Cultivating Concealed Compassion
Sermon on the Mount- 15
TITLE: Cultivating Concealed Compassion
TEXT: Matthew 6:1-3
TONE: Warning
TARGET: Believers
TASK: To warn believers of outward displays of piety.
TEACH: Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, sold a piece of property and decided to keep back part of the money for themselves, while pretending to donate the entire proceeds to the apostles. Their intention was to receive the same admiration and praise as those who were contributing honestly and sacrificially to the early Christian community.
By lying about the amount they gave, Ananias and Sapphira’s act of giving was driven more by the desire to be seen as generous and to gain status within the community, rather than out of genuine charity and devotion. Peter filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted Ananias about his deceit. When Ananias maintained his lie, he fell down and died. Later, when Sapphira also lied about the donation, she too faced the same fate. This severe consequence highlighted the seriousness with which God views hypocrisy in acts of piety and giving.
This negative example underscores the theme from Matthew 6:1-3, where sincere and humble giving is valued over the outward, ostentatious display meant to impress others. Ananias and Sapphira’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity and transparency in stewardship and piety.
TRUTH: The general principle enunciated by 6:1 connects righteousness with the disciples’ intention. The disciples must above all avoid doing religious acts in order to impress people, since the heavenly Father will not reward such acts. When each of the three specific practices is singled out for attention, a similar pattern occurs in which Jesus first forbids hypocritical religious practice and then commands genuine religious practice. In each of the three situations, Jesus gives a reason for prohibiting a behavior and indicates a positive result of the commanded behavior.[1]
I. Priorities in Practicing Piety (v.1)
Explanation: (1) Avoid Exhibitionism: The primary warning is against practicing your righteousness “before others to be seen by them.” This implies a rejection of performing religious or charitable acts merely to gain human attention or approval. The focus should be on sincere devotion rather than external validation. If we do good just be seen by others then we have our reward -their admiration, but not the blessing of God. Why? Because we do it for our own praise, to look good in the eyes of others. God takes no pleasure in such selfish motives.
(2) Practice Integrity: Jesus encourages examining the motives behind one’s actions. True acts of piety should be driven by a genuine desire to serve God, not by a quest for personal fame or reward. The intention should be pure, aiming for the approval of God rather than that of people. Our motivation ought to be the command of double love -loving God and loving neighbor. Ensure that your motivation for giving is genuine compassion and love, rather than seeking personal recognition or reward.
Illustration: In Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4, we read the story of the widow’s mite. In this story, Jesus observes people giving offerings at the temple. While many wealthy individuals are contributing large amounts, a poor widow puts in two small copper coins, which are worth very little. Jesus points out that the widow has given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, contributing all she had to live in, while the rich gave out of their surplus. The implication for today is that the value of giving is not measured by the amount but by the spirit and sacrifice behind it. This story encourages believers to give generously and sacrificially, trusting in God’s provision, and serves as a reminded that true generosity is a matter of the heart rather than the size of the gift.
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II. Dangers of Displayed Devotion (v.2)
Explanation: (1) Loss of Heavenly Rewards: Jesus warns that those who given alms or perform acts of piety “to be honored by others” already have their reward in full. The danger is that any earthly recognition or praise nullifies the reward one might receive from God. By seeking and receiving human approval, one forfeits the divine reward that comes from God, who values sincerity and humility.
(2) Falling into Hypocrisy: Displayed devotion risks falling into hypocrisy. Jesus criticizes those who are like the ‘hypocrites’ who announce their charitable deed with fanfare in public places. This kind of behavior is marked more by a desire for self-glorification than by true compassion or devotion, compromising the integrity of one’s spiritual life.
(3) Misplaced Focus: By concerning on the outward display rather than the inward intention, individuals can become more concerned with human perception rather than divine approval. This can lead to spiritual pride and distract from the genuine purpose of good deeds, which is to honor God and help others in need.
Illustration: In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the story of a rich man whose land produces an abundant harvest. Instead of using his surplus to benefit others, he decides to build larger barns to store all his grain and goods. The man tells himself that he had enough stored up for many years and plans to “eat, drink, and be merry.”
