The Pharisee & Tax Collector: Pride - Earthly approval without heavenly blessing

Matthew 6:5-8 | “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

• How was the prayer of hypocrites in this passage filled with pride?

• What reward comes with this kind of prayer?

• Are you ever prideful when you pray in front of others—either hoping people think you sound awesome or too afraid to pray aloud so that others don’t think less of you? Why or why not?

• When you serve God, read your Bible, sing out in worship, help others, or go to church, is it ever motivated by pride? In what ways? Why?

• Would you rather have the reward of people thinking you’re spiritually amazing or God’s heavenly reward? Does this desire show in the rest of your life?