The Motive of Giving

 N. T. #56 "The Motive of Giving"

April 25, 2023

Matthew 6

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

Here is a review the 6-character traits of a genuine Christian which Jesus taught:

1. Be reconciled with another person that is angry with you or you are angry with them before making offerings to God.
2. Don't lust after a person, for it is the same as adultery.
3. Commit to marriage instead of divorcing without fornication.
4. Keep oaths and swear not; tell the truth so others know you mean what you say.
5. Trun the other cheek instead of retaliating evil for evil.
6. Love your neighbors and enemies, doing good and praying for those who mistreat you.

Isn't that enough homework for us to apply? Yet, Jesus continues to instruct us. Which ones are the hardest for you to live out? Are we loving the unlovely?

LET IT GROW

In this chapter, Jesus goes beyond mere outward conformity to the law to the inward conviction of the spirit. He illustrates this with examples of giving, praying, fasting, and serving. (Falwell)

It is the inner motives which govern external acts of righteousness that Jesus is concerned with from us. Our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. The motive of our actions is more important than what we do for God. We are to put into practice what Jesus teaches. (McGee)

Jesus wanted His followers to be kingdom people, but He didn't want them to do kingdom activities in order to be praised by others.  

There are times that rewards us things which are not material or financial. Love is to be our motive for giving to others. God is so greatly faithful. It is Him that we live to please, not ourself.

The word alms is used four times in verses 1-4. However, they are different words with different meanings. In verse 1, alms means equity (of character or act); justification; righteousness. In verses 2-4, the smae word is used for alms, which means compassionate (as exercised toward the poor); beneficence; a benefaction.

In other words, Jesus tells us:

1. Be careful not to practice your righteousness to be seen. We must not give in order for public recognition. To do so makes us a play actor (hypocrite), appearing spiritual and not being so. It is a false impression.
2. When giving money to those in need, don't sound a trumpet and don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. We are to not publicize our giving. Those who do have their reward of men, not God. In other words, don't brag about your generosity. If you are playing for the applause of people, you have all you are going to get. (verses 2-3)
3. God sees our giving when we do it in secret. He rewards it whenever it is love for Him that is expressed by our giving. 

Giving to God and to others must be pure, not selfish in what we can get in return. Jesus wants us to check our motives for our generosity. Would we still do something if no one ever knew we did it? Whatever we do, is it done out of love?

And it is impossible to please God without faith. (Heb. 11:6, NLT)

In Genesis 15:1, God tells Abram, Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great. 

LET IT GO

Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, running over. 

Lord, make our hearts into giving hearts.

To You be the glory forever, Jesus.