Jesus Fulfills
Matthew 5:17-20
Part of Sermon on the Mount
August 18, 2024

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What does the Bible teach about how people can be right with God?

Genesis 15:6
Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

3 Key Ideas in Matthew 5:17-20:

1. From the beginning of scripture, the Bible teaches that right standing with God is not achieved through religious works, but received as a gift through

and .

Matthew 5:17
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.


2. The Law was given by God to our relationship with Him by teaching us who God is, how we can best live, and by showing us who we truly are.

Matthew 5:18, 20
18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.


3. All who hope in Jesus through faith are declared right with God once and for all according to what He has on the cross.
Romans 3:21-24
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Community Group Discussion Questions:

  1. Read Matthew 5:17-20. In what ways does relying on our own religious or moral performance rather than resting in Jesus keep us from relating to God and others in the way that God desires for us?

  2. Read Romans 3:21-24. What do you see in this passage about how Jesus frees us to live for God and love Him and others well? How would your life and relationships be different without this hope?

Now take turns sharing your answers to the Part 1 & Part 2 Checklists & Application Questions below…

Part 1. Check three or four items that are the biggest struggle for you right now…

When I don’t trust Jesus and live according to my own performance…

☐ I live as though my actions will make God or other people approve of me.
☐ I become preoccupied with myself.
☐ I foster an independent spirit.
☐ I become critical and judgmental.
☐ I develop a performance lifestyle for myself and others.
☐ I tend to be dominated by fears and anxieties.
☐ I require extra effort complete tasks that seem bigger than me (which reveals my unbelief).
☐ I develop barriers to loving others.
☐ I find it hard, if not impossible, to forgive.
☐ I become distant from the love of God, thus affecting my outreach to those who don’t know Christ.
☐ I destroy my confidence in Christ’s ability to bridge the gap between God’s holiness and the sinfulness of people.
☐ I base my worth on the “success” of my efforts.
☐ I feed my self-righteousness, and have trouble seeing when I’m wrong.

Part 1 Application Questions:
1. In what ways do you see that the items you selected are holding you back from the life Jesus desires for you?
2. Can you identify any false views about God, yourself, or others that might be contributing to these struggles? How can we encourage you to see the truth about this?

Part 2. Check three or four items you most desire to grow in with the Holy Spirit’s help…
When I trust Jesus and live according to God’s grace…
☐ I run to the Father because I know that he loves me. I receive his delight and respond by delighting in him.
☐ I believe that my sins are forgiven. This enables me to love and forgive others. I’m able to cultivate a lifestyle of forgiveness.
☐ I receive by faith my new position as a son/daughter, for whom there is now no condemnation.
☐ I understand the power of the sinful nature, the damage it can do, and the powerlessness of the law to control it.
☐ I know that only through the Spirit’s power can I love my neighbor.
☐ I am able to identify and break down barriers to loving others.
☐ I am growing in my experience of peace and contentment as dominant themes in my life.
☐ I go to my heavenly Father in prayer with all my struggles, problems, and needs.
☐ I am developing an increasing desire to see God glorified in all I do, say, or think.
☐ My worth is determined by the gospel.
☐ I have become preoccupied with Jesus, and have a desire to see his will and kingdom purposes accomplished.

Part 2 Application Questions:
1. In what ways would more fully believing the truth of the gospel help you to grow in the areas you identified?
2. What are some specific ways we can support you in seeking to grow in these areas?

*Checklists adapted from Sonship, 3rd Edition. New Growth Press.