Connect Matthew 6:18 with other scriptures on humility in worship. The Hidden Reward of Secret Devotion “so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father who is unseen; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:18) Jesus places the spotlight on the Father’s “secret” gaze rather than public applause. True worship thrives where only God is looking. A Thread Woven through Scripture • 1 Samuel 16:7 — “man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” • Hebrews 4:13 — “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” • Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • James 4:10 — “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” Each verse echoes Matthew 6:18: God values hidden sincerity, not visible showmanship. What Humility Looks Like in Worship • Contrite spirit: Psalm 51:17 — “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” • Quiet obedience: Micah 6:8 — “act justly… love mercy… walk humbly with your God.” • Lowly posture before others: 1 Peter 5:5-6 — “clothe yourselves with humility… Humble yourselves… so that in due time He may exalt you.” • Secret fasting, giving, praying (Matthew 6:1-18) — each act directed toward the Father, not the crowd. Jesus’ Parable that Drives It Home Luke 18:9-14: the Pharisee’s loud self-congratulation versus the tax collector’s hidden plea. Verse 14 concludes, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” The principle matches Matthew 6:18: unseen humility leads to God’s commendation. Christ: Our Ultimate Model Philippians 2:5-8 shows the Lord Himself choosing the lowest place: • “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” • “humbled Himself… even death on a cross” His path of secret surrender culminates in exaltation (v. 9-11), foreshadowing the reward promised in Matthew 6:18. Why God Values Secret Devotion • Protects the purity of worship — motives stay focused on God alone. • Cultivates genuine dependence — pride can’t survive in the secret place. • Displays trust — believing He “who sees what is done in secret will reward.” • Mirrors heaven’s priorities — honor comes from the Lord, not from people (Proverbs 15:33). Living It Out Today • Practice unseen acts of kindness without announcing them. • Build private rhythms (fasting, prayer, generosity) known only to the Father. • Let public ministry overflow from a robust secret life with God, never replace it. • When praised, quietly redirect the glory to Christ, remembering Isaiah 57:15 — He dwells “with those whose spirits are contrite and humble.” The lesson is simple yet searching: keep worship small in the eyes of people so it may be great in the eyes of God. |
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