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Matthew-6

True Worship: A Devotional Study on Matthew 6​

Introduction​

As disciples of Jesus, it is crucial that we understand what true worship entails. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus gives us insights into the elements that make up genuine worship. As we delve into this passage, let's explore the spiritual truths Jesus reveals in His teaching.

Section 1: Giving to the Needy (Matthew 6:1-4)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus teaches us not to let our righteous acts, such as giving to the poor, be a way to gain attention. True acts of righteousness are done in private, out of a heart of compassion and love for God. Today, reflect on your motivation to serve others. Is it driven by a desire to gain praise or out of pure love for God and others?

Reflection Questions:

  • Who are some people in need in your community, and how can you lovingly serve them?
  • How can you ensure that your acts of love and service are done with pure motives?

Section 2: Praying in Secret (Matthew 6:5-15)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus challenges us to pray in secret, away from the prying eyes and ears of others. Our prayers should be a means by which we connect deeply with God, not a way to impress others with our spirituality. Let us pray with humility and sincerity, seeking God's will above all else.

Reflection Questions:

  • What can you do to create a space for intimate prayer and devotion in your life?
  • How can you ensure that your prayers are motivated by sincerity and a desire for intimacy with God?

Section 3: Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus speaks of fasting as a spiritual discipline to be done in parallel with prayer and charitable giving. However, he emphasizes that fasting should be done discreetly, without drawing unwanted attention to ourselves. Fasting, like prayer and charity, is a way of connecting deeply with God.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can you integrate fasting as a spiritual discipline in your life, done with sincerity and humility?
  • Are there areas in your life where you need to adopt the spirit of fasting as a means of connecting with God?

Section 4: True Riches (Matthew 6:19-24)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus speaks of true riches as those that come from a kingdom perspective, where what we possess in this world is secondary to our relationship with God. We must not fear the loss of material possessions, for true wealth rests in our connection with God. Let us hold our possessions lightly and fix our hearts on the profound riches of our relationship with God.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can you cultivate a kingdom perspective that idolizes your relationship with God over material possessions?
  • Are there areas in your life where you need to declutter and lighten your load to make space for deeper devotion to God?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our devotional journey through Matthew 6, let us commit ourselves to true worship. This means serving others with pure motives, praying in secret, fasting with sincerity, and prioritizing our connection with God over material possessions. Let us cultivate a lifetime of genuine worship, rooted in humility, sincerity, and intimacy with God.