A Life Worth Rewarding, Part 1

 What can you do to be sure your life pleases Christ until your last days? To answer that question, let’s look at a familiar passage of Scripture: the Sermon on the Mount. In it, Jesus gives clear instructions on how to please God. In this first part of a two-part study, we’ll focus on the wisdom found in Matthew chapter six.

A. Perform works of righteousness in secret.

Humans long for the accolades and praise of others. As believers, we might expect to be known and appreciated for our financial gifts, effective intercession, or capable leadership.

In Jesus’ day, religious leaders made a show of public prayer, almsgiving, and fasting.

• Why did Jesus condemn their display (Matt. 6:1-2, 5, 16)?

• Are you guilty of acting “spiritual” to gain the praise of other people? If so, how?

• Why does Jesus say we should give, pray, and fast in secret (Matt. 6:3-4, 6, 17-18)?

• List at least two practical ways you can apply Christ’s teaching.

B. Follow Jesus’ pattern of meaningful prayer.

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). As a result, He gave them what we now call “The Lord’s Prayer.”

• Aside from praying in secret, what other admonition did Jesus give regarding prayer (Matt. 6:7) ?

Common pagan practice at the time called for repetitive, meaningless prayers to increase the chances that the gods would answer requests. Mindless repetition differs from persistence in prayer, something Jesus commended (Luke 18:1-8).

• What can believers always expect from prayer (Phil. 4:6-7)?

It’s easy to read the Lord’s Prayer but ignore its meaning. To help you focus on the four principal sections of the prayer, paraphrase it in your own words (Matt. 6: 9-13).

For example: (v. 9) Our amazing heavenly Father, You deserve to be praised!

Jesus may have intended that His disciples follow the general pattern of this prayer rather than recite it word for word.

• How does the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer contrast with your approach to praying?

• Is God leading you to adjust how you pray? If so, how?

• Why do you think Jesus emphasized “forgiveness” in verse 14?

• If there are believers whom you haven’t forgiven for an offense—whether it was against you or someone else—pause and ask God for the grace to forgive them now.

C. Keep money in its rightful place.

What we do with our money reveals what we value. So our perspective on wealth is an important indicator of our walk with God.

• How do you think we store up treasures in heaven (vv. 19-20)?

• Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (v. 21). Where does your “treasure” go (time, energy, money, and thoughts)? Examine your lifestyle, and list a few of your priorities.

• Based on your list, are you “investing” in eternal or temporary goals right now?

• Why is it impossible to be equally passionate about wealth and the Lord (v. 24)?

• If your priorities are off track, or could use some improvement, write about how you can make them right.

D. Trust God instead of being anxious.

Another indicator of spiritual health is emotional peace.

• Why did Jesus say we shouldn’t be anxious (v. 25-26)?

• What does worry accomplish, according to Jesus (v. 27)?

As believers, we still need to be responsible. Our role is to do our part, and trust the Father to take care of the rest.

• What worries you? What is your responsibility in the situation, and what is the Lord’s?

Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). At times, a believer may seek God’s glory wholeheartedly and yet still experience loss and heartache. He or she may lose money, a relationship, prestige, or health.

• Why are these losses not a breach of the promise Christ gave us in vv. 31-33?

• Think through your worries about the future. What concerns do you need to commit to the Lord (Matt. 6:34)?

Closing: A life that pleases God might not be the easiest. But in the light of eternity, it will be the best. Obey the Father until your last days, and trust Him to reward you when the time is right.

Prayer: Father, thank You for blessing us with Your Word so we may know how to live. Help us be faithful even when no one is watching, so that we may be pleasing to You. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.