We are But Dust – Matthew 6:1-6
Jesus taught some lessons before we get to Matthew 5-7, but as far as Matthew’s recorded account is concerned, this is His first sermon.
Let’s feed on the word of God…
THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE – 6:1:
The first point Jesus makes in this context is that we should not practice our religion to be seen by men. Jesus has already said back in 5:13-16 that we must be the salt of the earth. His point is that we must influence the world for good. He also said that we are the light of the world. The point here is that people must see our light – no one puts a basket under a lamp stand.
The motivation is the difference.
THE PRINCIPLE APPLIED TO GIVING – 6:2-4:
What was the problem with that? Aside from the ostentatious display of such behavior (!), their reasoning is: “so that they may be honored by men.” That was their motivation. Just like politicians who love to work at soup kitchens during the holidays because they can deceive the voter easily by appearing to care for the poor. Then they return to their mansion and six-figure salaries, and go back to rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
THE PRINCIPLE APPLIED TO PRAYING – 6:5-6:
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Prayer is communication to our Father about our thanks, our needs, and our hurts. Prayer is communication to the Father on behalf of our audience. We are praying for them and for us to God. We are not praying to our audience.
THE PRINCIPLE APPLIED TO FASTING – 6:16-18:
The Jews obviously fasted; it was a significant part of their religious practices. Jesus says that if you are going to do that, you have to remember for whom you are fasting. Fasting was intended to be a means of self-humiliation, to purify your body as you purify your mind. Many Jews would also put on “sackcloth,” course material that was quite uncomfortable, and sit in ashes along with their fasting as a means of showing repentance.
In the Christian age, we do not sing for the praise and glory of men. We sing to teach and encourage each other (Eph. 5:19); but we do not sing to be heard and honored by men. We do not preach or teach to be seen by men. I, as a preacher, ought to be careful that I do not add theatrics to my sermons so that I’ll get praise and glory from men. Preaching is done for the glory of God, not the glory of the preacher. If that is our motivation, that is the extent, also, of our reward.
One day, we’ll stand before the Father in heaven. Fundamentally, the question will be: “Did we trust Him?” Did we recognize that we are but dust and we must depend on Him for everything that we have? Did we show that trust throughout our lives, even in those acts of religion which we practiced? Was God at the center of our lives?
Practice your religion to honor God and to lead others to Him, not for self-promotion.
–Paul Holland
