00:08:51.120 --> 00:08:51.299 right? 00:08:51.340 --> 00:08:52.100 There's a big difference 00:08:52.100 --> 00:08:52.659 if you say 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:53.500 to your teenager, 00:08:54.340 --> 00:08:55.639 when you clean your room, 00:08:55.639 --> 00:08:57.159 be sure to change 00:08:57.159 --> 00:08:58.159 the sheets on your bed. 00:08:59.519 --> 00:09:00.279 There's a difference 00:09:00.279 --> 00:09:00.819 between saying that 00:09:00.819 --> 00:09:01.100 and, 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:02.740 if you clean your room, 00:09:03.259 --> 00:09:04.139 be sure to change 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:05.059 the sheets on your bed. 00:09:05.919 --> 00:09:06.740 If you say, 00:09:06.939 --> 00:09:07.259 when, 00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:08.639 then you're assuming 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:09.899 they're going to clean 00:09:09.899 --> 00:09:10.259 the room. 00:09:10.580 --> 00:09:11.559 You're sort of telling them, 00:09:11.759 --> 00:09:12.240 clean the room. 00:09:13.259 --> 00:09:14.059 If you say, 00:09:14.399 --> 00:09:15.399 if you clean your room, 00:09:16.819 --> 00:09:17.480 then you know 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:18.259 that the room 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:19.279 will probably stay dirty 00:09:19.279 --> 00:09:19.980 for an indefinite 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:20.580 period of time, 00:09:20.840 --> 00:09:21.080 right? 00:09:21.080 --> 00:09:22.440 So, 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:25.980 Jesus isn't saying here 00:09:25.980 --> 00:09:26.960 that giving to the poor 00:09:26.960 --> 00:09:27.660 or praying 00:09:27.660 --> 00:09:28.180 or fasting 00:09:28.180 --> 00:09:28.900 are optional. 00:09:29.960 --> 00:09:30.820 We can just take them 00:09:30.820 --> 00:09:31.440 or leave them. 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:31.879 No, 00:09:31.900 --> 00:09:32.600 he's assuming 00:09:32.600 --> 00:09:33.460 that his disciples 00:09:33.460 --> 00:09:34.820 will indeed 00:09:34.820 --> 00:09:35.800 do these things 00:09:35.800 --> 00:09:36.879 when you give. 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:39.720 So, 00:09:39.800 --> 00:09:40.300 this underscores 00:09:40.300 --> 00:09:40.960 our first point. 00:09:41.139 --> 00:09:41.800 These practices 00:09:41.800 --> 00:09:42.940 are necessary. 00:09:43.480 --> 00:09:44.080 We might say 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:45.320 that discipleship 00:09:45.320 --> 00:09:46.340 requires 00:09:46.340 --> 00:09:48.000 some discipline, 00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:49.440 some structure. 00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:51.760 as Paul will say 00:09:51.760 --> 00:09:53.020 in 1 Timothy 4, 7, 00:09:53.800 --> 00:09:54.960 train yourself 00:09:54.960 --> 00:09:56.160 for godliness. 00:09:59.680 --> 00:10:00.740 I think a lot of us 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:01.880 take what we might call 00:10:01.880 --> 00:10:02.780 the Allen Iverson 00:10:02.780 --> 00:10:03.820 approach to Christianity. 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:05.820 Do you remember 00:10:05.820 --> 00:10:06.600 the infamous interview 00:10:06.600 --> 00:10:07.380 with Allen Iverson, 00:10:07.620 --> 00:10:07.820 right? 00:10:08.920 --> 00:10:09.820 I'm supposed to be 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:10.940 the franchise player 00:10:10.940 --> 00:10:12.220 and we're talking 00:10:12.220 --> 00:10:12.920 about practice, 00:10:13.440 --> 00:10:13.700 right? 00:10:14.480 --> 00:10:15.300 Not a game, 00:10:15.380 --> 00:10:15.860 not the game 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:16.380 I go out there 00:10:16.380 --> 00:10:16.960 and die for, 00:10:17.020 --> 00:10:17.580 but we're talking 00:10:17.580 --> 00:10:18.480 about practice. 00:10:18.640 --> 00:10:18.980 Do you remember 00:10:18.980 --> 00:10:19.420 that clip? 00:10:19.560 --> 00:10:19.740 Right? 00:10:19.820 --> 00:10:20.340 Some of you are like, 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:20.800 I thought that was 00:10:20.800 --> 00:10:21.460 from Ted Lasso. 00:10:21.540 --> 00:10:21.700 No, 00:10:21.760 --> 00:10:22.720 it's from Allen Iverson. 00:10:22.800 --> 00:10:23.340 YouTube it. 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:24.020 Go figure it out. 00:10:24.620 --> 00:10:24.940 Right? 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:26.440 You know, 00:10:26.460 --> 00:10:27.240 but the point is this. 00:10:27.280 --> 00:10:27.680 Some of us 00:10:27.680 --> 00:10:28.580 take the approach 00:10:28.580 --> 00:10:29.840 that when the moment 00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:30.320 comes, 00:10:30.400 --> 00:10:31.240 when it's game time, 00:10:31.280 --> 00:10:32.280 when we're in a situation 00:10:32.280 --> 00:10:33.500 and we need to live 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:34.140 the way that Jesus 00:10:34.140 --> 00:10:35.040 calls us to live, 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:36.300 the way of Matthew 5, 00:10:36.400 --> 00:10:37.260 the way of forsaking 00:10:37.260 --> 00:10:38.120 bitterness and anger, 00:10:38.220 --> 00:10:39.100 the way of living 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:40.020 with complete purity 00:10:40.020 --> 00:10:40.560 of heart, 00:10:40.660 --> 00:10:41.200 the way of loving 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:41.680 our enemies, 00:10:41.820 --> 00:10:43.040 the way of renouncing 00:10:43.040 --> 00:10:43.500 revenge, 00:10:43.780 --> 00:10:44.440 the way of acting 00:10:44.440 --> 00:10:45.400 with truthfulness 00:10:45.400 --> 00:10:46.000 and integrity 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:46.740 and faithfulness, 00:10:46.940 --> 00:10:48.160 we think that in the moment 00:10:48.160 --> 00:10:49.220 when the game is on, 00:10:49.220 --> 00:10:49.879 it'll just happen 00:10:49.879 --> 00:10:50.480 automatically. 00:10:51.840 --> 00:10:52.879 But it doesn't. 00:10:55.220 --> 00:10:56.759 We lust and we lie 00:10:56.759 --> 00:10:57.920 and we curse our enemies 00:10:57.920 --> 00:10:58.960 rather than bless them. 00:11:00.779 --> 00:11:01.620 And then, 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:02.800 in the aftermath, 00:11:03.040 --> 00:11:03.940 seeing our failures, 00:11:04.740 --> 00:11:05.160 we think, 00:11:05.279 --> 00:11:05.420 wait, 00:11:05.560 --> 00:11:07.040 I thought God's grace 00:11:07.040 --> 00:11:08.019 was supposed to make me 00:11:08.019 --> 00:11:08.740 a new person. 00:11:09.660 --> 00:11:11.019 I thought the Holy Spirit 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:12.000 living inside of me 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:13.060 was going to make me 00:11:13.060 --> 00:11:14.060 more like Christ 00:11:14.060 --> 00:11:15.240 from the inside out. 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:18.120 and then you get discouraged. 00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:21.360 And maybe you even 00:11:21.360 --> 00:11:22.080 start to doubt 00:11:22.080 --> 00:11:22.899 whether the promises 00:11:22.899 --> 00:11:23.539 of Christianity 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:24.360 are even true. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:25.519 Maybe this whole thing 00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:26.659 about a new life 00:11:26.659 --> 00:11:28.639 is just 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:30.759 vain, 00:11:31.299 --> 00:11:32.060 ephemeral. 00:11:32.059 --> 00:11:36.839 But the reality is 00:11:36.839 --> 00:11:39.839 we've been skipping practice. 00:11:42.199 --> 00:11:43.500 Jesus doesn't say if, 00:11:43.539 --> 00:11:44.179 he says when. 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:46.019 When you give to the poor, 00:11:46.219 --> 00:11:46.919 when you pray, 00:11:47.799 --> 00:11:48.699 when you fast. 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:51.379 Have you been 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:53.500 practicing your righteousness 00:11:53.500 --> 00:11:55.799 in these biblical ways? 00:11:55.799 --> 00:11:59.299 Consider the discipline 00:11:59.299 --> 00:11:59.959 of giving 00:11:59.959 --> 00:12:01.120 that Jesus highlights 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.259 in verses 1 through 4. 