Matthew 6:1 to 6:18 True spiritual devotion does not seek the applause of human crowds, but flows from sincere love for our Father who sees in secret. Contrast hypocritical religious performance with authentic secret devotion. Examine the structure and theological priorities of the Lord's Prayer. Learn why fasting and generosity should be practiced with joy before God. In first century Jewish society, public philanthropy, street corner prayers, and disheveled fasting were widely admired. Jesus exposed the spiritual vanity of performing for human praise. Giving in Secret Without Trumpets Jesus warned: 'Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.' Some hypocrites sounded trumpets when giving to the poor so crowds would applaud. Jesus commanded that our giving should be so humble and discreet that our left hand does not know what our right hand is doing. The Father who sees in secret will reward sincerely. The Pattern of Genuine Prayer When addressing prayer, Jesus condemned empty repetitions and theatrical prayers on public street corners. Instead, he taught disciples to go into their private room, shut the door, and speak to their Father. He gave them the Lord's Prayer as a perfect model, prioritizing God's holy name, God's kingdom, and God's sovereign will before asking for daily bread, personal forgiveness, and deliverance from temptation. Fasting with Joy Before the Father Fasting is intentionally setting aside physical food to focus on spiritual communion with God. Some religious hypocrites put on gloomy faces and neglected their appearance so everyone would notice their sacrifice. Jesus commanded his followers to wash their faces and comb their hair so that their fasting would be noticed not by humans, but only by the Father. True spiritual discipline is an act of love, not theatrical showmanship. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 What primary danger did Jesus warn against in Matthew 6:1? Practicing righteousness in order to be seen and praised by people Praying for more than five minutes Giving food to neighbors Singing songs of praise Practicing righteousness in order to be seen and praised by people Jesus warned that performing spiritual duties for human applause forfeits any reward from God. In the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9 to 13), what comes before personal requests for daily bread? Hallowing God's name, seeking his kingdom, and desiring his will Asking for good exam grades Complaining about difficult problems Praying for financial wealth Hallowing God's name, seeking his kingdom, and desiring his will Jesus teaches us to prioritize God's glory, rule, and will before presenting our personal needs. How should disciples conduct themselves when fasting? Wash their faces, groom normally, and fast joyfully before God Wear sackcloth and look miserable so everyone asks why Announce their fast on social media Complain about how hungry they feel Wash their faces, groom normally, and fast joyfully before God Matthew 6:17 to 18 instructs disciples to avoid outward gloom so only the Father sees their devotion. Perform one act of quiet kindness or giving this week without telling a single friend, classmate, or posting about it anywhere. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive me for caring what people think of me. Purify my motives when I pray, give, and serve. May my life be lived for your pleasure and glory alone. Amen. Why is it so tempting to seek compliments and likes on social media for good deeds today? How does the structure of the Lord's Prayer reorder our daily worries and requests? Junior scholars examine the spiritual disciplines of giving, praying, and fasting, learning that authentic faith seeks God's pleasure rather than human applause. Show a hollow plastic trophy versus a real treasure box. Explain that human applause is like an empty plastic trophy that quickly fades, but God's secret reward is eternal treasure! Is it wrong to pray in public or lead prayer in church? No. Jesus himself prayed publicly, and Scripture encourages corporate prayer. Jesus was condemning the hypocritical desire to show off in front of people. 5 min Hook, 15 min Bible Exegesis, 10 min Small Group Interaction, 10 min Lord's Prayer Breakdown, 5 min Prayer