However, God addresses the man that night, calling him a fool and telling him that his life will be demanded of him that very night. They key point of the parable is warning: the man has stored up earthly wealth for himself but is not rich toward God. He has placed all his trust in material possessions, neglecting spiritual wealth.
The parable emphasizes the folly of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual riches and the importance of being prepared for eternity. Jesus uses this story to teach that life is not measured by an abundance of possessions and underscored the need to focus on what truly matters, which is one’s relationship with God and ones investment into His kingdom.
A great deal of religion amounts to nothing more than rearranging religious ‘ashes’ to impress the world with one’s supposed humility and devotion. The problem, of course, is that the humility is a sham, and the devotion is to self, not to God. Such religion is nothing more than a game. (John MacArthur, Matthew 1-7, pg. 352).
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III. Secrets of Sincere Stewardship (v.3)
Explanation: (1) Secrecy in Giving: Jesus advises, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” This metaphor suggests that giving should be done discreetly and without seeking recognition or praise. The act of generosity should be private and personal, focused on the need itself rather than the giver.
(2) Purity in our Intentions: By giving in such a secretive manner, the focus shifts from outward appearances to inward devotion. The intention should be pure, motivated by genuine love and compassion rather than a desire for public acknowledgment or self-glorification.
(3) Integrity in Stewardship: The act of giving becomes more sincere when it is done quietly and without fanfare. This type of stewardship aligns with the principles of integrity, as it reflects an inner commitment to faith and generosity rather than a superficial performance for the sake of others.
Just as a sympathetic feeling for someone in need does not help them unless something is given to meet their need, giving them money provides no spiritual benefit or blessing unless it is given from the heart. (MacArthur, pg. 355)
Illustration: Barnabas demonstrated sincerity in giving through his selfless actions and genuine commitment to helping others. As described in the book of Acts, he sold a piece of land he owned and brought the money to the apostles to support the community’s needs. This act was not performed for personal recognition or status but was driven by a profound sense of responsibility and faith in fostering the welfare of the early church. His actions exemplify pure generosity, reflecting a heart dedicated to communal well-being and the spreading of the Christian faith. Barnabas’s sincerity in giving is further highlighted by his nickname, “Son of Encouragement,” which underscores his supportive and altruistic nature in both material and spiritual matters.
There are three final truths that you need to consider concerning concealed compassion…
· God is interested: God does not need what we have, but he does want to test our devotion. He also desires to bless us. This is one of great test of our love for God.
· Satan is also interested: He wants to keep you in bondage, under a curse. God is not trying to put us in straight jacket but give us freedom. Freedom comes through faithful stewardship. Many believe they can’t give because they are in financial bondage, this is a lie from Satan. Others believe freedom comes through money, so they live their lives to have money, but what they fail to realize is that the money has them.
· You are interested: You may not think you are, but you are. Jesus teaches that believers should lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, as material wealth cannot be taken beyond this life. The judgment to come highlights that individuals will be accountable for how they used their resources and opportunities to serve God and others. Moreover, the imminent return of Christ calls believers to be vigilant and active in demonstrating love and generosity, reflecting God’s character and advancing His kingdom. Giving, therefore, becomes an expression of faith, obedience and readiness for the eternal life and reward promised in Christ.
TIE-UP: As we conclude our reflection on the sincere and selfless giving exemplified by Barnabas, it is essential to recognize the deeper call this message extends to each of us. In light of his example, we are reminded of the ultimate gift to us through Jesus Christ, who demonstrated the greatest act of love and generosity by sacrificing himself for our salvation. If you have not yet accepted this gift, I invite you today to open your heart to the love and grace that Jesus offers. Embrace the opportunity to receive the forgiveness, hope, and unending life that comes through faith in Him. Let this be the moment you lay down burdens and receive the transforming gift of a life renewed in Christ.
[1] David L. Turner, Matthew, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008), 179–180.
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