The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for August 11-16, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4 MOT & NLT
[Jesus said,] 1”And You (all) take heed not to do your righteousness in front of others (literally “men”) in order to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward from your Father in the heavens.” 2Therefore, when you give alms do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may be glorified by others (literally “men”); Truly, I tell you they have received their reward. 3But when you are giving alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4So that your alms may be given in secret; and your Father, the One seeing in secret, will repay you.” MOT
[Jesus said,] 1”Take care! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2When you give a gift to someone in need, don’t shout about it as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3But when you give to someone, don’t tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. 4Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.” NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I start a new week, and as we move to a new section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, fill me with Your Spirit that I may receive Your word with joy, and live it out faithfully. Let my life be a “bible” for those around me who don’t yet know You or Your word. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said,] 1”And You (all) take heed not to do your righteousness in front of others (literally “men”) in order to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward from your Father in the heavens.” MOT
[Jesus said,] 1”Take care! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. NLT
What is the PRINCIPLE being set forth here by Jesus about giving?
What would be one, specific application of it in your life today?
Today’s Challenge: I will live my life in such a way that any good deeds I do are for God’s attention and not the attention of others!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it’s easy to condemn the religious hypocrites of Jesus’ day, but I confess there are times when I do my acts of righteousness with the hope that others will see and affirm them. Forgive me, for times when my motives are wrong. Fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit that I may live boldly and yet humbly before You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
2Therefore, when you give alms do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may be glorified by others (literally “men”); Truly, I tell you they have received their reward. MOT
Why do you suppose the religious leaders made such blatant attempts to have others see them when they gave alms?
What does it mean that “they have received their reward”?
Today’s Challenge: I will give generously but quietly so that others may know the joy receiving God’s blessings, and my part will be anonymous!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, hypocrite is a strong word. I pray that you will search my heart and find anything of hypocrisy in it. Cleanse me from ALL sin that my thoughts, words and actions may be consistent, and they may all bring glory and honor to You! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
2When you give a gift to someone in need, don’t shout about it as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. NLT
Look back to the MOT translation of this verse from yesterday, what are the similarities and differences (if any) between the two translations?
What does it look like when you give WITHOUT calling attention to yourself? How do you feel when you give in this way?
Today’s Challenge: I will live with God as my “audience” today, knowing that He is the only one who truly matters when it comes to affirming my actions!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus makes it clear that we are to give with the right attitude—one of humility and privacy. Fill me with Your Spirit right now that I may have that attitude. Keep me always in Your ways and in Your will. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
3But when you are giving alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. MOT
3But when you give to someone, don’t tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. NLT
What do you think Jesus meant by not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing when you give alms?
By looking at the NLT can you determine what “alms” are? If so, what are they?
Today’s Challenge: I will be discreet in my giving so that God is pleased and people are blessed!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You see everything I do, and know everything I think. That is an amazing and sometimes frightening truth. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may think, say and do the things You desire, and that will help others to experience Your presence through me. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
4So that your alms may be given in secret; and your Father, the One seeing in secret, will repay you.” MOT
How does God “repay” us for giving alms?
What does it mean that God, the Father, is “the One seeing in secret”?
Today’s Challenge: I will seek God’s greater reward by living and giving in ways that draw attention to Him, not me.
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, this week has helped me to see that when I'm seeking anyone’s approval or affirmation other than Yours, I am heading down the road that leads to pride and, ultimately, destruction. Fill me again with Your Holy Spirit that I may live in the ways You desire. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
4Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.” NLT
Look at Matthew 6:4 from the MOT in yesterday’s reading. What differences are there in the translation? What difference does it make in your understanding of the reading, if any?
What is one thing you will do today to fulfill Matthew 6:1-4 in your life?
Today’s Challenge: I will look to the one who knows all secrets for my rewards in life today!