Righteousness is not a performance, but flows out of relationship.
1.Give authentically
2.Pray authentically
3.Fast authentically

Discussion questions available here.

What is your motivation?

We should not focus on being liked!

• Matt 5:16 – don’t neglect doing good to avoid persecution
• Matt 6:1 – don’t spotlight doing good to attract praise

Hypocrite = “actor”, putting on a performance

• Matt 5:16 – noticed, but glory goes to God
• Matt 6:1 – beheld/gazed upon, to receive
  our glory

1. Give authentically

Why do we give?

• Honor and obey God
• Find greatest satisfaction in God
• Serve the needs

Happy are the merciful!

2. Pray authentically

Why do we pray?

• Commune with God
• Abide in Jesus

How do we pray?

• Relationally (9)
• Reverentially (9)
• Submissively (10)
• Dependently (11)
• Repentantly (12)
• Vulnerably (13)

Happy are the poor in spirit and the meek!

3. Fast authentically

Why do we fast?

• Longing for God (Mark 2:18-20)
• Empty ourselves to hunger for God (Matt 4:4)
• Acknowledge dependence upon God: repentance (Neh 1:4), preparation (Matt 4:1-2), surrender to God’s direction (Acts 13:2, 14:23)

Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness!