This is Bible Project Podcast and this year we're reading through the Sermon on the Mount.

I'm John Collins and with me is co-host Michelle.

Hi Michelle.

Hi, John.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his followers to live by a greater righteousness.

That's a phrase he uses to talk about a way of living that creates right relationships

with everyone.

Now in this section, Jesus turns his attention

to religious practices of his day,

habits that allow us to live in right relationship

with God and neighbor.

Jesus brings up generosity to the poor, prayer, and fasting.

These are good practices that followers of Jesus have done throughout the ages, but Jesus gives

us a surprising warning about them.

Be careful, he says, because if you do religious practices

to get praise from people, then you're missing the plot.

In fact, you're missing the party altogether.

He calls this way of life being a hypocrite, which for Jesus means doing the right thing for

the wrong reason.

Today, you and Tim are going to talk through these three religious practices

and reflect on one somber warning of Jesus.

Be careful that your religious devotion to God

...