Sermon on the MountSample

A Genuine Walk of Faith

Three of the most significant religious practices for a devout Jew were almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Each of these observances was seen as essential for Jewish piety, but by the time of Christ, they had become public rituals. Matthew uses the word “hypocrite” thirteen times in his gospel, meaning an actor on a stage. The action of a hypocrite, therefore, referred to the role a person played as opposed to their actual life. Jesus would teach his followers to live in quiet obedience to God, not seeking public recognition, but eternal reward.

1. From the model prayer in verses 9–13, how is God to be known, honored, and obeyed?