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:03.539 You see, 00:12:03.579 --> 00:12:04.659 the regular practice 00:12:04.659 --> 00:12:05.399 of giving, 00:12:05.679 --> 00:12:07.219 generously and sacrificially, 00:12:07.339 --> 00:12:08.620 especially to the poor, 00:12:09.199 --> 00:12:10.199 this practice 00:12:10.199 --> 00:12:10.759 is something 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:11.740 that the Holy Spirit 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:13.559 uses by his grace 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:15.199 to shape our hearts, 00:12:15.620 --> 00:12:16.959 to shape our habits 00:12:16.959 --> 00:12:18.779 into Christlikeness. 00:12:19.859 --> 00:12:20.599 How so? 00:12:21.579 --> 00:12:22.719 Well, think of it this way. 00:12:24.079 --> 00:12:24.620 First, 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.799 when we give, 00:12:25.860 --> 00:12:27.139 when we give generously 00:12:27.139 --> 00:12:28.100 and sacrificially, 00:12:28.240 --> 00:12:29.139 especially to the poor, 00:12:29.940 --> 00:12:30.919 we're acknowledging 00:12:30.919 --> 00:12:31.980 in that giving 00:12:31.980 --> 00:12:33.320 that everything 00:12:33.320 --> 00:12:34.080 that we own 00:12:34.080 --> 00:12:35.700 ultimately belongs to God. 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:37.759 When it comes 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:39.120 to our material possessions, 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:40.940 we can often think, 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:41.279 can't we, 00:12:41.320 --> 00:12:43.159 that I earned this 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:44.340 and I can do it, 00:12:44.740 --> 00:12:45.440 do with it 00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:46.740 as I please, right? 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:47.879 This is mine. 00:12:49.340 --> 00:12:50.980 But it's not, actually. 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:55.300 You and I are creatures. 00:12:55.600 --> 00:12:56.659 Everything that we have 00:12:56.659 --> 00:12:58.180 is a gift from our Creator. 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:00.600 All the gifts and talents, 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:02.940 all the pathways 00:13:02.940 --> 00:13:04.200 and open doors 00:13:04.200 --> 00:13:05.000 that we've experienced 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:05.779 in our life, 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.940 they're all gifts. 00:13:06.940 --> 00:13:11.780 And the practice of giving 00:13:11.780 --> 00:13:13.680 works that reality 00:13:13.680 --> 00:13:15.080 into our hearts. 00:13:16.560 --> 00:13:18.040 What you and I have 00:13:18.040 --> 00:13:20.560 is not ours by rights. 00:13:20.800 --> 00:13:21.800 It's in our hands 00:13:21.800 --> 00:13:22.380 as a gift. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:25.820 But it's not just a gift. 00:13:26.780 --> 00:13:29.100 It's an undeserved gift, actually. 00:13:30.400 --> 00:13:30.840 You see, 00:13:30.900 --> 00:13:32.360 the truth about us as humans 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:34.700 is not just that we're creatures 00:13:34.700 --> 00:13:36.080 made in the image of God. 00:13:37.940 --> 00:13:39.039 The truth is also 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:39.860 that we're sinners, 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:43.000 that we've rebelled against God, 00:13:43.800 --> 00:13:44.919 that we've not loved God 00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:46.019 with all our heart, soul, 00:13:46.159 --> 00:13:46.840 mind, and strength, 00:13:46.899 --> 00:13:48.700 that we've not kept His Word 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:49.659 as we should. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:52.100 Instead, we've created 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:53.180 and we've loved 00:13:53.180 --> 00:13:54.800 idols of our own choosing. 00:13:56.759 --> 00:13:57.899 So we don't deserve 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:58.779 God's good gifts. 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:00.360 We deserve the opposite, actually. 00:14:00.360 --> 00:14:03.060 We deserve God's wrath. 00:14:06.580 --> 00:14:07.700 But in Christ, 00:14:08.300 --> 00:14:09.740 God doesn't give us 00:14:09.740 --> 00:14:10.440 what we deserve. 00:14:11.580 --> 00:14:13.100 He gives us what we don't deserve. 00:14:13.200 --> 00:14:14.159 He gives us His grace. 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:17.399 Earlier in the service, 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:18.919 we read this from the Apostle Paul. 00:14:19.919 --> 00:14:21.080 2 Corinthians 8-9. 00:14:21.419 --> 00:14:21.759 Paul says, 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:22.620 For you know the grace 00:14:22.620 --> 00:14:23.879 of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:25.940 that though He was rich, 00:14:26.379 --> 00:14:27.279 yet for your sake 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:28.240 He became poor, 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:30.159 so that you, 00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:31.440 by His poverty, 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:32.580 might become rich. 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:35.100 You see, 00:14:35.180 --> 00:14:36.519 every time we give 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:37.759 sacrificially, 00:14:37.879 --> 00:14:38.879 especially to the poor, 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:40.419 we're reminding ourselves 00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:42.460 of the gospel of grace. 00:14:44.460 --> 00:14:45.639 When we give, 00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:46.980 especially to those 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:48.019 who cannot repay, 00:14:49.460 --> 00:14:50.100 right? 00:14:50.100 --> 00:14:52.139 And we do that. 00:14:52.220 --> 00:14:53.200 We give, 00:14:53.800 --> 00:14:55.440 especially to those 00:14:55.440 --> 00:14:56.159 who cannot repay, 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:57.860 because we've been given 00:14:57.860 --> 00:14:58.899 an undeserved gift 00:14:58.899 --> 00:15:00.540 that we could never repay. 00:15:03.420 --> 00:15:04.580 So you see what's happening. 00:15:04.700 --> 00:15:06.180 This practice of giving 00:15:06.180 --> 00:15:08.580 is working into us 00:15:08.580 --> 00:15:09.600 the truths of the gospel. 00:15:10.300 --> 00:15:11.060 We're creatures 00:15:11.060 --> 00:15:12.000 who've received everything 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:12.600 as a gift, 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:14.160 and we're sinners 00:15:14.160 --> 00:15:14.860 who've received 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:16.720 grace in Christ. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:17.879 And it's through 00:15:17.879 --> 00:15:19.139 the practice of giving 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:20.600 that's one of the ways 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:21.700 that we internalize 00:15:21.700 --> 00:15:23.100 this more and more deeply. 00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:27.300 And you know, 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:29.480 if through that practice 00:15:29.480 --> 00:15:30.040 of giving 00:15:30.040 --> 00:15:32.360 you come to internalize 00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:32.920 more and more 00:15:32.920 --> 00:15:33.940 that deep reality 00:15:33.940 --> 00:15:34.620 of the gospel, 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:37.399 then 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:39.519 when someone 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:41.120 asks something of you, 00:15:42.180 --> 00:15:43.279 like Jesus mentions 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:44.580 in Matthew 5, 42, 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:44.860 right? 00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:45.139 He says, 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:45.799 give to the one 00:15:45.799 --> 00:15:46.600 who begs from you 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:48.100 and do not refuse 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:48.759 the one who would 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:49.419 borrow from you. 