Enjoying the Reign of Christ
Fulfilling the Law
Matthew 5:17-48
March 2, 2025

Sermon Proposition
Jesus Christ Calls Me to Know a Righteousness that Exceeds My Ability to Do What Is Right.

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

Observe Six Contrasts
You have heard that it was said…

But I say to you…

Murder….Anger
Matthew 5:21-26

You have heard that it was said…

But I say to you…

Adultery….Lust
Matthew 5:27-30

You have heard that it was said…

But I say to you…

Divorce….Covenant
Matthew 5:31-32

You have heard that it was said…

But I say to you…

Oath Keeping….a Simple Yes
Matthew 5:33-37

You have heard that it was said…

But I say to you…

Exact Justice….Respond in Grace
Matthew 5:38-42

You have heard that it was said…

But I say to you…

Love Your Neighbor….Love Your Enemy
Matthew 5:43-47

You have heard that it was said…

But I say to you…

Conclusion

You must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5:48

Open It!
What is the worst rule under which you have had to live or work?

Consider It!
What was Jesus’ attitude toward the Laws of Moses and word of the Prophets (5:17-18)?

What impossible expectation did Jesus place those who would follow Him (5:19-20)?

Why did Jesus use the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees as a point of departure (5:20)?

What does the law of God given through Moses say?
Murder (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17)
Adultery (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18)
Divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1)
Oaths (Leviticus 19:12)
Retaliation (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20)
Love (Leviticus 19:18)

Look at the “But I say to you” statements of Jesus. How does He raise the bar on obedience?

Which of these increased standards seems unfair? Which are you inclined to push back on, minimize, or redefine?

What does it mean to be perfect as God is perfect (5:48)?

If our holy God is able to show grace and mercy to us, why is it so difficult for us to be like Him?

Live It!
Trust Jesus Christ, the Righteous One and Receive the Gift of Righteousness by Faith
Romans 3:20-26
Galatians 2:8-9
Romans 10:9-10