Walking With The Lord, or Men

Matthew 6:1-4

 

INTRODUCTION:   We see these days people making a big ado about how much they work for the Lord.  The clear reading in the next point clearly shows that God is to get the Glory, and you and I are to do our works humbly and quietly.

 

In our text verses we see Jesus talking about what the Pharisees do and what we are not to do

 

 

I.          WE ARE TO TAKE HEED             (v 1)

 

Take Heed = "that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to, beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to, unto) have regard."

 

A.            The Pharisees

            1.         They chose a public place

                        a.            To be seen and heard

2. The Posture was always standing

                        a.            A lawful posture

                                    1.)            Showed pride and

 

Proverbs 16:18   Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

 

1 John 2:16            For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 

                              2.)            Showed confidence

 

1 Corinthians 8:2       And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

 

3. Their pride was expressed two ways

a. They loved to pray at a chosen spot

b. So they could be seen of Men

 

Proverbs 26:12 12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

 

1.) Not so God would accept them

2.) So men might admire and applaud them

 

Isaiah 5:21 21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

 

                    4.            They have their reward

                                    a.            The praise of men

 

 

II.            WORKS OF THE FAITHFUL                 (v 1)

 

          A.            Two More Things in This Verse

                        1.            Works Is A Duty  (Works = Alms)

 

Matthew 19:21   Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

 

a. According to each persons ability.

 

Jeremiah 17:10   I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

 

Ezekiel 18:30            Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

b. Our works do not gain us heaven.

Matthew 7:22            Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Psalm 62:12                Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

 

 

                    2.            Works have great rewards

 

Matthew 5:16            Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

                             a.            Rewards can be lost

 

Galatians 2:16            Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

 

 

III.            DON'T SOUND A TRUMPET                 (v 2)

 

READ            Luke 18:9-14 

 

Luke 7:6-7            Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: 7Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

 

                    1.            Do not brag on your works

 

John 5:44                 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

a. That is what the Pharisees (hypocrites) did.

2. We do not want the praise of men as the Pharisees did.

a. Those that do have lost their reward.

 

Isaiah 1:23a            Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards:…

 

            C.            Don't Let Your Brothers and Sisters Know.                                                                         (v 3)

 

Romans 12:8 …he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

1. We are not building a good name here on earth.

a. It is intended to be between you and God (v 4a)

                        2.            Nobody else, just you

 

D.        God Will Show The World Who Receives The Blessing.

 

Romans 8:27            And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 

1. He will build (exalt) our good name here and there.

a. God knows when we have done good works.

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:17-18            Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.

 

b. We must do it because it is a good work.

1.) Not that it will give us a good name.

 

1 Peter 2:12            Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

 

Where do you stand?  Before God to be seen of God or be seen of men.                

 

In Closing             READ Ezekiel 18:30-32