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:50.120 If you've already 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:51.759 been in the practice, 00:15:52.860 --> 00:15:54.360 then you can step 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.340 to the free-for-line 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:56.439 and you can make the shot. 00:15:59.580 --> 00:15:59.980 Now, 00:16:00.039 --> 00:16:00.840 press a little deeper. 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:03.439 If through giving 00:16:03.439 --> 00:16:04.379 your heart 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:05.199 has been trained 00:16:05.199 --> 00:16:06.000 to be generous 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:08.000 because you see 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:08.600 more and more 00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:09.740 that everything you have 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.939 is an undeserved gift, 00:16:11.939 --> 00:16:13.039 then what about 00:16:13.039 --> 00:16:14.600 when someone wrongs you? 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:18.439 The proverbial slap 00:16:18.439 --> 00:16:19.240 on the cheek, right? 00:16:19.279 --> 00:16:20.399 How will we respond 00:16:20.399 --> 00:16:21.240 to offense? 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:23.080 Will we suddenly 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:24.500 grip our rights 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:26.159 and demand repayment, 00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:27.319 an eye for an eye? 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:31.559 Or will our hearts 00:16:31.559 --> 00:16:32.600 have the habit 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:34.759 already ingrained 00:16:34.759 --> 00:16:37.199 to respond 00:16:37.199 --> 00:16:38.259 with generosity, 00:16:38.939 --> 00:16:41.179 even sacrificially so, 00:16:41.179 --> 00:16:42.959 even to those 00:16:42.959 --> 00:16:44.239 who may not deserve it 00:16:44.239 --> 00:16:46.699 and who can't repay us 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:47.500 in the right way? 00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:51.979 Is not my reputation 00:16:51.979 --> 00:16:53.659 also a gift from God, 00:16:54.459 --> 00:16:56.059 an undeserved gift? 00:16:57.559 --> 00:16:58.779 Isn't that the very truth 00:16:58.779 --> 00:16:59.319 of the gospel, 00:16:59.439 --> 00:17:00.819 that we get a reputation 00:17:00.819 --> 00:17:01.459 from Christ 00:17:01.459 --> 00:17:02.819 that's not our own, 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:03.919 that we don't deserve? 00:17:03.919 --> 00:17:09.159 So even to the offense, 00:17:09.559 --> 00:17:10.500 we can respond 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:11.339 with generosity, 00:17:12.639 --> 00:17:13.920 turning the other cheek, 00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:15.579 giving something 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:16.839 that's undeserved. 00:17:20.339 --> 00:17:21.839 We become the people 00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:22.920 of chapter 5 00:17:22.920 --> 00:17:24.279 through practice. 00:17:26.980 --> 00:17:28.420 Now here's the hopeful thing. 00:17:29.379 --> 00:17:30.319 Here's the hopeful thing. 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:31.059 Whereas, 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:32.200 turning the other cheek 00:17:32.200 --> 00:17:33.440 and giving to the one 00:17:33.440 --> 00:17:34.120 who asks us 00:17:34.120 --> 00:17:35.120 are really hard 00:17:35.120 --> 00:17:36.360 and they don't come naturally, 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:36.740 right? 00:17:38.019 --> 00:17:39.519 This practice of giving 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:42.519 is actually doable. 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:44.759 It's not necessarily 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:45.980 simple or easy, 00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:48.120 but it's doable 00:17:48.120 --> 00:17:49.080 for those who have 00:17:49.080 --> 00:17:49.720 the Holy Spirit. 00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:50.980 You see, 00:17:51.140 --> 00:17:51.900 spiritual practices 00:17:51.900 --> 00:17:53.380 are things we can do 00:17:53.380 --> 00:17:54.960 that the Holy Spirit 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:55.980 uses to shape us 00:17:55.980 --> 00:17:56.840 into the sort of people 00:17:56.840 --> 00:17:57.940 who can then go 00:17:57.940 --> 00:17:58.460 and do the things 00:17:58.460 --> 00:17:58.900 we didn't think 00:17:58.900 --> 00:17:59.539 we could do. 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:05.140 So this is the first point 00:18:05.140 --> 00:18:05.279 then, 00:18:05.299 --> 00:18:05.819 the necessity 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:06.940 of spiritual practices. 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:09.259 And I think the question is, 00:18:09.340 --> 00:18:10.019 are you and I, 00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:11.539 are we practicing? 00:18:15.100 --> 00:18:15.799 Now this leads 00:18:15.799 --> 00:18:16.480 to the second point, 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:17.039 the danger 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:18.019 of spiritual practices. 00:18:18.440 --> 00:18:18.840 Beware, 00:18:19.100 --> 00:18:20.080 Jesus says in verse 1. 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:20.720 Beware. 00:18:20.840 --> 00:18:21.799 There's a danger here 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:23.180 and the danger is this. 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:23.640 He says, 00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:24.660 beware of practicing 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.319 your righteousness 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.519 before other people 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:28.160 in order to be seen 00:18:28.160 --> 00:18:28.720 by them. 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:30.279 You see, 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:31.339 because of indwelling 00:18:31.339 --> 00:18:32.740 and remaining sin 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:33.480 in our hearts, 00:18:33.519 --> 00:18:34.380 we can take 00:18:34.380 --> 00:18:35.480 a good thing 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:36.900 like sacrificial giving, 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.900 especially to those 00:18:37.900 --> 00:18:38.400 in need, 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:40.000 and we can twist it 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:40.640 as a means 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:42.319 to exalt our own ego. 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:43.680 Right? 00:18:44.819 --> 00:18:45.759 The danger 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:47.299 is always present 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:49.259 that we will become, 00:18:49.360 --> 00:18:49.980 as Jesus says 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:50.680 in verse 2, 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:52.440 like the hypocrites. 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:56.819 Now the word hypocrite 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:57.679 originally meant 00:18:57.679 --> 00:18:58.740 an actor, 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.240 someone who wore 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:02.700 a costume and a mask 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:04.099 and performed a part 00:19:04.099 --> 00:19:04.559 in a drama. 00:19:06.379 --> 00:19:07.879 And what do actors do? 00:19:08.939 --> 00:19:10.079 Actors get on a stage 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:11.579 and a crowd gathers 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:12.939 and they perform 00:19:12.939 --> 00:19:13.599 their role 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:14.960 for the purpose 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:16.000 of human applause. 