Christ’s Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures and His Demand for Surpassing Righteousness

Matthew 5:17-20

“Blessed are the poor in heart” (Matthew 5:3)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6)
“Righteousness is a pattern of life in conformity to God’s will.” (D. A. Carson)

I. Christ Did Not Abolish the Hebrew Scriptures; He Fulfilled Them (v. 17)
Luke 24:27, 44-45; John 5:39-40

II. Christ Affirmed the Persistent Value of the Whole of the Hebrew Scriptures (v. 18)

III. Christ Determines Ranking in the Kingdom of Heaven according to the Teaching and Practicing of Kingdom Commands (v. 19)
Matthew 28:19-20

IV. Christ Requires Surpassing Righteousness from His Disciples (v. 20)
Matthew 7:12, 21, 24-27

Our righteousness must be …
A. not only external, but also deep in our hearts.
Matthew 23:25-28

B. not only ceremonial, but moral.
Isaiah 1:10-17

C. not self-righteous, but spiritually humble.
Matthew 5:3

D. not only by our own efforts, but radically dependent on God’s enabling.
John 15:4-5; Philippians 2:12b-13

You may contact Mark at MarkBradley@gs.edu or 360-936-3757 (cell)