Big Idea: Kingdom living is about pleasing God, not impressing people. How Do We Live For An Audience Of One? 1. Give with the Right Motive "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4 (NASB) “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV) 2. Pray with the Right Focus 5 "When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7 "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 "So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:5-8 (NASB) 9 "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 'Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11 'Give us this day our daily bread. 12 'And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'] Matthew 6:9-13 (NASB) 14 "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 "But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:14-15 (NASB) 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB) 3. Fast with the Right Heart 16 "Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 (NASB) "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter– when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV) What’s one way I can shift my focus to honor God more? To live for an audience of One, I will: Give with the right motive Pray with the right focus Fast with the right heart [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Opening Prayer: “Lord, help us to seek Your approval above all else. Teach us to give, pray, and fast with sincere hearts that desire only to glorify You. Transform our motives and help us live for Your Kingdom, not for the applause of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Big Idea: Kingdom living is about pleasing God, not impressing people. Icebreaker: How do you feel when you do something nice, but do not get the recognition? What is Jesus asking us to do? 1. Give with the Right Motive Read: Matthew 6:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Why do you think Jesus warns against giving for public recognition? How can we tell if our generosity is truly for God and not for human approval? What are some ways we can practice “secret giving” that honors God? Reflection: God sees what is done in secret and rewards those who give from a pure heart. 🛠 Application: Find one way this week to give secretly—whether through finances, time, or acts of kindness. 2. Pray with the Right Focus Read: Matthew 6:5-15 What’s the difference between praying to connect with God and praying to impress others? How does the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) help us pray with the right focus? Why is private prayer essential to a deep relationship with God? Analogy: Imagine talking to a friend just to sound impressive, instead of actually connecting with them. Prayer should be a personal conversation with God, not a performance. 🛠 Application: Set aside a private time for prayer this week—without distractions, without performance, just you and God. 3. Fast with the Right Heart Read: Matthew 6:16-18 What is true fasting according to Jesus? How can fasting help us grow closer to God rather than seeking attention? Have you ever fasted before? If so, how did it impact your faith? Reflection: Fasting isn’t about looking spiritual—it’s about realigning our hearts with God. 🛠 Application: Choose something to fast from this week—food, social media, or a distraction—and use that time to seek God. Final Reflection & Challenge: Jesus calls us to live for an audience of One—seeking God’s approval, not people’s applause. Which of these three areas—giving, praying, or fasting—do you need to refocus on the most? What is one way you can shift your focus from impressing others to pleasing God? Challenge: This week, live intentionally in secret obedience—give, pray, and fast for God alone, knowing that He sees and rewards what is done in secret.