Pastor Allen Victor taught from Matthew 6:1–18, explaining how people often pursue rewards in a society that is built around recognition and prizes. Pastor Allen compared this mindset to a game show where contestants trade small prizes for greater ones, asking the congregation to consider whether they were living for temporary rewards or for eternal treasure. He explained that many people chase what could be called “trinkets” or “trophies”—the praise and approval of others—while God calls His people to pursue rewards that have eternal value.

Pastor first examined Jesus’ teaching on charitable giving in Matthew 6:1–4. Jesus warned His followers not to perform acts of charity merely to be seen by others. Pastor explained that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day sometimes sounded a trumpet when they gave so that people would notice their generosity. Their reward, Jesus said, was the recognition they received from people. Pastor described several wrong motives for giving—seeking public praise, giving out of guilt or obligation, pursuing tax benefits, or treating generosity as a transaction. In contrast, Scripture called believers to give with the right heart. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 taught, God loves a cheerful giver who gives willingly and sincerely for His glory. Pastor emphasized that generosity done in secret honored God and brought blessing to others, reminding the church that giving pleases God, meets needs, and ultimately brings glory to Him (2 Corinthians 9:8–13).

Pastor then moved to Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:5–8. He explained that some people treated prayer like a performance, praying loudly and publicly in order to appear spiritual. Jesus instead instructed His followers to pray privately, going into a quiet place to speak with their heavenly Father. Pastor reminded the congregation that prayer was not meant to impress people but to connect with God. It did not need to be long, loud, or filled with fancy words, because God already knew what His children needed. Prayer, Pastor explained, was simply a conversation with God.

Pastor also walked through the model prayer in Matthew 6:9–13, often called the Lord’s Prayer. He clarified that Jesus gave it not merely as words to repeat, but as a pattern for approaching God. The prayer showed the direction of prayer—toward “Our Father in heaven,” the focus of prayer—honoring God’s name, and the purpose of prayer—seeking that God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth. Pastor emphasized that prayer was not about bringing our plans to God and asking Him to bless them, but about aligning our lives with His purposes.

The message continued with Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness in Matthew 6:14–15. Pastor explained that forgiveness was not optional for those who belonged to God’s kingdom. Jesus taught that those who refused to forgive others placed barriers in their own spiritual lives. Unforgiveness damaged relationships, hindered spiritual growth, and robbed believers of peace. Citizens of God’s kingdom were called to extend the same grace they had received.

Pastor then addressed fasting in Matthew 6:16–18, noting that some religious leaders fasted in ways designed to attract attention. Jesus instructed His followers to fast quietly before God rather than making a public display. Pastor explained that fasting was not a way to manipulate God but a spiritual discipline that weakened the flesh and strengthened the spirit. It was an intentional act of denying self in order to pursue God’s will more deeply.

The message concluded by pointing to Matthew 6:19–21, where Jesus warned against storing up treasures on earth that could be destroyed or stolen. Pastor reminded the congregation that if people pursued the praise of men, that recognition would be the only reward they received. Instead, believers were called to invest in eternal treasures that would never fade. The challenge was to live for what truly lasts and to hold tightly to the treasures that God values most.

This message was shared at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, a church under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor.

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