Jesus finished giving us six examples of how we selfishly minimize our sinful nature by following the letter of the law, and end up missing the greater purpose of the law. This week he shifts gears and now warns us that we are in danger of becoming hypocrites while doing “good and righteous” things.
June 29, 2025 • Tony Engedal • TheCrossingChurch.org
1. Read Matthew 6:1–4
Jesus begins with a strong warning: “Watch out!”
What does He say will happen if we do good deeds to be admired by others?
How does this shape the way we serve, give, or help others?
2. What do you think typically motivates you to do good things? A heavenly reward? A desire to be helpful? The praise and honor of others? Something else? How do you typically check your motives, and how do they affect your spiritual life?
3. Read Matthew 23:27–28
Jesus repeatedly warns about hypocrisy.
Why does He use such strong language here?
What are some ways we might look “righteous” on the outside but be far from God internally?
4. Can you think of a time when you did something good but secretly wanted to be noticed or praised for it? (ie. Tony’s story of putting money in the tip jar, but waiting until someone noticed him doing it)
How did it affect your experience or your heart afterward?
5. Jesus calls us to “give with reckless abandonment.” (Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing)
What does that mean in your own words?
What might that look like in your life this week—practically, specifically?
6. The sermon said it’s not wrong to desire reward, but we often seek it from the wrong source. Contrast Matthew 6:1-4 and Matthew 5:16
What’s the difference between receiving recognition and living for it?
7. Read Colossians 3:1–4
How does focusing on the “realities of heaven” help keep our motives pure and aligned with God’s heart?
8. Think about the concept of “heavenly reward.”
How would you define it based on the sermon?
How does it compare to earthly recognition or success?
What do you think greater influence and responsibility might look like in eternity?
9. Read Jonah 4:1–3
Jonah obeyed God but still wanted the glory for himself. What does Jonah’s reaction reveal about the danger of doing the right thing with the wrong heart?
10. Read Proverbs 16:2
“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.”
Why do you think it’s hard to recognize our own mixed motives?
What practices can help us allow God to examine and realign our hearts?
11. Read 1 Corinthians 4:5
“He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”
How does this verse challenge the way you think about judgment and reward?
What does it say about God’s justice and patience?
12. Read Micah 6:8
“The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
How does this verse speak to doing good with the right heart?
Which of these three—justice, mercy, or humility—do you find easiest? Which one do you need to grow in most?