9 Pleasing God: Matthew 6:1-18
9
Pleasing God
Matthew 6:1-18
“Look what I did!” the child squeals to the parent, delighted that Mom or Dad notices and approves. Children love praise, especially from their parents. As we get older we want praise from more people and a wider circle of people. Not all give us the praise we want. Some are all too eager to give unwholesome praise for the wrong reasons. Whose praise really matters most? God encourages us to seek his praise, and he gives it to us freely.
GROUP DISCUSSION. What is an especially gratifying compliment you’ve received, and what made it so significant to you?
PERSONAL REFLECTION. Is it easier for you to give or receive a compliment, and why?
In Matthew 5—7 we find Jesus’ teaching on moral living—the Sermon on the Mount. Read Matthew 6:1-18.
1. Taking this passage as a whole, what would you say truly pleases God?
2. God is called “our Father” ten times in this passage. How does our relationship with the Father provide the context for understanding verses 1-18?
3. What kind of giving pleases God, and why (vv. 3-4)?
4. In verse 2 Jesus describes how hypocrites in his day gave to the needy. In what ways can our giving be hypocritical today?
5. What is the contrast between hypocritical and sincere prayer (vv. 5-8)?
6. How would you respond to someone who said, “This passage shows that God does not want public prayer, only private”? Why would you respond that way?
7. Christians are accustomed to saying the beautiful words of the Lord’s Prayer (vv. 9-13) in church. In addition to praying this prayer in worship, what general principles can we learn about prayer from this example that Jesus left us?
8. What do we discover about relating to God our Father from verses 9-13?
9. What can we grasp about forgiveness from verses 14-15?
10. From verses 16-18, Jesus apparently assumed we will fast. What are some hypocritical and some sincere reasons for fasting?
11. Jesus mentioned earthly and heavenly rewards seven times in this passage. Why do you think he put such an emphasis on rewards?
12. What makes the difference between doing things to earn or merit God’s favor and doing things to please God?
13. At this point, how would you like to modify your answer to question 1?
14. What can you do this week (or stop doing, or change) that will please God?
Pray that your lives will please God more and more. Thank him for his acceptance in Christ even when our behavior is not what it should be.
Now or Later
Take note this week (or consider right now) whose praise means the most to you and why.