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:19.200 Now just to be clear, 00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:20.299 Jesus isn't condemning 00:19:20.299 --> 00:19:21.259 the theatrical arts, 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:21.460 right? 00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:22.319 If you're a theater major, 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:23.579 wonderful, right? 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.279 Go for it. 00:19:24.339 --> 00:19:24.960 We need Christians 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:25.740 who are salt and light 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:26.480 in the world of theater. 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:28.899 Jesus is obviously 00:19:28.899 --> 00:19:30.179 making a spiritual point here. 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:34.000 If we do engage 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:35.619 in our spiritual practices 00:19:35.619 --> 00:19:36.980 like an actor 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:37.879 on the stage, 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:40.839 then that's a serious problem. 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.679 That's a serious problem. 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:45.359 After all, 00:19:46.159 --> 00:19:47.339 who are the actors 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:48.240 when the crowd 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:49.000 leaves the theater 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:50.059 and the lights go down? 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:52.839 When no one is there 00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:53.899 to see and applaud 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:54.599 and they take off 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:55.079 the costume 00:19:55.079 --> 00:19:55.879 and they take off 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:56.340 the mask, 00:19:56.620 --> 00:19:57.280 who are they? 00:20:00.840 --> 00:20:02.040 They're their old self. 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:04.200 They're not the person 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:05.060 they were performing. 00:20:06.180 --> 00:20:06.960 They're just 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:08.920 themselves. 00:20:11.560 --> 00:20:12.100 You see, 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.560 if we do spiritual practices 00:20:13.560 --> 00:20:14.980 in order to be seen 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:15.760 by others, 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:17.500 Jesus says, 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:18.420 then that's it. 00:20:19.260 --> 00:20:20.580 You have your reward. 00:20:20.579 --> 00:20:21.579 Your reward. 00:20:21.579 --> 00:20:22.319 Your reward is simply 00:20:22.319 --> 00:20:23.179 the fleeting, 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:25.240 empty praise of humans, 00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:25.859 but you, 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.240 you remain 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:28.439 your old self. 00:20:30.980 --> 00:20:32.339 This is why 00:20:32.339 --> 00:20:35.159 seemingly godly Christians 00:20:35.159 --> 00:20:37.240 and seemingly godly 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:38.000 Christian leaders, 00:20:38.859 --> 00:20:39.799 even those with all 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.480 the right theology, 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.379 even those with all 00:20:41.379 --> 00:20:42.720 the right external actions, 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:45.500 can sin so spectacularly. 00:20:50.180 --> 00:20:51.500 Because for years 00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:52.519 and years, 00:20:53.079 --> 00:20:54.440 their spiritual practices 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:56.440 were done primarily 00:20:56.440 --> 00:20:57.920 like an actor 00:20:57.920 --> 00:20:58.740 on the stage. 00:21:00.120 --> 00:21:01.460 They did it to be seen 00:21:01.460 --> 00:21:02.200 by others, 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.759 to be seen as godly, 00:21:04.860 --> 00:21:05.900 to be seen as spiritual, 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:07.160 to be seen as wise. 00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:08.460 But when the crowds 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:09.080 go away 00:21:09.080 --> 00:21:10.519 and the lights went down, 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:11.840 they took off the costume, 00:21:12.040 --> 00:21:13.019 they took off the mask, 00:21:13.360 --> 00:21:14.300 they took off the makeup, 00:21:14.580 --> 00:21:16.040 and they were unchanged. 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:20.060 They were still 00:21:20.060 --> 00:21:20.820 their old self. 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:24.900 Essentially, 00:21:25.019 --> 00:21:25.600 they did nothing 00:21:25.600 --> 00:21:26.480 but build up treasures 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:27.019 on earth 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:28.500 where moth and rust 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:29.000 destroy 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:30.000 and where thieves 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:30.900 break in and steal. 00:21:32.040 --> 00:21:32.880 It was all done 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:33.960 to be seen by others. 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:36.860 Did you know that hypocrisy 00:21:36.859 --> 00:21:37.959 is one of the greatest reasons 00:21:37.959 --> 00:21:39.019 why people leave the church? 00:21:39.279 --> 00:21:40.419 Just time and time again, 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.439 statistics show that. 00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:47.719 It's easy to point 00:21:47.719 --> 00:21:48.419 the finger at others, 00:21:48.479 --> 00:21:48.799 isn't it? 00:21:49.219 --> 00:21:49.919 What about us? 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:52.099 When we give, 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:55.139 are we blowing a trumpet 00:21:55.139 --> 00:21:56.079 so that others see? 00:21:58.399 --> 00:21:58.839 Of course, 00:21:58.879 --> 00:21:59.659 it's never that obvious, 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.319 is it, right? 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:01.839 Jesus isn't literally saying 00:22:01.839 --> 00:22:02.659 like there were people 00:22:02.659 --> 00:22:03.619 when the offering plate 00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:04.399 came around, 00:22:04.459 --> 00:22:04.740 they were like, 00:22:04.819 --> 00:22:05.439 boop, boop, boop, boop. 00:22:06.859 --> 00:22:07.359 You know, 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:08.419 so. 00:22:10.399 --> 00:22:11.519 And we don't do that either, 00:22:11.839 --> 00:22:12.119 right? 00:22:12.339 --> 00:22:12.979 You're not sort of 00:22:12.979 --> 00:22:14.479 opening your wallet 00:22:14.479 --> 00:22:15.079 and sort of 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:16.979 letting everyone see you 00:22:16.979 --> 00:22:17.479 put it in. 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:18.839 You know, 00:22:18.859 --> 00:22:19.419 it's more likely 00:22:19.419 --> 00:22:20.439 a casual comment 00:22:20.439 --> 00:22:21.359 dropped here or there 00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:22.179 in a conversation 00:22:22.179 --> 00:22:24.679 about the charity work 00:22:24.679 --> 00:22:25.079 we did 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:25.659 or the cause 00:22:25.659 --> 00:22:26.459 that we give to, 00:22:26.839 --> 00:22:27.179 you know. 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.039 Nothing wrong 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:29.000 with sharing what you do. 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:29.759 There's nothing wrong, 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:30.559 as Jesus says early 00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:31.179 in the Sermon on the Mount, 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:31.559 with others 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:33.359 seeing your good deeds 00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:34.079 and glorifying 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:35.059 our Father in heaven. 