SINCERE AND SECRET

Matthew 6: 1-3 (CSB) “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven.  So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…”

In our study of the Sermon on the Mount as recorded by Matthew,, we discover that chapter 5 deals with the internal part of the Kingdom and chapter 6 here starts dealing with the external part of the citizen of the Kingdom. Chapter 5 deals with the righteousness we are to possess as Kingdom citizens, and chapter 6 shows the righteousness we are to practice. However, both emphasize the motive behind our behavior over the behavior itself.

The issues that will be addressed – giving, prayer, fasting, treasures, and trust are all practical considerations in our life. He starts with the emphasis on applying the Kingdom principles to real-life, and then will powerfully apply it in verse 33.

Let us move into the first of these areas – the area of giving – we will consider it in three parts – the Rules, the Reward, and the Reality. Let us start with the Rules as given in verses 1-3.

Jesus starts by telling us we need to give Sincerely (verse 1). The phrase, “Be careful” –  is in the imperative tense – not a suggestion. He is not saying it would be nice to give – it is understood that we will give. He includes all areas of giving, not just financially. When He speaks of “righteousness” – He does not mean our acts of righteousness. Originally it was spelled in English as “right-wise-ness.” You must have the right motive behind it. Even though others may see what you are doing, that should never be the motive for giving to others. Our motive for giving should always be to be seen by God alone and in turn, seeking to please Him.

Then Jesus says that we are to give Secretly (verses 2 – 3). Calling attention to your giving will cause that to be your only reward. What praise men give will be the extent of the recognition. To “sound a trumpet” was a way of calling attention to oneself. The use that Jesus makes here is that one seeks to advertise to others what they are doing. In fact, the Jews in the Temple prided themselves on being seen for what they would give.

In the Temple, there were six receptacles placed to receive alms or charitable gifts. These were somewhat in the shape of a trumpet. When one placed their coins in the receptacle, it would ring for others to hear. Often, people would bring their gifts in small coins so that the sound would last longer and be amplified.

Jesus called attention to His Disciples with the widow with two mites. She tried to be very secretive about it – possibly being ashamed she did not have more. Jesus stated that she gave more than anyone else.

A hypocrite in Jesus’ day was an actor, one who impersonates another. It came to mean one who wears a mask and pretend to be someone or something else. In other words, as Jesus is pointing out that if a man pretends to be pious, but is really seeking the applause of men – he is as one author called him – a humbug. Dr. A. T. Robertson says about Jesus’ use of the word hypocrite, “This is the hardest word Jesus has for any class of people and he employs it for those pious pretenders who pose as perfect.” I like that – pious pretenders who pose as perfect.” It has a ring to it.

So, we must understand from these two rules on giving – if you seek the honor and majesty of men then you lose the reward from God. It boils down to the heart. When we give of our time, talents, and treasures, are our hearts in the right place and the right reason?

So, we are to give Sincerely and Secretly. Two rules to govern all of the ways that we give – and so our next view will be what He says about the results.