Opening Question:

• Why do you think recognition matters so much to us?

Key Takeaways:

• The issue is not visibility—it is motive. Our lives should help people see Jesus instead of making us the center of attention.
• Genuine faith grows naturally from a healthy relationship with God. It does not need to be staged, forced, or constantly advertised.
• Compliments and success can become pride when we collect the credit instead of pointing the praise back to God.
• Even the right actions can be done for the wrong reasons, so spiritual maturity requires us to regularly and honestly examine our hearts.

Discussion Questions:

Part 1: Shine Naturally

1. Jesus says to let people see our good deeds in Matthew 5, but He warns against doing good to be seen in Matthew 6. What is the difference between allowing your faith to be visible and performing your faith for attention? What might each one look like in everyday life?
2. The pastor compared genuine faith to fruit growing naturally from a healthy tree. What helps a person develop “healthy roots” in their relationship with God? Where might you be trying to appear spiritually healthy instead of allowing God to work within you?

Part 2: Point Quickly

1. The message said, “Every blessing that you don’t turn back into praise becomes pride.” How can success, influence, or encouragement slowly make our lives more about ourselves? What does it practically look like to receive a compliment while still giving God the credit?
2. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). How would you feel if your contribution helped people find Jesus but your name was forgotten? What might your answer reveal about your need for recognition?

Part 3: Check Your Heart Constantly

1. Giving, praying, fasting, serving, and sharing Scripture are all good things. How can we tell when a good action is being driven by an unhealthy motive? What warning signs might reveal that we are becoming more concerned with our image than our relationship with God?
2. Consider the three questions from the Spiritual Authenticity Test:
   • Who needs to receive the credit?
   • Who am I doing this for?
   • What reward am I hoping to receive?
   Which question challenges you most right now, and why? What is one action you would continue doing faithfully even if God were the only one who ever noticed?