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:37.419 But sometimes 00:22:37.419 --> 00:22:38.399 we share those things 00:22:38.399 --> 00:22:39.639 in order to be seen 00:22:39.639 --> 00:22:40.200 by others, 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:40.639 don't we? 00:22:43.399 --> 00:22:44.159 It's hoping, 00:22:44.339 --> 00:22:44.579 right? 00:22:44.619 --> 00:22:45.480 It's hoping that others 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.039 will see you 00:22:46.039 --> 00:22:46.839 as a good person 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:47.839 or a generous person 00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:48.720 or hoping that others 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:49.759 will see you 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:50.639 and know that you're 00:22:50.639 --> 00:22:51.519 not like those other 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.179 kind of people 00:22:52.179 --> 00:22:52.819 who are selfish 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:53.460 and stingy 00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:54.159 and don't care about 00:22:54.159 --> 00:22:54.819 economic justice 00:22:54.819 --> 00:22:55.480 like you do, 00:22:56.220 --> 00:22:56.539 right? 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:00.039 But let's push 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:00.919 a little deeper even. 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:04.500 when we give, 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:07.039 does our giving 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:09.080 make us feel 00:23:09.080 --> 00:23:10.240 solidarity 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:12.160 or superiority? 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:17.080 Is our giving done 00:23:17.080 --> 00:23:18.100 because we know, 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:20.120 we know we aren't 00:23:20.120 --> 00:23:20.880 any better 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:21.560 than the ones 00:23:21.560 --> 00:23:22.519 that we give to 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:25.080 and this is a way 00:23:25.080 --> 00:23:25.800 to express 00:23:25.800 --> 00:23:26.680 and forge 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:27.600 that solidarity? 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:32.319 Is that how we give? 00:23:33.459 --> 00:23:34.299 Or is it done 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:35.480 as an act of superiority? 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:38.199 Well, how do you know 00:23:38.199 --> 00:23:38.639 you're doing it 00:23:38.639 --> 00:23:39.480 as an act of superiority? 00:23:41.419 --> 00:23:42.359 How do you feel 00:23:42.359 --> 00:23:43.740 when someone 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.759 doesn't say thank you? 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:47.839 If you give 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.459 sacrificially, 00:23:48.639 --> 00:23:48.959 generously, 00:23:49.099 --> 00:23:49.480 and the gift 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:50.240 isn't acknowledged, 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:50.839 no card, 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:51.639 no thank you, 00:23:51.679 --> 00:23:52.179 how do you feel? 00:23:52.179 --> 00:23:52.199 How do you feel? 00:23:52.199 --> 00:23:52.219 How do you feel? 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.419 It's easier, 00:23:58.899 --> 00:24:00.539 it's much easier 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:01.359 to be a hypocrite 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:01.939 than we think. 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:05.579 And it's much more 00:24:05.579 --> 00:24:06.759 dangerous than we realize. 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:08.519 Beware, 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:09.419 Jesus says, 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:10.939 lest 00:24:10.939 --> 00:24:12.659 our spiritual practices 00:24:12.659 --> 00:24:13.419 like giving 00:24:13.419 --> 00:24:14.419 be more about 00:24:14.419 --> 00:24:15.859 bolstering our own ego 00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:17.139 instead of humbling 00:24:17.139 --> 00:24:17.879 and transforming 00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:18.539 our hearts. 00:24:22.059 --> 00:24:23.139 So what's the answer? 00:24:24.139 --> 00:24:24.639 How do we 00:24:24.639 --> 00:24:25.719 counteract 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:26.960 the actor, 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.600 the hypocrite 00:24:27.600 --> 00:24:28.220 that's in all 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:28.960 of our hearts? 00:24:31.700 --> 00:24:32.539 Jesus says this, 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:32.860 he says, 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:33.400 when you give 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:34.100 to the needy, 00:24:34.880 --> 00:24:35.779 don't let your 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:36.700 left hand know 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.620 what your right hand 00:24:37.620 --> 00:24:38.180 is doing 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:40.220 so that your giving 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:41.180 may be in secret. 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.220 This is something 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:44.880 Jesus will say 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:45.620 again and again 00:24:45.620 --> 00:24:46.299 in this passage. 00:24:46.400 --> 00:24:47.019 When you give, 00:24:47.100 --> 00:24:47.700 when you pray, 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.539 when you fast, 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.500 do it in secret, 00:24:49.680 --> 00:24:50.279 do it so that 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:51.660 no one else sees. 00:24:53.120 --> 00:24:54.759 Give so anonymously, 00:24:54.759 --> 00:24:56.140 so discreetly, 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:57.339 it's as if not even 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.220 your right hand 00:24:58.220 --> 00:24:58.759 knows what your 00:24:58.759 --> 00:24:59.599 left hand's doing. 00:25:02.359 --> 00:25:03.319 What if no one 00:25:03.319 --> 00:25:03.839 ever knew, 00:25:03.940 --> 00:25:04.559 what if no one 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.559 ever would know 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:06.879 how much you gave? 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:09.400 That's the challenge. 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:10.299 That's the invitation 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:11.039 that Jesus puts 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:11.720 before us. 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.279 Give in such a way 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:14.379 that no one will see 00:25:14.379 --> 00:25:15.879 and no one will know. 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:18.799 Then your practice 00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:20.220 will start to become 00:25:20.220 --> 00:25:20.740 more about 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.859 transforming your heart 00:25:21.859 --> 00:25:23.019 and not stoking 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.700 your pride. 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:23.779 God. 00:25:28.580 --> 00:25:29.279 Now this leads 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:30.100 on to our last point. 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:32.259 Again, Jesus has shown 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:32.900 us the necessity 00:25:32.900 --> 00:25:34.240 of these spiritual practices 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:35.160 and he's pointed out 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:36.000 the danger of doing 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.960 them for the wrong reasons. 