Finding Favor with God

If the Kingdom of Heaven really is at hand, how can we find favor with the King (6.1)

By acting out of a genuine love for God and a desire to please him

If your goal in giving, praying, & fasting is to impress others, then their praise is your reward (6.2, 5, 16).

If your goal in giving, praying, & fasting is to please God, then God will reward you (6.4, 6, 18).

The Lord’s prayer is designed to shape us into people who share the character and priorities of our God (6.9-13).

Application

• God is not fooled by pretenders; he wants worshippers whose motives and actions are aligned with his. 
• Jesus gives his followers a prayer that creates in us a longing for God’s rule. 

Discussion Questions

• In what way are Jesus’ teachings here a challenge to conventional notions of religion? 
• What are some practices that might help us align our motives and actions better with God’s own? Is there an area in you that feels out of alignment right now?
• Slowly read the Lord’s prayer. How might praying that each day - thoughtfully - change you? Where does it press up against your current way of living?