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Scripture Reading:  Matthew 5:17-20

The Righteousness of the Kingdom (1)

(Matthew 5:17-7:27)

Intro.
1.  This section of the Sermon on the Mount sets forth the high standard of life demanded by the King of citizens of His kingdom (4:23).

2.  Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, Matt. 5:17-18 (Rom. 10:4).

3.  Two problems with the scribes & Pharisees, Matt. 5:19-20:

  a.  Thought righteousness was achieved through keeping the LOM (law keeping), Gal. 3:10-12 (Acts 13:39).

  b.  Hypocritical, self-righteous approach to righteousness (Matt. 23:23).

4.  The righteousness of the kingdom:  Living by faith with a pure heart (pure heart – pure life), 6:21; Rom. 1:17.

I.  OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST EXCEED THAT OF THE SCRIBES & PHARISEES, Matt. 5:20 (5:21-6:18).

  A.  External Action is not the Mark of Righteousness, 5:21-48.

    1.  Fails to satisfy the heart, 5:8; Lk. 16:15.

    2.  It is self-made (self-righteous), Lk.18:9-12.

    3.  It glorifies itself, not God (5:16).

    4.  Righteousness touches the disposition of the heart.

    5.  Christians mold their hearts in such a way that conduct is pure.

  B.  TAKE HEED:  Inspect your Devotion of Heart to God, Matt. 6:1-18.

    1.  The motive of righteousness (6:1): 

      a.  NOT to attract people’s attention & praise, 6:2, 5, 7, 16; cf. Jno. 12:42-43; Phil. 2:21.

      b.  To be seen, acknowledged & approved by God, Matt. 6:4, 6, 18.

    2.  Alms, prayer & fasting: Indication one’s relationship with the Father.

    3.  Our objective:  To be perfect (complete) like our heavenly Father, Matt. 5:48.

II.  WHY YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS MATTERS.

  A.  Blessings of the Kingdom, Matt. 5:3-12, 20.  (You will be lost)

  B.  Your Influence in the World, Matt. 5:13-16.  (To help save others)

  C.  God’s Glory, Matt. 5:16 (1 Pet. 2:11-12).  (You affect how others think of & act toward God)

Conclusion

1.  The gospel of the kingdom raises our sights to heavenly realms of character & conduct as it calls on us to follow the divine examples of holiness, service & love.

2.  Part 2:  The faith & fruit of the righteous ones (Matt. 6:19-7:27).