Righteousness for God (Matthew 6:1-18)

Jesus expands on His teachings for disciples to live lives of righteousness.  Jesus teaches an important element about practicing righteousness - that’s for God and ONLY God.  Disciples are NOT to practice righteousness for people because righteousness is a response of obedience to God and Jesus’ instructions in the Bible.  So, disciples are to practice lives of righteousness for God to see, not for people to see.  Disciples are not hypocrites in this way.  Jesus gives several examples of how to practice righteousness: giving money to the poor humbly in secret, praying to God humbly in secret, and fasting for God in secret.  And each time, Jesus comforts and encourages His disciples that God will reward them by recognizing them and being pleased and happy with them.