Giving, Prayer and Fasting Matthew 6:1-34.

Relationships: all three are vital but can be misused.

I. TO BE NOTICED BY MEN 6: 1-4

 A. One obtains what he seeks. That is, praise from men vs. a right relationship with God.

B. The highest rewards cannot come when the lessor or wrong rewards are sought.

C. It is foolish to grasp the rewards of time and lose the rewards of eternity.

D. To make lifestyle rewards is a dangerous matter.

E. One ought not display their service.

II. Specific motives are condemned!

A. Oneupmanship. A competition for bigness. Success theology. Bargaining with God for personal advantage.

B. make a distinction purpose and results.

C. We do these things (giving, fasting and praying) because we want to be like God.

Principles of Giving

Deut. 15: 7-11

1. Giving must not be refused!

2. Giving must be a benefit to the poor or those who lack.

3. Giving must be carried out in private and secretly.

4. The manner of giving must benefit the character and temperament of the recipient.

5. Giving is both an obligation and a privilege before God.

Ten Questions to ask Prior to Giving.

1. Would I give if there was no fear of a failed duty?

2. Would I give if it did not set me above the recipient?

3. Would I give if I could not chide the recipient?

4. Would I give if I also had to give of myself?

5. Would I encourage others to give if the cause thought valid was not my creation and the honor of success did not go to me?

6. Would I give if it did not distinguish me as a generous giver or there was no publicity attached?

7. Would I give where no control over its use or strings were attached?

8. Would I give if there was no appreciation expressed?

 9. Would I give regardless of a person's race, sex, or moral background?

10. Would I give if it deprived me of a benefit?

Matthew 6: 5ff.

PRAYER

What Prayer is not

1. Prayer is not a matter of over coming God's reluctance?

2. Prayer is not an exercise in self fulfillment

3. It is not a general review of God's principles.

4. It is not a form of coercing God.

5. It is not an update on our greatness or right activity.

6. It is not just a matter of completing our daily check list.

7. Prayer is not for the purpose of impressing men or God.

What Prayer is?

1. Prayer is opening your life to God.

2. It is inviting Him to act in our lives.

3. It is owning His will in our lives.

4. Must give God the moral freedom to do what He wants with us.

5. It is relational. We are God's children and must act as so.

6. It is fellowship and sharing.

7. Remember, God is also inviting us to share with Him and a response in our praying (thankfulness) is expected.

The Model Prayer Matthew 6: 9-13

1. Adoration - Our Father in heaven

2. Praise - hollowed (holy) be your name

3. Thanksgiving - Your kingdom come (looking forward)

4. Commitment - Your will be done here as in heaven

5. Confession - (we need you) give us this day our daily bread

6. Petition - Lead us not into temptation

7. Intercession - deliver us from the evil one.

8. Adoration - yours is the kingdom and power

A. Adoration -

1)standing in awe of YHWH. Seeing Him as the divine that He is.

2) this implies that we get to know God in a intimate fashion.

3) this implies that we study to know God.

B. Praise - marveling at his works that are so far above men.

1) learning to praise God in prayer as one ought.

2) look at the beauty of nature.

3) study the human body.

C. Thanksgiving - grateful for what He has done on our behalf!

1) be thankful for family, friends

2) thankful for Christ

3) thankful for the kingdom.

D. Confession to admit we need You.

E. Petition a call for His overruling in the affairs of all men.

1) please alleviate suffering

F. Intercession a plea on behalf of others

G. Communion pure hearts and sharing in the spirit. Feeling God's presence.

by Lane Rogers