What's Your Real Motivation?
Matthew 6:1-4
Summary
Preaching Matthew 6:1-4 in the "Jesus Said What?" series, Pastor James Drake asks the searching question behind our good deeds: why do we do them? Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others and calls his people to give in secret, living for God's approval rather than man's applause. The point is not a new to-do list but the heart, and ultimately our deeper need for a Savior who already gave us everything.
Sermon Outline
- 1
Real Oreos versus fake: it's what's on the inside ▶ 1:28
Drake's lighthearted cookie illustration sets up Jesus' point that giving can look the same outside but differ at the heart.
- 2
Why do you do the good things you do? ▶ 3:24
Jesus presses past the act to motive, exposing the subtle hunger to be seen, valued, and thanked.
- 3
Beware: this is about a Savior, not a to-do list ▶ 5:33
The Sermon on the Mount sets a standard beyond us so we see our greatest need is salvation, not more effort.
- 4
Beware of giving to be seen ▶ 8:15
If applause from people is your aim, that applause is your only reward; God offers something far better.
- 5
When you give, not if: trusting God with the first fruits ▶ 11:10
Giving in Jesus' day was regular, intentional, and sacrificial, an act of trust in the Lord's provision.
- 6
Rewards and the freedom of open hands ▶ 15:45
Drake tells how he and Heidi gave away their car and God provided another, illustrating faithful stewardship.
- 7
The greatest reward is God himself ▶ 22:22
God's reward is not more stuff but himself, freedom, joy, and life in abundance through relationship with him.
Key Points
- Two acts of giving can look identical on the outside yet differ completely in the heart.
- Jesus warns us to beware of practicing righteousness to be seen, because applause from people is its own small reward.
- The Sermon on the Mount points not to a to-do list but to our need for a Savior.
- Biblical giving is responsive, thoughtful, sacrificial, and aimed at God's glory, given from the first fruits in trust.
- We give not to earn God's love but because we already have it in Christ.
- God's ultimate reward is not more possessions but himself, the joy, freedom, and abundant life found in knowing him.
Quotable Moments
“It might look the same on the outside, the way you give, the way you pray, the way you fast. But what matters most is what's on the inside.” ▶ 3:04
“So often we can do the right thing in the wrong way and miss the very heart of God.” ▶ 4:18
“We don't give to earn God's love. We give because we already have it.” ▶ 14:17
“The greatest gift God can give us is Himself in relationship.” ▶ 22:38
Discussion Questions
- 1
Drake asks, why do you do the good things you do? When you give or serve, what motives do you notice underneath?
- 2
Where are you tempted to make sure others see your generosity, prayer, or service?
- 3
What is the difference between giving to earn God's love and giving because you already have it?
- 4
Jesus says "when you give," not "if." How does trusting God with your first fruits stretch your faith?
- 5
If God's greatest reward is himself rather than more stuff, how does that reshape what you're really seeking from him?
Take It With You
- Practice a deliberate act of secret giving this week with no one but God knowing about it.
- Before your next gift, pause to check your motive and ask God to make it about his glory rather than your reputation.
- Take one step toward first-fruits, trust-filled generosity, such as giving the first 10 percent rather than the leftovers.
The study guide above (summary, outline, key points, quotes, questions) was generated from the sermon transcript with AI and reviewed by our team. Spot something off? Let us know.
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