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Jesus teaches about false righteousness…

Matthew 6:1-8 (MKJV used) Take heed that you do not do your merciful deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in Heaven.  (2)  Therefore when you do your merciful deeds, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. (3) But when you do merciful deeds, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does, (4) so that your merciful deeds may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret Himself shall reward you openly.

(Many Bible versions using the word ‘righteousness’ in Vs.1.) – What does your version use?
– From the original Grk. eleēmosunē (-eh-ay-mos-oo’-nay) meaning; compassionateness, (as exercised towards the poor) or a benefaction: – (KJV – alms). – (MKJV – merciful deeds).

Q1. What rewards are sought when, “doing your merciful deeds before men…”?
                 ☐ Rewards of the flesh…          ☐ God’s blessings and rewards…

(Vs.5-6) “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. (6) But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.”

Q2. What reward is received by the “hypocrites” mentioned in Vs.2 and Vs.5?
☐ The approval or envy of others.     ☐ God’s approval and blessings.

Q3. Which of these is found in praying to our Lord in private? (Check all that apply.)

☐ intimacy;     ☐ humility;     ☐ display;     ☐ ego;     ☐ love;     ☐ mercy;     ☐ forgiveness.

Q4. Does this restrict us from praying together in a group?
(In answer, SEE) Matthew 18:19-20… Again I say to you that if two of you shall agree on earth as regarding anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by My Father in Heaven. (20) For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.

(Back to Matthew 6:7-8) “But when you pray, do not babble vain words, as the nations. For they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard. (8) Therefore do not be like them, for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him.”

Q5. What kind of a ‘Father’ figure is being described here by Jesus? (SEE Vs.4-6-8)

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Q6. When we pray does it help to understand that our ‘Father God’ is aware of our needs?

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— As we close with our prayer-time, let’s present our requests to our loving Father God, and be prepared to take these home with us to be remembered in our private prayer times.