Spiritual Pitfalls

Sermon on the Mount - Part 2




Scripture:

Matthew 6:5-7:29


Synopsis:

Jesus talks about several "spiritual pitfalls" (as the E100 Challenge describes them) in this passage.  These "pitfalls" include:

• praying for show
• trying to serve both God and money
• worrying (about self or others) instead of seeking God
• judging unfairly
• being deceived by false prophets
• hearing but not obeying God's Word
• unforgiveness

In short, "spiritual pitfalls" are best described as focusing our lives on anything other than God!


Spark:

Of the "pitfalls" mentioned, our focus today is on prayer.  Take some time to assess your prayer life.  Do you pray regularly?  Do you only pray privately?  Do you only pray publicly?  When you pray, are you praying to "be seen by others?"  Do you avoid praying publicly for fear of what someone might think or say about you?  Do you use many empty words?  Or is your prayer time (either in private or with a group of people) a time of conversation with your Heavenly Father who loves you?

Today's challenge:  Ask God for a deeper, more intimate prayer life!