Results 1 - 3 of 3
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Are our motives right? | Matt 6:2 | Morant61 | 88976 | ||
Greetings All! I have been doing some memory work in the Sermon on the Mount, and as I was working on these passages, the reoccurrence of the word 'hypocrite' caught my attention. This word (hupokrites – Strong’s # 5237) is only used 17 times in the New Testament, but 14 times in Matthew and 4 times in the Sermon on the Mount alone. What does it mean to be a hypocrite? The Strong's definition includes the following: 1) one who answers, an interpreter 2) an actor, stage player 3) a dissembler, pretender, hypocrite The definition that really jumped out at me is a 'pretender'. A hypocrite is one who pretends to be something or someone that he is not. This is clearly seen in Matthew 6. In verse two, a hypocrite is one who gives to be seen. The pretense is that he is giving because he wants to help those in need, but in reality, he only wants to be seen giving so that others will think that he cares about the poor. In verse five, a hypocrite is one who prays publicly simply to be seen. He doesn't care about his relationship with God. He simply wants others to see him praying. In verse sixteen, the hypocrite is the one who makes a show of looking miserable while fasting. He doesn't really care about obeying God by fasting, or about deepening his spiritual life by the exercise of spiritual disciples. He just wants to be seen fasting and making a huge sacrifice. Finally, in Matt. 7:5, a hypocrite is described as one who is quick to judge others and point out their flaws, yet is unwilling to examine himself. So, what is the message for us? We must be very careful not only to do the right things, but to do the right things for the right reasons! I know these passages made me think very carefully about some of my motivations. I want to be ‘successful’ in my service for Christ as a pastor. I want to reach as many people as possible. I want to see our local congregation grow and prosper. Yet, do I want these things because they will bring glory to Christ or to myself? It is a sobering thought that one can do all the right things for the wrong reasons and receive no reward from our Heavenly Father. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
||||||
2 | Are our motives right? | Matt 6:2 | popdzl | 88978 | ||
Dear Tim, Are a pastor of a protestant congregation? |
||||||
3 | Are our motives right? | Matt 6:2 | Morant61 | 88982 | ||
Greetings Popdzl! Yes, I am! I pastored in the United Brethren in Christ for about 10 years, now I am serving as the associate pastor for a local Nazarene church. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
||||||
Down | |||
Questions and/or Subjects for Matt 6:2 | Author | ||
|
Morant61 | ||
|
popdzl | ||
|
Morant61 | ||
|
nivlac5 | ||
|
EdB |