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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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.
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