Sunday, August 30,
2020 am
TEACHINGS OF JESUS
(18)
Sermon on the Mount (17)
Righteous Giving
Matthew 6:1-4
Welcome back. Over
the course of the past few months we have been examining the Sermon on
the Mount as we study the teachings of Jesus.
We have noted the theme of this
sermon is found in Matthew 5:20, “Unless your righteousness exceeds
the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees…”
The past 7 lessons have been
dealing with how the religious leaders had corrupted the LOM in many
ways (adding to it, changing it, manipulating it, etc.) to establish
their own righteousness. We
noted how His audience might have asked, “How do we need to let our
righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, religious
leaders who are devoted to the teaching and keeping of the Law”.
Jesus said, “Let me show you how with a series of, “You have
heard…but I say to you…” examples (6 of them).
Jesus has illustrated that our righteousness needs to not only follow
the law of God, but it must also be from the heart. But Jesus is not
done. After this, Jesus
notices another major flaw in their “righteousness”, namely it was
outward and seeking the praise of men.
This is addressed in Matthew 6:1-18.
We will devote the next 3-4 lessons to this section.
Today, we address righteous giving.
a.
“Take heed” (KJV,
NKJV) or “Beware”- (NASB) a
warning or caution – to be on guard, continually alert.
Jesus is saying here to pay attention to your actions AND
attitudes.
b.
“Charitable deeds” –
NKJV, “righteousness” – NASB –
NOTE: This is a significant variant (difference) in ancient Greek mss
that our NT is based upon.
Time will not permit a discussion of such things here (we will address
this in my class on the reliability of the Bible).
But let me say here that the difference has no bearing on
doctrinal truth, which is true of ALL variant readings.
IN this case, the difference only affects whether vs. 1 applies
to the first 4 verses or this entire section (vs. 1-18).
Likely, the proper
reading is a continuation of Jesus dealing with corrupted righteousness
c.
The point - don’t do
what you do to be seen of men – whether it be charitable acts, in your
prayers, fasting or anything else.
(Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – without love, no matter what we do,
we are nothing).
d.
IF you do, you have
no reward in heaven! That
is pretty strong! If your
motives are merely outward – you will NOT inherit heaven!
Jesus will repeat this in vs. 2.
a.
That we are called
upon to be charitable goes without question (both under the LOM and the
Law of Christ)
i.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 –
poor among your brethren
ii.
Deuteronomy 24:17-22
– instructions when harvesting to leave some for the poor, including the
stranger. They were
reminded that they were strangers in Egypt as well.
iii.
Luke 6:38, Jesus
taught, Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed
down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For
with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
iv.
Ephesians 4:28 – work
so that you have to give to him who has needs
v.
1 Timothy 6:17 –
ready to give, willing to share
vi.
1 John 3:17 – whoever
has this worlds goods and sees his brother in need…
b.
Do not sound a
trumpet as the hypocrites do
– do not brag or make it something about people seeing you do this.
Apparently, that was the motivation behind some of the “charity” of some
of these leaders (self-righteousness – e.g. “I’m giving you this, not
because you deserve it, but because I’m such a good person.”; “ God said
I have to give to the poor, so here it is.”
ALSO, some of the Jewish leaders believed that by giving they earned
salvation.
The apocryphal book of Tobi says, “For almsgiving saves from death and
purges away every sin” (Tobit 12:9).
(Remember, this book was rejected as being inspired. ), but it
was part of Jewish tradition and their commentary on the law.
i.
If the only reason
you give is because of the accolades you receive, it is not proper
giving (1 Corinthians 13:3).
You are wasting your time with God.
ii.
Observations: This is
not saying you are wrong if someone finds out or knows what you give.
NOR is it about whether you should give in public.
If you are able, you can – and perhaps motivate others.
Consider how we are to let our lights shine (Matthew 5:16).
Proper giving sets an example.
Consider Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37.
That is not the point.
It is about our pride – seeking the praise of men.
Elevating yourself above the poor, etc.
iii.
Observation: Beware
of subtle boasting – pretending that you not bragging (“This is why I
did this…”), but deep down you are seeking praise for it.
iv.
Jesus said, “They
have their reward!”
c.
Do not let your left
hand know what your right hand is doing.
i.
True giving is about
providing relief to one who has a genuine need, and you do what you can
for them. You do it because
it is the right thing to do – and nothing else!
You do it because you CARE!
ii.
Clearly here Jesus is
using figurative language.
How can a right hand KNOW what the left hand is doing?
Thus, Jesus is saying, in contrast with the prideful and showy
giving of the hypocritical leaders (He used the term hypocrites which
means actors or pretenders) - when you give be private about it.
Be humble as you share with others.
Do it for the sake of the act, and not for personal praise.
iii.
Some considerations:
1.
One source dealing
with the left and right hand observed this – don’t draw attention as you
give – it would be like quietly slipping something into the hand of one
you are helping. No fanfare
or attention.
2.
This is not saying to
give without planning or thought (blindly and irresponsibly).
It is simply about making it known to others
3.
Our text further
says,
Let it be done
secretly
– this elaborates on the previous point.
Giving is to be done with discretion.
Consider anonymous giving – sometimes people will find a way to
give to another without it being known who.
They want no praise, just to help someone.
OR they may help someone and tell them to keep it quiet.
4.
You might also
consider one who gives because of the benefit for them
–
Example: Giving for the tax deduction – AGAIN, note it not wrong to take
the deduction (if its there), but is that the ONLY reason you are
generous and give?
- One might be seeking self-praise in his giving - not just feeling good
for doing the right thing, but patting yourself on the back for how
wonderful you are (cf. Luke 18:11-12)
5.
When you give – do so
and forget about it! Move
on!
iv.
God sees what you are
doing and will reward you accordingly and openly.
1.
Consider that we will
give an accounting for what we do and how we do it.
2 Corinthians 5:10 – we will give an accounting whether good or bad.
Consider also Matthew 25:34-46 – and what God takes note of.
2.
Proverbs 19:17 –
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what
he has given.
3.
Can you ever outgive
God? No! HE knows all and
He knows how to bless and when.
BUT remember, He also knows your REAL motives.
So are you giving expecting to receive something in return? (See
Matthew 5:42)
And thus we see the first area where Jesus identifies the outward and
prideful motives of the hypocritical leaders.
Again, Jesus says, “You are better than that”.
Let your actions show that you genuinely wish to please God and
are grateful for all that He has done.
How you share with others is a pretty good indicator.
Think about it!