Class Outline:

Sunday July 21,2024

Introduction:

 

The apostles had to overcome the temptation to fall into manner of the hupokrites (the actors), for the Greeks were used to it, admired it, and it did grab their attention. They mocked those who lacked good delivery. Paul would have none of it.

 

1CO 2:1-5

 

MAT 6:1-2

 

I think that we’re so used to it that we almost miss it - “your Father who is in heaven.” Jesus speaks as if we are already eternally adopted by His grace through election. Worship as a child to a Father.

 

Idea: Genuine worship of God results from seeking Him for His own sake.
 

The hypocrite of MAT 6:2 - used in the manner of MAR 7:6-8

 

The reference of ISA 29:13. is enlightening in reference to Mat 6. God cannot see? The sin arises, the pull towards doing that which pleases self and not the Lord because of our sin nature without correction.

God has made a new nature of you and will create a genuine heart of goodness and light, if you draw near to Him - seek Him (His person).

 

Psa passages on seeking.

 

Beware - We have to be careful not to do our righteousness for another reason than the love of God.

 

The spiritual life and true worship of God is not automatic for believers. It does not just fall into place. 

 

We can all be duped. Look to yourself, examine your heart. Seeing God’s heart will reveal your own.

 

Doing your righteousness - in context it is the worship of God in the ways that can be seen (spiritual disciplines). 3 examples (giving, praying, fasting) - for illustration purposes, but nicely sum up complete worship of God. 

 

Righteousness greater than the Pharisees (MAT 5:20). 

 

Their hypocrisy is to be seen by men. 

 

Carries no reward other than being seen. 

 

Worship your Father as opposed to a pagan god (distant, no relationship). 

 

Jesus foresees the adoption and election of the saints. 

 

Hypocrites and the heart of God. 

 

Hupokritai - Usage in NT varies in two ways. 

1. Inability to see (actor plays his role)

2. Jesus’ usage here in the manner of MAR 7:6-8. 

 

The heart of God - genuine, wonderful holiness, beauty, infinite power, unsearchable love, eternal faithfulness (PSA 145:1-21). 

 

Must find His heart and see it (1CO 2:9-10; 2CO 3:18; HEB 8:11). 

 

Learn His word, trust, and obey continually. 

 

Learn all His word without bias, conjecture, adding or subtracting. 

 

If you see the heart of God then you cannot be a hypocrite worshiper. 

 

Application: Examine self in light of the heart of God’s law and God’s person (HEB 4:12). 

 

Do you keep the letter of the law and not its spirit? 

 

What if you’ve really been hurt? 

 

Worship: Do you give, pray, and mortify my flesh for the reason of the Person of God and His greatness? 

 

Conclusion: Know and seek the reality of the Person of God.