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:38.080 And third and last, 00:25:38.120 --> 00:25:38.500 he talks about 00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:39.840 the reward of them. 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.400 Let's pick up again 00:25:41.400 --> 00:25:41.860 in verse 3. 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:42.220 He says, 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:42.980 But when you give 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.480 to the needy, 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:44.079 do not let your 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:44.680 left hand know 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:45.319 what your right hand 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:46.559 is doing so that 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.240 your giving may be 00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:47.779 in secret. 00:25:48.420 --> 00:25:49.380 And your Father, 00:25:50.140 --> 00:25:51.500 who sees in secret, 00:25:52.120 --> 00:25:54.000 will reward you. 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.980 When no one else 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:58.920 sees and no one 00:25:58.920 --> 00:26:00.120 else knows, 00:26:01.079 --> 00:26:01.819 Jesus says, 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:03.500 your heavenly Father 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:04.460 sees and knows. 00:26:06.059 --> 00:26:07.039 Nothing is hidden 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:07.519 from him. 00:26:08.100 --> 00:26:08.960 Nothing is secret 00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:09.480 from him. 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:11.900 There's an old 00:26:11.900 --> 00:26:13.059 catechism that we used 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:13.839 to do with our kids. 00:26:14.660 --> 00:26:15.539 One of the questions 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.299 early on was, 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:16.980 you know, 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:17.920 can you see God? 00:26:18.339 --> 00:26:19.039 And the answer was, 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:19.539 no, 00:26:19.799 --> 00:26:21.099 I cannot see God, 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:22.880 but he always sees me. 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:23.599 You know, 00:26:24.120 --> 00:26:24.599 it's great. 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:28.200 But what a wonderful truth 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:29.599 that the things we do 00:26:29.599 --> 00:26:31.200 away from the eyes 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:31.700 of others 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.519 in secret, 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:34.220 God sees 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.299 and God knows. 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:37.259 You see, 00:26:37.339 --> 00:26:38.339 when we practice 00:26:38.339 --> 00:26:39.980 giving quietly, 00:26:40.600 --> 00:26:41.400 anonymously, 00:26:41.400 --> 00:26:42.039 when we don't draw 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:43.299 attention to ourselves, 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.579 what we're doing is 00:26:44.579 --> 00:26:45.500 is that we're weaning 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.299 our hearts 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.460 from human praise. 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:49.319 We're getting off 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:51.400 that addiction 00:26:51.400 --> 00:26:52.480 to human praise, 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:53.180 and we're training 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:53.779 our hearts 00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:55.180 to desire the approval 00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:56.039 of God alone. 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.620 We're training 00:26:57.620 --> 00:26:58.259 our hearts 00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:59.839 to want to please God, 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.880 not people. 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:04.740 And in so doing, 00:27:04.860 --> 00:27:05.420 Jesus says, 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:07.160 there's a great reward. 00:27:09.760 --> 00:27:10.360 You know, 00:27:10.400 --> 00:27:10.780 it's interesting 00:27:10.780 --> 00:27:11.440 that for Jesus 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:12.800 it's not a question 00:27:12.800 --> 00:27:15.240 of whether or not 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:17.820 a human will be motivated 00:27:17.820 --> 00:27:19.040 by a reward, 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:19.440 right? 00:27:20.300 --> 00:27:20.740 It's interesting. 00:27:20.900 --> 00:27:22.300 Both the actor, 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:23.240 both the hypocrite, 00:27:23.300 --> 00:27:24.640 and the genuine disciple 00:27:24.640 --> 00:27:25.560 in Jesus' thinking 00:27:25.560 --> 00:27:27.220 are after a reward. 00:27:28.260 --> 00:27:29.440 It's just a question 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:30.880 of which reward 00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:32.380 do they treasure more? 00:27:33.780 --> 00:27:34.660 Will you go after 00:27:34.660 --> 00:27:36.300 the reward of human praise 00:27:36.300 --> 00:27:37.100 and approval? 00:27:37.560 --> 00:27:38.120 If so, 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:38.640 Jesus says, 00:27:38.760 --> 00:27:38.980 okay, 00:27:39.420 --> 00:27:40.940 then you'll have it. 00:27:44.100 --> 00:27:45.560 You got what you're after. 00:27:47.340 --> 00:27:48.420 Praise and adoration. 00:27:49.900 --> 00:27:51.120 But does it last? 00:27:51.980 --> 00:27:52.980 And does it satisfy? 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:55.460 Of course not. 00:27:55.460 --> 00:27:58.460 But notice then, 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.420 Jesus doesn't turn around 00:27:59.420 --> 00:27:59.900 and say, 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:00.960 well, 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:01.600 the problem is 00:28:01.600 --> 00:28:02.460 you shouldn't do things 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:03.620 for a reward at all. 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:04.460 You should just do them 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.340 because it's the right thing 00:28:05.340 --> 00:28:05.700 to do. 00:28:07.400 --> 00:28:08.059 It's interesting. 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:09.440 Jesus is much more wise, 00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:10.960 much wiser than that. 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:14.000 He knows that the human heart 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:15.720 always does something 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:16.680 for a reason, 00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:18.019 for a goal, 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:19.600 for a telos, 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.360 for a reward. 00:28:22.420 --> 00:28:23.640 Every deed is done 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:24.340 because the heart 00:28:24.340 --> 00:28:25.140 treasures something. 00:28:27.180 --> 00:28:28.080 The question is, 00:28:28.120 --> 00:28:29.080 what do you want to treasure? 00:28:29.780 --> 00:28:30.900 What is it you prize? 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:33.540 Your heavenly Father, 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.140 Jesus says, 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:34.860 rewards 00:28:34.860 --> 00:28:36.900 those who give 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:37.980 not for the praise of people 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.300 but simply for the gaze 00:28:39.300 --> 00:28:39.820 of God. 00:28:42.300 --> 00:28:43.800 And what is that reward? 