This passage contains Jesus' warning that there is no righteousness in doing the right thing for the wrong reason. Those who do good works, motivated only by the approval of other people, will not be rewarded by God. True followers of Christ give quietly and with the right motives, and the promise is, God the Father knows, and He will reward them.
READ:
Matthew 6:1-4 • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 • Philippians 4:19
DISCUSS:
Why is giving to the needy such an important aspect of our faith? Why is giving with right motives so important?
Compare Matthew 6: 1 to 5: 16. Do you see a contradiction in Jesus words? Why or why not?
Should all of our giving be done in secret? Why or why not?
In what ways are we tempted to give hypocritically (“performing” for “applause of man” rather than to honor God)? What kinds of giving appeal to our pride?
Why would such a person receive no reward from God? Isn’t the action of giving to the needy the most important?
What does it mean to not “let your left hand know what your right hand is doing?’ Is it possible to always hide all of the good things we do? Is it necessary? What is the principle we need to learn from this?
PRAY:
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with right motives for giving to the needy.
RESPOND:
Think of a way you can give to the needy this week...give and tell no one.