Speaker: Ms Taeko Funaoka
Sermon Title: Motives for acts of righteousness
Scripture Text: Matthew 6: 1 – 18

Introduction

Our acts of righteousness – our action in obedience to God- come from hearts that are in the right relationship with God for His glory, not for our own self-glorification.

Three Jewish religious practices – almsgiving, prayer, fasting.
Reference

Almsgiving: Deuteronomy 15:11, 14:28-29
Prayer: Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Daniel 6:10
Fasting: 2 Samuel 12:15-16, Ezra 8:21

1. Warning against the practices of hypocrites (v2, 5, 16)

Principle (v1): Warning against the wrong motives.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to
be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your
Father in heaven.” (v1)

Almsgiving (v2), Prayer (v5), Fasting (v16)

2. Instruction on right conduct (vv.3-4, 6, 9-13, 17-18)

Principle (v4, 6, 18): Acts directed to God in secret.
“… your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Almsgiving (vv3-4)
Prayer (vv6-15)

Attitudes of prayer and the model prayer (vv7-13)
Fasting (vv17-18)

Reflection and Application

What are our motivations and attitudes for practicing spiritual disciplines and doing good deeds?

• Our gratitude for the grace and love of God who sent His Son to save us (John 3:16).
• Our love in response to His love for us (Matthew 22:37-39).
• Our desire to have a deeper relationship with God.

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Speaker: Mrs Lily Ch’ng
Sermon Title: Building A Culture Of Godliness In The Home
Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-5; 3:14-17

Introduction: The role of motherhood is not easy and it can be complicated, yet it is a joy when we fulfil this divine calling.
• It’s a life-time responsibility and one never retires from the calling.
• Love for children and their protection – from the time they are born until our journey is ended.

A. Mother’s Day: when we are reminded to thank God for His goodness in giving us mothers. Mothers are imbued with sacrificial love for their children.
Illustration : Rizpah’s love for her sons : 2 Samuel 21.

B. 2 Timothy 1:3-5 and 2 Timothy 3 :14-17

Timothy was brought up in a godly home, taught and guided by grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. “And how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Likewise, parents today have to be established in the faith and teach God’s word in the home.

C. Reasons to building a culture of godliness in the home.

1. We are living in such a confusing and dangerous world of technology, and social media. The internet, TV, smart phone, tablets and social media have taken over the homes, the schools, the workplaces. Children have to be grounded in God’s truths.

2. Parents have to prepare children for the time when they leave home. They will have to make right decisions for themselves, without requiring constant supervision.
• Away from home, children are exposed to all kinds of temptations – from the world, Satan and even the sinful self.
• They will encounter storms in their lives – problems: illnesses, relationships, finances, jobs/careers etc.

D. How do parents lay strong foundations and build a culture of godliness?

1. The parents must themselves be persons of “Sincere faith”
Parents are not to be lukewarm, nominal Christians. They have to live out their faith in the home.

2. Praying for our children daily. Be persistent in prayer.
Illustration: the persistent prayers of Monica for her son Augustine.

3. The need for communication in the home

4. Be bold to instruct and to discipline
• Be quick to admit mistakes and even apologize to the children when mistakes are made. Parents are fallible.
• Express love, verbalize “I love you.”

Conclusion
Our children may sometimes not turn out the way we want them to be, but God is faithful. As we stay in a relationship with Him, the Holy Spirit will keep us strong and grant us the wisdom to know how to navigate each day with love in our home, to the glory of God.

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Speaker: Rev Gaurri Maniam
Sermon Title: Loving the “Not so easy”
Scripture Text: Matthew 5: 38 – 48

Introduction
How do we treat those who mistreat and take advantage of us?

Explanation
I. The Old Testament law on “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” is meant for judges who administer justice.

II. Jesus calls us not to retaliate or resist those who mistreat and take advantage of us.

III. Jesus challenges us to love those who mistreat/take advantage/persecute (our enemies). Respond to acts of aggression with acts of kindness.

Final Word
Seek not personal revenge; love your enemies and do good to them.

Reflection Questions
1. Recall a time whereby you felt that you were mistreated or taken advantage of?

2. What are some acts of kindness you may show for those who have mistreated you?

3. How may you overcome your tendency to strike back at those who treat you badly?

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