Carefully Think
- Read Matthew 6:2-4 How does this illustrate the principle given in 6:1?
- Why is giving to the needy emphasized?
- What would the purpose be of announcing someone’s giving by trumpet?
- Why would the synagogues and the streets be the place for the hypocrites to announce their giving?
- What is the key motivation of the hypocrites for drawing attention to their giving?
- What are they wanting most?
- In terms of giving, what is the alternative?
- What does Jesus say should characterize the motives behind our giving?
- What is Jesus stressing when he uses the phrase “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”?
- What is the reward sought by the true disciple as opposed to the hypocrite?
Prayerfully Meditate
- In what ways do you give to serve the needy? If you don’t, why?
- How do you evaluate your own motives for your giving?
- What are modern ways that would illustrate the point Jesus is making about the hypocrites?
- Why do you give the amount you do to God’s work today?
- How can you make your giving “in secret” for the right reasons?
- What reward from the Father are you expecting because of the way you approach giving?
Intentionally Act
- Does this passage bring up any areas of sin in your heart that you need to confess? Confess it now before the Lord.
- What needs to change about the way you give, what you give, and most importantly why you give it?
- Before you come to church this Sunday, pray about your offering, how you will give it – why you are giving it. Before you give to meet the need of someone, pray over that gift, asking God to use it that His name will be glorified.
- Pray for those in our service this Sunday who do not know Christ – that their eyes will be opened to discern their need for a savior.
- Pray for those who will lead the service, that they will edify the congregation in the most helpful ways: Dawson Bryant, music; Mark Krystyniak, Elders’ Prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
- Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will be singing Sunday, listening to them as well to prepare yourself to sing with the church.
Songs for Sunday
Morning
- Greater Than We Can Imagine
- O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
- The Perfect Wisdom of Our God (Sanctuary Choir)
- And Can It Be?
- Have Mercy on Me
- I Surrender All
Evening
- All Creatures of Our God and King
- My Song Is Love Unknown
- Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed
- Speak, O Lord
- Surrender