Matthew 6:2-4

Open Wide Your Hand

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:2-4

A Giving God

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17

A Giving God

Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

Acts 14:17

A Giving God

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

A Giving God

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32

A Giving God

A Giving People

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

Deuteronomy 15:11

A Giving People

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble Jehovah delivers him;

Psalms 41:1

A Giving People

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to Jehovah, and he will repay him for his deed.

Proverbs 19:17

A Giving People

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Proverbs 11:24

A Giving People

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

A Giving People

The Givers in Jerusalem

There was not a needy person among them Acts 4:34

Joseph … sold a field … and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 4:36-37

There was not a needy person among them Acts 4:34

There was not a needy person among them Acts 4:34

Ananias & Sapphira … sold a piece of property … kept back for himself some of the proceeds

Acts 5:1-4

Joseph … sold a field … and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 4:36-37

There was not a needy person among them Acts 4:34

Ananias & Sapphira … sold a piece of property … kept back for himself some of the proceeds

Acts 5:1-4

Joseph … sold a field … and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 4:36-37

lie

contrived

There was not a needy person among them Acts 4:34

Ananias & Sapphira … sold a piece of property … kept back for himself some of the proceeds

Acts 5:1-4

Joseph … sold a field … and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 4:36-37

lie

contrived

test the Spirit

Giving To Be Seen

Giving to Be Seen

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

Matthew 6:2

Giving In Secret

Giving in Secret

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:3-4

EXCELLING IN THE GRACE OF GIVING

EXCELLING IN THE GRACE OF GIVING

Joyful generosity

Give yourself to the Lord first

Excel in this grace

EXCELLING IN THE GRACE OF GIVING

Joyful generosity

Give yourself to the Lord first

Excel in this grace

Sow bountifully

Cheerful giver

EXCELLING IN THE GRACE OF GIVING

Joyful generosity

Give yourself to the Lord first

Excel in this grace

Sow bountifully

Cheerful giver

Thanks-giving

TextOpen Wide Your Hand

We implore you on behalf of Christ,

be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

Text

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Righteousness in the Kingdom of Heaven

#14

Open Wide Your HandMatthew 6:2-4

Compiled and Presented by:Dave Stewart

24 December 2017www.1corinthians1614.com

Synopsis: Jesus’s first example of properly practicing your righteousness is about giving to the needy. Our God is a giving God and He has consistently expected his people to help those who are in need. However, as the contrast between Joseph and Ananias and Sapphira demonstrates, it’s vital that we help because we want to help not because we want to be noticed. Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us, of the proper way to give righteously.

“Let all that you do be done with love.”

"Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”