SEMESTER 5
277 – Conduct and Attitude in Alms Deeds
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY V LESSON # 77
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
(CONDUCT AND ATTITUDE IN ALMS DEEDS)
Read: Mat. 6:1-5
INTRODUCTION
1. This section of the Lord’s sermon is an exhortation against religious exhibitionism.
2. This, a great evil of our day, issues forth in word, deed, and appearance.
3. A key to understanding this is to remember Matthew 5:20 in connection with such passages as Matthew 6:1 and Luke 12:1.
4. All these first three exhortations might be one message. Note: Take heed, and moreover.
5. To consider time, and to give the subjects their due, I will bring a lesson on each issue.
I. THE MEANING OF THE TERM ALMS OR ALMS DEEDS
1. It has nothing to do with tithes and offerings, as some imply by implication.
III: Do not let your right hand know what the left hand is doing.
2. This deals with giving to the poor. Notice an example in Acts 3:1-2.
3. Times were different then, there was no government welfare paid mandatorily.
4. Yet, in every age, God has left all of us enough of this opportunity and responsibility.
II. THE IMPURE MOTIVE WARNED AGAINST (VERSE 1)
1. It was to be seen of men as opposed to doing it out of mercy.
2. It should neither be done for human recognition or heavenly reward.
3. A proper and an indispensable Christian attribute is mercy. (Mat. 23:23)
4. This is not a succumbing to social demands, but a spontaneous reaction to suffering.
III. THE MANIFESTATION OF IMPURE MOTIVES (VERSE 2)
1. We cannot judge motives except where the Lord gives us a clear pattern.
2. He says, they do it to be seen of men. Could only He know that? No, we can know!
3. They did it only where everyone could see. Organized a drive??
4. They did it in such a way all would know: Blowing a trumpet in the streets and synagogues.
III: If someone needs some groceries, do not tell everyone, go buy some.
IV. RESULT OF IMPURE MOTIVES – LOST REWARDS (VERSE 2)
1. Human nature is to want to be paid for what we do, preferably in cash.
2. These people got much gratification from being recognized for their good.
3. Jesus said they have their reward, and that is all they are going to get.
4. Today, some are “Working for a reward in Heaven,” and this is not much better.
5. In each case, the motive is not God’s glory, and will not get His reward.
V. THE MEANS OF GUARDING AGAINST THIS PITFALL (VS. 3-4)
1. Do your alms deeds, quietly and secretly. Do not ask, do not recruit, do not brag.
2. The Lord says, take this to such an extent that one hand is unaware of the action of the other.
III: By the story of Spurgeon’s egg money.
1. We should search our hearts to see what we would do without human recognition.