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Beware! Religious Performance Now Showing

Artwork for Simple Faith: The Sermon on the Mount—A Study of Matthew 5-7

In many ways, our walks with God are something we shouldn’t keep to ourselves. By sharing our faith, we not only spread the good news; we go on record as being Christians…and not ashamed of it. On the other hand, it’s possible to be so conscious of others watching us that we turn our spirituality into a public performance. When that occurs, we’re “practicing…righteousness…to be noticed by them” rather than walking humbly with our God (Matthew 6:1). In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus took on the hypocrites with both guns blazing! Drawing on common examples of showy righteousness, He instructed us on the importance of being people of quiet sincerity, seeking to glorify God rather than impress others.