Textual Sermons Power Point Show
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-24
The Righteousness of the Kingdom (2)
(Matthew 5:17-7:27)
Intro.
1. Review Part 1:
2. Two problems with the scribes & Pharisees (Matt. 5:19-2):
a. Thought righteousness was achieved through keeping the LOM (law keeping) (Gal. 3:10-12).
b. Hypocritical, self-righteous approach to righteousness (Matt. 23:2, 23).
2. Our righteousness must exceed the scribes & Pharisees (Matt. 5:20).
3. Living by faith from a pure heart; it matters because of blessings, your influence & God’s glory.
I. RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM REFLECTS TRUSTING FAITH & PRODUCES FRUITFUL SERVICE, Matt. 6:19-34.
A. Faith that Trusts & Serves God (full, complete), 6:19-32 (Rom. 1:17); Jas. 2:18.
1. Valuables, 6:19-21, 24; 1 Tim. 6:6-8.
2. Vision, 6:22-23; Col. 3:2.
3. Values, 6:25; Matt. 16:26 (1 Jno. 2:15-17).
a. We are assured by the sovereignty, love & fellowship of our heavenly Father, 6:26-30.
b. Do not worry (be not anxious, asv), 6:25, 27-28, 31, 34.
c. Little faith, 6:30.
4. Faith takes to heart the comfort of Christ’s promises, power, presence & love.
B. We must Faithfully & Fruitfully Serve God, 6:33-34.
1. Priority: Active in how we live toward material world, Heb. 13:5-6.
2. God’s purposes & pursuits become ours:
a. Kingdom of God, cf. Lk. 17:20-21 (1 Pet. 3:15).
b. His righteousness (cf. Matt. 5:20; 6:24); see Lk. 1:6; Rom. 6:12-16.
3. Daily provisions & pursuit, 6:34, 11.
II. RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM PROPERLY ASSESSES ALL THINGS, Matt. 7:1-20.
A. Judge Ourselves & How we Judge Others, 7:1-6 (Jno. 7:24).
1. Will not be hypocritical, 7:1 (Matt. 15:1-3, 7; Rom. 2:1).
2. Our measurement will be returned to us, 7:2 (Lk. 6:38).
3. With a view toward helping others, 7:3-5 (1 Cor. 5:3-5).
4. Correct assessment of holy things (truth, the church) keeps us from handing them over to defilement, 7:6 (Tit. 1:10-16).
B. Assesses God’s Ability to Bless Us, 7:7-11.
1. 7:7-8: A-S-K: Formula for success for the righteous; The righteous actively trust that God will bless you (faith).
a. Ask in faith, Jas. 1:5-8 (stable, faithful heart).
b. Not out of lust / worldliness, Jas. 4:1-4.
2. 7:9-11: Persevering prayer accompanied by active faith brings certain answer from God, 1 Pet. 3:8-12.
a. God will not deceive & disappoint His children.
b. He sends us good things, Jas. 1:17.
C. Assesses One’s Treatment of Others, 7:12.
1. Out of gratitude for the Father’s continuing gifts , 7:11 (Not as others do to you, Prov. 24:29).
2. Embodies the law & the prophets (5:17); cf. Matt. 22:37-40.
D. Assesses the Paths of Life, 7:13-14 (Jno. 1:4-5; 14:6).
E. Assesses Teachers & their Teachings, 7:15-20 (1 Jno. 4:1; Gal. 1:6-9).
III. RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM HEARS & OBEYS THE WORDS OF JESUS (WILL OF THE FATHER), Matt. 7:21-29.
A. Saying but not Obeying is Lawlessness (Sin), 7:21-23.
-Remember the righteousness of the scribes & Pharisees, 5:20 (23:3); ours must exceed theirs.
B. The Wisdom of Obedient Faith, 7:24-27.
1. cf. Matt. 11:28: Coming to Jesus is hearing His words & doing them, Lk. 6:47.
2. Hearing the words of Christ & doing nothing is foolish, Lk. 6:49.
3. Submission to the authority of the King, 7:28-29 (Col. 3:17).
Conclusion
1. Unless our righteousness conforms to the word of Christ, we “will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20).
2. What describes your righteousness: Law-keeping (sinless perfection)? Hypocritical? Seeking the praise of men? The righteousness of faith in Christ (the righteousness of the kingdom)?
3. Be wise: hear & obey the words of Christ (gospel of the kingdom) & be saved from sin & death.