Ignorant Hands, Secret Rewards

In his sermon, Pastor Jamie Self at Grace Church looks at Matthew 6:1-4 to emphasize the importance of practicing righteousness for God's glory rather than seeking human approval. He discusses the dangers of hypocritical behavior and the temptation to seek validation from others rather than from God. Drawing from personal experience and John Piper's teachings, he encourages believers to live in constant awareness of God's presence, focusing on God's approval and living out their faith authentically.
Key Words and Phrases
Practicing righteousness
God's glory
Hypocrisy in giving
Approval of men
John Piper
Presence of God
Approval of God
Authentic faith
Sermon on the Mount
Kingdom of God
Discussion Questions:
1. How can we ensure our acts of righteousness are done for God's glory rather than seeking approval from others?
2. What are some practical ways to maintain an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives?
3. How does understanding the broader narrative of the gospel, as described by Pastor Self, impact our approach to living out our faith?
4. What are the dangers of seeking self-approval in our acts of kindness, and how can we guard against this?
5. How can we as a church collectively be a blessing to our community and demonstrate the glory of God through our actions?