THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL OVERVIEW FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LESSON EACH WEEK. BIBLICAL TRANSLATIONS WILL VARY, BUT THE MAIN RESOURCE WILL BE THE TOWNSEND PRESS SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMENTARY, 99th EDITION. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO BE OF HELP TO THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND THEIR LOCAL CHURCH AND/OR SUNDAY SCHOOL.
LESSON TITLE: PIETY THAT HONORS GOD
Adult/Young Adult Topic: THE PITFALLS OF SHOWING OFF
Printed Text: MATTHEW 6:1-8
KEY VERSE: MATTHEW 6:1 (NIV) BE CAREFUL not to practice your right-eousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Source: Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary – 99th Edition, 2019-2020
UNIFYING LESSON PRINCIPLE: Eager to be well thought of, people are pulled in a multitude of contradictory directions. How can we be true to the highest principles that we have been taught? In Matthew 5, Jesus taught the disciples the Beatitudes’ and in Matthew 6, He warned them against practicing their piety in order to be praised by others.
CONCLUDING REFLECTION: It is important to place our focus on pleasing God rather than being esteemed and congratulated by others. Not all prayers and praises should be loud and in the public. Conversely, not all prayers and praises should be done quietly and in private. A daily private time with God can elevate our walk with God in ways that are powerful and astounding. Out of our private time with God can emerge a public worship that is powerful and empowering to others.
PRAYER: LORD, thank you for the privilege of prayer and fasting. Help us never to misuse it but to harness it to edify us and to glorify you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sunday School Review “Don’t Be A Show-Off” was originally published on 955thelou.com