0007 - How Righteous Do I Have to Be? Matthew 5.17-20
Jul 24, 2018
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Exploring how Jesus fulfills rather than abolishes the Old Testament laws, challenging traditional interpretations and emphasizing deeper obedience. Delving into the concept of surpassing righteousness, inner transformation, and living in alignment with God's ways. Bonus content available on patreon page for further discussion on how Jesus' words in Matthew 5:17-20 align with the apostle Paul's teachings on the law.
Jesus came to fulfill, not abolish, the Old Testament Law, emphasizing the importance of proper interpretation and obedience.
Jesus challenges his followers to exceed external righteousness, aiming for a profound transformation empowered by grace.
Deep dives
Jesus' Intentions with the Law and the Prophets
Jesus clarifies in Matthew 5:17 that he did not come to abolish the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Old Testament scriptures and understanding their intended purpose. By stating that not the smallest detail of the law will pass away until all is accomplished, Jesus highlights the enduring significance of God's word and the importance of proper interpretation and obedience.
Surpassing Righteousness Beyond the Pharisees
Jesus sets a high standard in verse 20 by stating that unless one's righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees, they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. This challenges his followers to exceed mere external obedience and delve deeper into true righteousness. By raising the bar and emphasizing surpassing righteousness, Jesus aims to lead his followers towards a profound transformation that cleanses the inside, not just the outside.
Empowered by Grace for Surpassing Righteousness
Jesus' call for surpassing righteousness is not about legalism but about being empowered by grace to live out God's intended way of life. He affirms that surpassing righteousness, going beyond the Pharisees' external rituals, is fueled by his grace. Jesus' ultimate goal is to equip his followers to bring glory to God through a transformative righteousness that honors the deeper essence of God's commands and leads to authentic spiritual renewal.
Is the OT Law bad? Did Jesus come to nullify the Law? With all of the wrong people flocking to Jesus, does that suggest that Jesus has no standards? Just how righteous does Jesus expect you to be?
In this podcast, John tackles the thesis paragraph for the Sermon on the Mount - the paragraph that sets up everythng else in the sermon. In this paragraph, Jesus answers the question, How righteous do I have to be?
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In this podcast, John mentions some bonus content on his patreon page that he's just putting together. In a special podcast on that site, John wrestles with how what Jesus says in Matthew 5:17-20 fits with some of the things the apostle Paul says about the law. If you want that bonus material and would like to become a patron and support the show, you can do that by clicking here.
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