THE SECRET LIFE

CONTEXT:

MATTHEW 6:1-8

1Be 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.

2So 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. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

GIVING IN SECRET

PRAYING IN SECRET

BIBLIOGRAPHY

· Bailey, Kenneth E. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels. IVP Academic. Downers Grove, IL. 2008.

· Keller, Timothy. Why Do We Need the Bible? (Sermon on the Mount Series). 1990.

· McKnight, Scot. Sermon on the Mount (The Story of God Bible Commentary). Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. 2013.

· Stott, John. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount (The Bible Speaks Today Series – Matthew 5-7: Christian Counter-Culture). IVP Academic. Downers Grove, IL. 1985.

· Willard, Dallas. The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God. Harper Collins. New York, NY. 1998.