The Fulfillment
Week 2
Brian Bloye
Part of Best Sermon Ever
March 12, 2017

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Message Notes

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 5:3

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven,  —Matthew 5:4-12
Matthew 5:17-20 - Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” —Matthew 5:17

What Was the Purpose of The Old Testament Law?

Purposes for the Law

  • The Law revealed the holiness of an eternal God to the nation of Israel
  • The Law set the Israelites apart as distinct from other nations.
  • The Law didn’t provide salvation for the Israelites, it revealed their sinfulness.
  • The Law provided a way for the Israelites to receive temporary forgiveness – there was a whole system of offerings and sacrifices set up to provide forgiveness.
  • It brought the people together to worship the Lord through feast and festivals.
  • It provided God’s direction for physical and spiritual health.
  • Ultimately, the Law pointed the Israelites to their need for a Savior.

“Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people.” —Galatians 3:19

Did Jesus Really Fulfill the Law?

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” —Hebrews 4:15

“For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” —Matthew 5:18

How Should a Christian Now Relate to The Law?

“Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 5:19

  • “The Kingdom of Heaven is what the world looks like when Jesus gets His way.”

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 5:20

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” —2 Corinthians 5:21

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” —Galatians 5:16

Group Questions


Get The Context: Read Matthew 5:1-16 (There are “beautiful attitudes” that come from a life in line with God. Let these attitudes be seen as salt and light to the world.)

Read: Matthew 5:17-20

Q1: The “Old Testament Law” or “Law of Moses” are found throughout the OT scriptures. They served a number of purposes but simply put, they revealed who God was; his character, his holiness, his authority and more. In your experience, have you ever noticed how people wrestle and fight against the way God has established things? If so, how?

Re-read: Matthew 5:17-18 and Hebrews 4:15

Q2: Revealing the way that God made the world to operate, the law set a very high standard to achieve; a “perfect” one in fact. It required a perfect life of obedience and a perfect sacrifice of death. When Jesus said “It is finished” on the cross our debt was paid to God by the Lord. What do you think our response should look like to this reality?

Re-read: Matthew 5:19-20 and Galatians 5:16

Q3: In these verses in Matthew Jesus is teaching his listeners about the “kingdom of heaven” which is anywhere things are done as God desires. He’s not just referring to eternity. His teaching is the value of understanding the character and nature of God and aligning ourselves with it. It’s really a life of surrender and worship. Why do you think the Pharisees and Sadducees seemed to miss this so badly? Do you see that in the religious world today? If so, how?

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21

Q4: Paul David Tripp wrote: “If you look in to the mirror of God’s Word and see someone in need of grace, why would you be impatient with others who share that need?” That’s a powerful challenge. How can the reality of God’s standard, our inability to attain it, and Jesus’ perfect fulfillment of it- move us to patience and grace toward those around us?