Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
6:2
In verse two, Jesus presented the negative view of giving. He gave the positive view in verses three and four.
Therefore,
The “therefore” is an inference drawn from verse one. The principle of verse one has to do with motivation for what we do.
when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you
There does not appear to be any custom of sounding a trumpet when giving at the Temple, so this is a metaphorical statement for putting on a show.
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets,
The Greek word for “hypocrites” originated in the Greek theater. The actor who wore a mask to display a character portrayed someone he wasn’t. He pretended to be someone he wasn’t. Hypocrites display themselves in public places: synagogues and streets.
that they may have glory from men.
Their reward is that they are seen by men. Their true motivation is self-glorification.
Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
The Greek for “have their reward” indicates they receive their reward in full. There is nothing more to receive after a public show. Their only reward is human reputation. They get what they want—human applause.
PRINCIPLE: Approbation lust receives its reward in time, not eternity.
APPLICATION: True righteousness does not seek praise for what it does. Calling attention to self is the opposite of giving glory to God. People get a rosy glow from public recognition. This is unadulterated approbation lust. This approach to giving gets its reward in time, not eternity.
0 Responses to “Matthew 6:2”