00:28:45.640 --> 00:28:46.780 What is the reward 00:28:46.780 --> 00:28:48.140 that Jesus talks about here? 00:28:48.140 --> 00:28:48.840 Well, 00:28:50.040 --> 00:28:50.840 I think it's safe to say 00:28:50.840 --> 00:28:51.400 that it's certainly 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:53.140 not a material reward. 00:28:54.120 --> 00:28:55.080 It's not as if Jesus 00:28:55.080 --> 00:28:55.960 is saying that God 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:56.920 promises us 00:28:56.920 --> 00:28:58.660 masses of earthly wealth 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.600 and health 00:28:59.600 --> 00:29:00.800 if we give to the needy, 00:29:00.860 --> 00:29:01.100 right? 00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:03.840 Well, 00:29:03.860 --> 00:29:04.440 if that's not it, 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:05.140 then what is it? 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:07.080 Well, 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:07.720 one of the rewards 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.420 that we mentioned 00:29:08.420 --> 00:29:09.880 we've already talked about 00:29:09.880 --> 00:29:10.740 in the first point, 00:29:10.800 --> 00:29:11.020 right? 00:29:11.420 --> 00:29:12.200 One of the rewards 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:13.160 is being forged 00:29:13.160 --> 00:29:13.800 more and more 00:29:13.800 --> 00:29:15.480 into genuine 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:16.780 Christ-like character. 00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:18.639 The Father will make us 00:29:18.639 --> 00:29:19.619 by the Holy Spirit 00:29:19.619 --> 00:29:20.940 more and more like Christ, 00:29:21.059 --> 00:29:21.619 more and more 00:29:21.619 --> 00:29:22.779 like the sort of people 00:29:22.779 --> 00:29:23.779 that Jesus describes 00:29:23.779 --> 00:29:24.680 in Matthew 5. 00:29:25.399 --> 00:29:25.819 You see, 00:29:25.879 --> 00:29:26.379 when the actors 00:29:26.379 --> 00:29:27.279 have no one around, 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:28.480 when the crowds go home 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:29.500 and the lights go down, 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:30.359 when they take off 00:29:30.359 --> 00:29:30.859 their mask 00:29:30.859 --> 00:29:31.460 and their costume, 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.059 who are they? 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:33.319 They're their old self, 00:29:33.379 --> 00:29:33.579 right? 00:29:33.639 --> 00:29:35.220 But for the genuine disciple, 00:29:36.619 --> 00:29:38.460 when the crowds go home 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:40.099 and the lights go off, 00:29:40.200 --> 00:29:40.859 who are they? 00:29:43.740 --> 00:29:44.579 They're becoming 00:29:44.579 --> 00:29:45.639 something new. 00:29:46.779 --> 00:29:48.940 not their old self, 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:51.299 but their true self, 00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:52.039 you see. 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:56.019 Right there, 00:29:56.139 --> 00:29:57.500 whether people are watching 00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:58.879 or not watching, 00:29:59.740 --> 00:30:02.200 they're like a new tree 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:03.899 pushing up through the dirt 00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:06.099 with roots that are sinking down 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:06.879 deeper and deeper 00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:08.259 and their branches are spreading 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:10.279 and their leaves are evergreen 00:30:10.279 --> 00:30:11.720 and they're bearing fruit 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:13.480 in season and out of season. 00:30:13.480 --> 00:30:16.880 That's what's happening. 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:19.779 And you know, 00:30:19.860 --> 00:30:22.220 unlike the fleeting praise 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:22.880 of people, 00:30:23.240 --> 00:30:24.259 this reward, 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:25.759 it never fades. 00:30:27.339 --> 00:30:28.360 This is the treasure 00:30:28.360 --> 00:30:29.279 that doesn't rust 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:30.079 and doesn't decay 00:30:30.079 --> 00:30:30.819 and that thieves 00:30:30.819 --> 00:30:31.700 can never break in 00:30:31.700 --> 00:30:32.259 and steal it. 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:33.519 It will extend 00:30:33.519 --> 00:30:34.539 into eternity, 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:35.620 into the new heavens 00:30:35.620 --> 00:30:36.220 and new earth. 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:38.319 In fact, 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:40.000 becoming your true self 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:40.740 in Christ, 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:43.900 it is that coming 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:44.620 new creation 00:30:44.620 --> 00:30:45.720 right now 00:30:45.720 --> 00:30:47.640 sprouting forth 00:30:47.640 --> 00:30:48.500 in the present. 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:54.980 We're becoming partakers 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:56.420 of the divine nature, 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:57.779 as Peter says 00:30:57.779 --> 00:30:58.620 in his second letter. 00:30:58.619 --> 00:31:03.000 But you know, 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:03.819 I think there's another 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:06.619 sense to this reward 00:31:06.619 --> 00:31:08.479 that Jesus talks about 00:31:08.479 --> 00:31:09.599 and in some sense 00:31:09.599 --> 00:31:11.859 it's much simpler 00:31:11.859 --> 00:31:13.139 and it's much more 00:31:13.139 --> 00:31:13.500 straightforward, 00:31:14.219 --> 00:31:15.599 but it's no less profound. 00:31:18.159 --> 00:31:19.359 As we look at this passage, 00:31:19.519 --> 00:31:19.699 you know, 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.179 compare it, right? 00:31:21.219 --> 00:31:22.239 If the reward 00:31:22.239 --> 00:31:23.500 for the actors, 00:31:23.619 --> 00:31:24.299 for the hypocrites, 00:31:24.459 --> 00:31:25.279 is human praise 00:31:25.279 --> 00:31:25.759 and approval, 00:31:26.199 --> 00:31:26.939 if it's glory 00:31:26.939 --> 00:31:27.379 in the eyes 00:31:27.379 --> 00:31:28.019 of other people, 00:31:28.619 --> 00:31:29.779 then what's the reward 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.819 of the genuine disciple? 00:31:32.159 --> 00:31:33.039 Not the praise 00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:34.279 or approval of humans, 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:36.599 but the praise 00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:37.699 and approval of God. 00:31:39.359 --> 00:31:40.839 The fatherly word 00:31:40.839 --> 00:31:41.699 of assurance. 00:31:43.539 --> 00:31:45.059 The simple smile 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:45.579 of God 00:31:45.579 --> 00:31:46.619 upon his daughters 00:31:46.619 --> 00:31:47.179 and sons, 00:31:47.299 --> 00:31:47.619 saying, 00:31:48.319 --> 00:31:49.059 I'm yours 00:31:49.059 --> 00:31:50.500 and you're mine. 00:31:51.319 --> 00:31:52.179 Well done, 00:31:52.500 --> 00:31:53.679 good and faithful servant. 00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:59.460 Tolkien wrote this beautiful line 00:31:59.460 --> 00:32:00.299 in the Lord of the Rings. 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:00.820 He said, 00:32:00.920 --> 00:32:01.759 the praise 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:03.440 of the praiseworthy 00:32:03.440 --> 00:32:05.820 is above all rewards. 00:32:08.720 --> 00:32:10.980 To know that God sees 00:32:10.980 --> 00:32:12.820 and God knows 00:32:12.820 --> 00:32:14.640 and he is pleased, 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:17.019 is there any greater reward? 