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MATTHEW 6:1

"LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD"

I. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
        A. Not a bed of roses.
        B. A self-humbling chap.
                1. We should be anxious to know self.
                2. Most people avoid self-examination.
                3. Most painful information one can acquire.
                4. When we see ourselves fly to Christ.

II. PRINCIPLE GOVERNING RELIGIOUS LIFE OF CHRISTIAN.
        A. 3 illustrations that cover religious life - the way I do my alms giving; the nature
           of my prayer life; the way I should mortify the flesh.
        B. Fundamental principle - delicate nature of Christian life. 
                1. Accused of being self-contradictory.
                        a. "Let your light so shine before men."
                        b. "Take heed that ye do not your righteousness..."
                2. The Christian is to live in such a way that men looking at him will glorify
                   God because of quality of his life. Yet he must not do things in order to
                   attract attention to himself.
                3. Balance.
        B. Ultimate choice is rather to please self or God.
                1. Not choosing between pleasing man or God.
                2. Only reason for pleasing man is that they might think more highly of us.
                3. Character of sin is seen.
                4. What appears to be selflessness may be only a subtle form of selfishness.
        C. Supreme matter in this life is our relationship to God.
                1. Seem to constantly forget this.
                2. If this our aim, we cannot go wrong.
                3. Christ example, lived entirely for God - works, words, etc.
                4. We are always in presence of God, constantly reminding ourselves.
                        a. Psalmist realized this.
                        b. Banishes hypocrisy.
                        c. True way to preach holiness.
        D. Concerning rewards.
                1. Quite right to seek reward which God gives.
                2. False teaching wrong to seek reward.
                        a. Illustration: bucket of fire, bucket of water.
                3. Greatest goal, "Blessed are the pure in heart."
                        a. Christ, "Who for the joy..."
                        b. Moses, "Consider recompense of reward."
                4. No reward from God for those who seek it from men.
                        a. Terrifying but absolute.
                        b. If in preaching I am concerned what people think of my preaching.
                           That is what I will get out of it and nothing from God.

III. HOW WE GIVE ALMS.
        A. Right and wrong way.
                1. Wrong way is to announce it. Draw attention to it.
                        a. Lady starting a mission.
                        b. I only announce number of converts of people who glorify God.
                        c. These people to be pitied and prayed for.
                2. Right way, "don't let left hand know..." Rather detest person always 
                   boasting and advertising himself."
        B. If you pride yourself that you are not like him that is wrong.
                1. Don't keep a record (Matt. 25..