Oakwood Church

“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:48-6:1

How NOT TO Give, Pray and Fast:

To Impress others

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you as the hypocrites do… that they may be praised by others.”
Matthew 6:2

How NOT TO Give, Pray and Fast:

To feel Superior to others

“And when you pray you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray… that they may be seen by others.”
Matthew 6:5

How NOT TO Give, Pray and Fast:

To Manipulate God

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.”
Matthew 6:7

How to Give, Pray and Fast:

Secretly, just for God’s approval

“And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:4,6,18

How to Give, Pray and Fast:

Humbly, knowing even your efforts are a gift from God

“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:8

How to Give, Pray and Fast:

Faithfully, knowing God rewards those who seek Him

“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face that your fasting may not be seen by others… And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:18

How NOT TO Give, Pray and Fast:
•To Impress others
•To feel Superior to others
•To Manipulate God

How to Give, Pray and Fast:
•Secretly, just for God’s approval
•Humbly, knowing even your efforts are a gift from God
•Faithfully, knowing God rewards those who seek Him