Principle and Practice

Pastor: Jeff Love

Living for the Audience of One

Matthew 6:1–18 | Sermon on the Mount Series

What does it mean to live like a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven while we’re surrounded by the values of the kingdom of earth?

As we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presses deeper—past surface-level obedience—into our motivation. From the very beginning, He’s been painting a picture of what Kingdom living looks like. He calls us to repent (Matthew 4:17), to live in a way that makes the goodness of God visible (Matthew 5:16), and to pursue the maturity and perfection that reflect our Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48).

But in Matthew 6:1–18, Jesus gives us a warning light:

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them…”  (Matthew 6:1)

The challenge isn’t just doing good things—like giving, praying, or fasting—but doing them for the right reasons.

When Good Things Are Done with Wrong Motives

Jesus exposes a subtle trap we all fall into: seeking recognition. It’s easy to do the right thing with the wrong heart. And if we’re honest, we’ve all done it—whether it’s giving with strings attached, praying to impress, or fasting to seem “extra spiritual.”

Jesus repeats the pattern:

• “You have seen it done this way…”

• “But I say to you… live differently.”

In each example—giving, praying, and fasting—He calls out the danger of hypocrisy. When we seek human praise, we might get it… but that’s all we get. No eternal reward. No spiritual growth. Just fleeting approval.

Three Heart Checks from Jesus:

🔹 When you give…Don’t toot your own horn. Don’t give for applause. Give quietly, even secretly, for the glory of God alone (Sola Deo Gloria).

“...your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)

🔹 When you pray…Don’t perform. Don’t babble just to sound holy. Talk to your Father from the heart. Find a secret place and meet Him there.

“...your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)

🔹 When you fast…Don’t look miserable. Don’t make it a show. Fast in a way that puts God’s will above your wants.

“...your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:18)

The message is clear: God cares more about why you do something than what you do.

It’s Not About the Applause

Living for the kingdom of heaven means we stop trying to impress the world and start living for an Audience of One. It requires intentional, often uncomfortable, self-examination—the kind that only happens when we pause, listen to the Holy Spirit, and ask, “Who am I really doing this for?”

When we serve, give, pray, or fast for God’s glory—not ours—we step into a rhythm of grace that deepens our relationship with Him and transforms our hearts.

Communion: The Ultimate Motivation

We ended the message with communion—a moment that re-centers us on Jesus’ sacrifice, not our own self-righteousness.

“Do this in remembrance of Me.” —Luke 22:19“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us...” —2 Corinthians 5:21

The bread and cup remind us: we don’t do good to be accepted by God. We do good because we already are. His grace fuels our obedience. His love shapes our motives.

Challenge for the Week:Whatever you do—whether it's giving, serving, praying, or fasting—ask God to purify your motivation. Do it in secret. Do it for Him. And trust that your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you with what truly matters.

✨ Let’s live for the Kingdom of Heaven—even in the smallest, most hidden moments.