Kingdom Motivation
Righteousness is not a performance, but flows out of relationship.
1.Give authentically
2.Pray authentically
3.Fast authentically
Discussion questions available here.
What is your motivation?
We should not focus on being liked!
- Matt 5:16 – don’t neglect doing good to avoid persecution
- Matt 6:1 – don’t spotlight doing good to attract praise
Hypocrite = “actor”, putting on a performance
- Matt 5:16 – noticed, but glory goes to God
- Matt 6:1 – beheld/gazed upon, to receive
our glory
1. Give authentically
Why do we give?
- Honor and obey God
- Find greatest satisfaction in God
- Serve the needs
Happy are the merciful!
2. Pray authentically
Why do we pray?
- Commune with God
- Abide in Jesus
How do we pray?
- Relationally (9)
- Reverentially (9)
- Submissively (10)
- Dependently (11)
- Repentantly (12)
- Vulnerably (13)
Happy are the poor in spirit and the meek!
3. Fast authentically
Why do we fast?
- Longing for God (Mark 2:18-20)
- Empty ourselves to hunger for God (Matt 4:4)
- Acknowledge dependence upon God: repentance (Neh 1:4), preparation (Matt 4:1-2), surrender to God’s direction (Acts 13:2, 14:23)
Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness!
Topics:
fasting, giving, heart, hypocrisy, motivation, Prayer, sanctification