Matthew | Checking Our Motives | Week 16

In this sermon drawn from Matthew 6:1-8 and 16-18, the pastor tackles one of the most common reasons people give for avoiding church — hypocrisy — and does so with refreshing honesty, acknowledging that the accusation isn't entirely wrong. Jesus Himself used the word "hypocrites" more than a dozen times throughout Matthew's gospel, and here He zeroes in on three spiritual disciplines central to Jewish life: giving, praying, and fasting. The core issue Jesus is pressing isn't the disciplines themselves, but the motives behind them.

The pastor walks through each discipline with a simple, pointed question: Why do we do what we do? Whether it's giving to the needy, praying, or fasting, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness "in order to be seen" by others (Matt. 6:1). Those who perform their spirituality for an earthly audience receive an earthly reward — the applause of people — and nothing more. But those whose hearts are genuinely turned toward God, who give quietly, pray privately, and fast without making a show of it, can trust that "your father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matt. 6:6).

The sermon closes with a candid reminder that yes, the church does have hypocrites — but the call is not to be defensive about it. Instead, the congregation is urged to be intentional and real, continually checking their hearts and keeping God as their one true audience.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram
Facebook
Give Online

📍 Visit Us:
Community of Grace
4343 South Flanders St. Centennial, CO 80015
Service Times: 10am

#CentennialColoradochurch