All That Jesus Taught (Bible Study – 21 of 80) - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker continues the study of what Jesus taught, focusing on Matthew 6, where Jesus addresses wrong attitudes regarding giving, praying, and fasting. He emphasizes that these acts of righteousness should be done secretly before God, not for human recognition, lest one receive no reward from the Father. The speaker also critiques the modern emphasis on tithing, arguing that the New Covenant establishes principles of giving that are secret, cheerful, and proportionate, rather than being bound by Old Covenant laws.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Beware of seeking human honor in our sacrificesJesus highlights the wrong attitude of seeking honor from others in giving, praying, and fasting, urging believers to keep these acts secret before God.
The right principle for givingWhen giving to charity, believers should not draw attention to themselves like hypocrites do, but give in secret so that the Father who sees in secret will reward them.
Understanding New Testament giving versus the Old CovenantOld Covenant tithing was public and required, whereas New Testament giving is voluntary, cheerful, proportionate, and unburdened by legalistic 10 percent demands.
Do not pray like hypocrites to be seen by menPublic prayers offered to impress people with flowery language or emotional displays are a form of hypocrisy that God detests.
What is a dead work?A good work done with the wrong motive of seeking human honor becomes a dead work, which believers must repent of and be cleansed from by the blood of Christ.Hebrews 6:1
Praying to your Father in secretEven in public settings, believers can shut the door of their minds and pray privately to their heavenly Father without seeking the approval of those around them.
Avoiding meaningless repetition and empty long prayersJesus warns against chanting meaningless phrases or assuming that praying for many hours automatically compels God to answer.
Unsettled sin hinders prayerUnconfessed sin or broken relationships with others block our prayers, making long hours of supplication a waste of time.
Praying with faith and submissionBelievers must pray in faith believing they will receive, while ultimately submitting all requests to the wise and loving will of the Father.
Cooperating with the Father through prayerAlthough God already knows our needs before we ask, He invites us to pray so we can experience a closer fellowship and cooperation with Him.
