Mat 6:1 | MHM | STEP | The Sermon on the Mount In this passage, Jesus teaches about the importance of true heart religion, not just outward actions. He warns his followers against hypocrisy, which means doing good things to be seen by others instead of pleasing God. Jesus explains that giving to the poor, praying, and fasting are important, but they must be done with the right motive. God looks at our hearts, not just our actions. v. 1 : Jesus says, Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before others to be seen by them (Matthew 6:1 ). He warns that it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting praise from people. Hypocrisy, or pretending to be good just for attention, is very dangerous. It can ruin all the good we try to do. Jesus teaches that almsgiving (helping the poor), prayer, and fasting are important Christian duties that show love for God with our soul, body, and possessions. But if we do them to show off, they lose their value in God’s eyes (Luke 12:1 ).

‏ Matthew 6:1

The Sermon on the Mount

In this passage, Jesus teaches about the importance of true heart religion, not just outward actions. He warns his followers against hypocrisy, which means doing good things to be seen by others instead of pleasing God. Jesus explains that giving to the poor, praying, and fasting are important, but they must be done with the right motive. God looks at our hearts, not just our actions.

v. 1: Jesus says, Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before others to be seen by them (Matthew 6:1 ^a). He warns that it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting praise from people. Hypocrisy, or pretending to be good just for attention, is very dangerous. It can ruin all the good we try to do. Jesus teaches that almsgiving (helping the poor), prayer, and fasting are important Christian duties that show love for God with our soul, body, and possessions. But if we do them to show off, they lose their value in God’s eyes (Luke 12:1 ^b).