00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:19.900 the one who created 00:32:19.900 --> 00:32:20.619 the stars 00:32:20.619 --> 00:32:21.420 and the planets 00:32:21.420 --> 00:32:22.639 and all their brilliance, 00:32:22.639 --> 00:32:23.740 the mountains, 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:25.279 the seas, 00:32:25.379 --> 00:32:26.799 the one whose glory 00:32:26.799 --> 00:32:27.980 shines forth 00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:30.019 with every rising sun 00:32:30.019 --> 00:32:32.279 and every winter frost, 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:34.400 the God who is so 00:32:34.400 --> 00:32:36.759 unbelievably good 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:38.059 and holy 00:32:38.059 --> 00:32:39.279 and beautiful, 00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:42.000 the God who is surrounded 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:43.740 in unending praise 00:32:43.740 --> 00:32:45.039 for all eternity, 00:32:46.120 --> 00:32:46.299 right? 00:32:46.380 --> 00:32:47.079 This God 00:32:47.079 --> 00:32:49.440 whom just a glimpse, 00:32:49.579 --> 00:32:50.339 just a glimpse 00:32:50.339 --> 00:32:51.079 of this God 00:32:51.079 --> 00:32:51.759 would be either 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:53.440 total terror 00:32:53.440 --> 00:32:54.839 for the unforgiven 00:32:54.839 --> 00:32:57.279 or total ravishing delight 00:32:57.279 --> 00:32:58.359 for those whose sins 00:32:58.359 --> 00:32:59.299 have been forgiven. 00:32:59.620 --> 00:33:00.640 That God 00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:03.880 looks upon us 00:33:03.880 --> 00:33:05.819 as his children in Christ 00:33:05.819 --> 00:33:06.519 and says, 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:09.160 that's my son, 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:11.200 that's my daughter, 00:33:11.980 --> 00:33:13.720 with them I'm well pleased. 00:33:13.740 --> 00:33:13.839 Christ. 00:33:15.900 --> 00:33:17.200 The praise 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:18.940 of the praiseworthy 00:33:18.940 --> 00:33:21.380 is above all rewards. 00:33:25.460 --> 00:33:26.859 The question is, 00:33:27.180 --> 00:33:29.579 are you in Christ? 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:33.180 Are you in this kind 00:33:33.180 --> 00:33:34.440 of relationship 00:33:34.440 --> 00:33:35.599 with God 00:33:35.599 --> 00:33:36.559 as your heavenly Father? 00:33:38.900 --> 00:33:39.279 You see, 00:33:39.319 --> 00:33:39.799 we've talked a lot 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:40.940 about practices this morning, 00:33:41.000 --> 00:33:41.579 but the truth is 00:33:41.579 --> 00:33:42.660 you don't become 00:33:42.660 --> 00:33:43.700 a forgiven son 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.440 or daughter of God 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:45.080 through practice. 00:33:45.779 --> 00:33:46.700 That's not how you 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:47.500 get into the family. 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:48.860 That's not what makes you 00:33:48.860 --> 00:33:50.080 a Christian in the first place. 00:33:50.300 --> 00:33:52.380 You can't give your way 00:33:52.380 --> 00:33:53.620 into God's forgiveness 00:33:53.620 --> 00:33:54.960 and you can't purchase it 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:55.960 or buy it 00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:56.900 or earn it. 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:59.240 You can only receive it. 00:34:01.120 --> 00:34:02.100 Go back again 00:34:02.100 --> 00:34:02.980 to the words of Paul, 00:34:03.120 --> 00:34:04.259 for you know the grace 00:34:04.259 --> 00:34:05.660 of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:07.360 that though he was rich, 00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:08.240 yet for your sakes 00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:09.320 he became poor. 00:34:09.320 --> 00:34:10.000 Why? 00:34:10.120 --> 00:34:10.820 So that you, 00:34:11.200 --> 00:34:12.120 by his poverty, 00:34:12.240 --> 00:34:13.260 could become rich. 00:34:15.100 --> 00:34:16.640 That's the exchange 00:34:16.640 --> 00:34:18.160 that makes someone 00:34:18.160 --> 00:34:18.700 a Christian, 00:34:18.860 --> 00:34:19.760 that brings them 00:34:19.760 --> 00:34:21.200 into this saving relationship 00:34:21.200 --> 00:34:22.080 with God 00:34:22.080 --> 00:34:23.039 as their heavenly Father. 00:34:23.920 --> 00:34:25.160 And when did Christ 00:34:25.160 --> 00:34:26.039 become poor? 00:34:27.780 --> 00:34:29.039 Well, at the cross, 00:34:29.100 --> 00:34:30.680 when he emptied himself 00:34:30.680 --> 00:34:32.640 and died in the place 00:34:32.640 --> 00:34:33.080 of sinners. 00:34:33.220 --> 00:34:35.100 When every debt of sin 00:34:35.100 --> 00:34:35.960 that we had accrued 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:36.900 throughout our whole life, 00:34:36.900 --> 00:34:38.740 Christ willingly took 00:34:38.740 --> 00:34:39.500 upon himself. 00:34:41.660 --> 00:34:43.720 And how does Christ 00:34:43.720 --> 00:34:45.300 becoming poor in that way 00:34:45.300 --> 00:34:46.559 make us rich? 00:34:48.559 --> 00:34:49.800 Because as he takes 00:34:49.800 --> 00:34:51.019 all of our debt, 00:34:52.300 --> 00:34:54.240 he gives us in exchange 00:34:54.240 --> 00:34:57.460 his righteous record, 00:34:57.579 --> 00:34:59.039 his perfect life. 00:34:59.980 --> 00:35:01.260 All the wealth 00:35:01.260 --> 00:35:02.700 that he has merited 00:35:02.700 --> 00:35:04.099 through his perfect life 00:35:04.099 --> 00:35:05.819 is credited to us 00:35:05.819 --> 00:35:07.019 simply through faith. 00:35:09.440 --> 00:35:10.519 To all those 00:35:10.519 --> 00:35:11.139 who admit 00:35:11.139 --> 00:35:12.039 that they're spiritually 00:35:12.039 --> 00:35:13.279 bankrupt before God 00:35:13.279 --> 00:35:15.059 and receive Christ, 00:35:17.099 --> 00:35:18.159 his record's credited 00:35:18.159 --> 00:35:18.679 to you. 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:21.279 And you have no lack. 00:35:24.539 --> 00:35:25.440 Friend, is that true 00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:26.179 of you this morning? 00:35:28.739 --> 00:35:29.539 If not, 00:35:29.639 --> 00:35:30.900 then take Christ 00:35:30.900 --> 00:35:31.639 by faith. 00:35:32.960 --> 00:35:33.980 Let him take 00:35:33.980 --> 00:35:34.619 your debts 00:35:34.619 --> 00:35:37.099 and receive from him 00:35:37.099 --> 00:35:39.559 that massive wealth 00:35:39.559 --> 00:35:40.300 of his grace 00:35:40.300 --> 00:35:41.119 and favor 00:35:41.119 --> 00:35:43.559 and know God 00:35:43.559 --> 00:35:44.500 as your heavenly Father. 00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:47.599 And if that is true 00:35:47.599 --> 00:35:47.960 of you, 00:35:48.760 --> 00:35:49.660 if you are 00:35:49.660 --> 00:35:50.940 in that saving relationship 00:35:50.940 --> 00:35:51.680 with Christ, 00:35:52.680 --> 00:35:55.440 then practice 00:35:55.440 --> 00:35:56.039 these things. 00:35:57.000 --> 00:35:58.240 Put them into practice 00:35:58.240 --> 00:35:59.780 and grow in this grace 00:35:59.780 --> 00:36:00.559 that you've been given. 00:36:01.219 --> 00:36:02.039 Exercise it 00:36:02.039 --> 00:36:03.460 into every area 00:36:03.460 --> 00:36:04.159 of your life. 00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:06.420 And Jesus promises 00:36:06.420 --> 00:36:07.360 that as you do, 00:36:08.799 --> 00:36:09.500 your reward 00:36:09.500 --> 00:36:10.299 will be very great. 00:36:12.079 --> 00:36:12.960 Let's pray together. 00:36:15.440 --> 00:36:15.880 Father, 00:36:15.960 --> 00:36:16.340 as we turn 00:36:16.340 --> 00:36:17.320 to the Lord's Supper now, 00:36:18.099 --> 00:36:19.679 we ask that you 00:36:19.679 --> 00:36:20.639 would take these things 00:36:20.639 --> 00:36:21.639 by your Holy Spirit 00:36:21.639 --> 00:36:23.739 and make them real 00:36:23.739 --> 00:36:24.460 to our hearts. 00:36:25.519 --> 00:36:25.940 God, 00:36:26.000 --> 00:36:26.299 help us 00:36:26.299 --> 00:36:26.880 to take off 00:36:26.880 --> 00:36:27.579 our masks, 00:36:29.019 --> 00:36:29.579 heal us 00:36:29.579 --> 00:36:30.519 of our desire 00:36:30.519 --> 00:36:32.480 and our longing 00:36:32.480 --> 00:36:33.559 for the praise 00:36:33.559 --> 00:36:34.179 of people 00:36:34.179 --> 00:36:36.539 and give us hearts 00:36:36.539 --> 00:36:37.219 that live 00:36:37.219 --> 00:36:38.319 for your praise 00:36:38.319 --> 00:36:38.679 alone. 00:36:39.779 --> 00:36:40.639 We ask this 00:36:40.639 --> 00:36:41.380 in Jesus' name. 00:36:42.420 --> 00:36:42.679 Amen. 00:36:42.679 --> 00:36:42.819 Amen. 00:36:43.059 --> 00:36:43.880 Amen.