Exceeding Righteousness
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Here’s a 7-point sermon outline on Matthew 5:20 (NKJV) with scriptures and illustrations:
Sermon Title: "Exceeding Righteousness"
Sermon Title: "Exceeding Righteousness"
1. The Standard of Righteousness
1. The Standard of Righteousness
Key Verse: Matthew 5:20
Scripture Reference: Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Illustration: A high jump competition – no matter how skilled the athlete, they cannot jump high enough to meet the impossible bar of divine perfection.
Message: Jesus sets a high standard of righteousness, not one measured merely by human effort, but by alignment with God's holiness.
2. The Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees
2. The Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees
Key Verse: Matthew 23:27 – "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs..."
Illustration: A fruit that looks perfect on the outside but is rotten on the inside.
Message: The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was external and performance-based, focused on appearances rather than the heart.
3. True Righteousness is Internal
3. True Righteousness is Internal
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 16:7 – "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Illustration: A tree with deep roots produces healthy fruit. The deeper the connection with God, the more genuine the outward expression of righteousness.
Message: True righteousness starts in the heart, reflecting a genuine relationship with God.
4. Righteousness Through Faith, Not Works
4. Righteousness Through Faith, Not Works
Key Verse: Romans 4:5 – "But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness."
Illustration: A child being lifted to reach a high shelf – what they cannot reach on their own is freely provided by their parent.
Message: Righteousness that exceeds the Pharisees comes through faith in Christ, not self-effort.
5. The Role of Grace in Righteousness
5. The Role of Grace in Righteousness
Key Verse: Ephesians 2:8–9 – "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."
Illustration: A debtor forgiven of an unpayable loan. The relief and gratitude compel a life of transformed actions.
Message: Grace empowers believers to live righteously, motivated by gratitude rather than obligation.
6. The Fruits of True Righteousness
6. The Fruits of True Righteousness
Key Verse: Galatians 5:22–23 – "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace..."
Illustration: A healthy vine produces abundant grapes.
Message: A righteous life bears fruit in character and deeds, reflecting God's transformative work in the believer.
7. Living in the Kingdom of Heaven
7. Living in the Kingdom of Heaven
Key Verse: Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..."
Illustration: A citizenship oath – committing fully to a new kingdom requires allegiance to its principles and king.
Message: Exceeding righteousness aligns believers with the values and priorities of God’s kingdom, both now and in eternity.
Closing Challenge:
Closing Challenge:
Question: Is your righteousness rooted in Christ or in self-effort?
Action Step: Surrender to Christ, allowing Him to transform your heart and empower your life through the Holy Spirit.
Illustration for Reflection: A mirror that reflects light – as believers, we are called to reflect the righteousness of Christ, not our own dim efforts.
This sermon emphasizes the heart-centered, grace-empowered righteousness God desires, urging listeners to rely on Christ rather than themselves.