Matthew

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NASB	Matthew 6:2 ¶ "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
AMPLIFIED 2015 2015	Matthew 6:2 ¶ "So whenever you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not blow a trumpet before you [to advertise it], as the hypocrites do [like actors acting out a role] in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored and recognized and praised by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full.

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Subject: Are our motives right?

Bible Note: 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

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Matthew

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