READ:

(Before reading tell group that the first question will be “What phrases or ideas stands out to you as we read this passage”. Ask them to keep this in mind as we read through the passages)

MATTHEW 6:1-4

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

DISCUSSION

What phrases or ideas stands out to you as you read this passage?

1. Do you tend to share Jesus assumption that his followers will have a practice of giving to the needy built into their lives/ why /why not?

(optional read : Isaiah 58:67 and Deuteronomy 15:11 for old testament context)

2. What would be some ways that we see ourselves wanting to be seen and honoured by others? (think more broadly than just giving money away)

3. Why do you think Jesus is so against hypocrisy?

4. What would it look like to be a person who did good things in such a way that even your left hand didn’t know what your right hand was doing?

5. In Matthew 5:16 (only a few paragraphs earlier) Jesus said  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” How might you reconcile what Jesus says there with what he says here about not being seen?

6. What might the reward be that Jesus is talking about? How might this promise of a reward not be the same as earning God’s love/ salvation.

APPLICATION/ PRAYER

1. What is one area That you want to be freed to live for only God as your audience?

2. Pray that we would have generous hearts as individuals and as a church.

Encourage your group to check out https://www.citylightchurch.com.au/give for how to give to our external account which supports a range of partner organisations.