GOSEPK OF MATTHEW - CALL TO RIGHTEOUSNESS

JESUS FULFILLS THE LAW - MATTHEW 5:17-20

Last week we started into the remaining part of the Sermon on the Mount after the Beatitudes and many theologians believe this was one sermon, one message and the part of the message last week was we are called to be Salt and Light.  Salt as we saw is a vital nutrient the body needs, it is a preserver and it is a consumer.  As salt we need to encompass all aspects of the salt.  Light is valuable as well and we are called to be like a city on hill, a lamp on a stand or like a stain glass widow that reflects the beauty of God.  A light we need to be lit, set, refueled and trimmed in order to provide the best light.

Jesus then says let your light shine that people may see your good works and glorify your Father who is Heaven.  And speaking of the Father in Heaven don’t think I came to abolish the law but…

That is where we pick up the message today so as we being – let us pray!

Sermon Title: Fulfilling the Law: Christ’s Call to Righteousness

Matthew 5:17-20 – “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. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Outline

1. Jesus Fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17)

He is The Perfect Standard

Illustration: Think of an architect’s blueprint. The Old Testament law was like a detailed plan, and Jesus is the completed structure. The law pointed to Him, and He perfectly fulfilled its purpose.

Key Idea: “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.” Jesus did not discard the Old Testament law but completed and perfected it. He is the fulfillment of prophecy, the perfect sacrifice, and the embodiment of God's righteousness

Jesus says 2x – not abolish – He came to fulfill it

On the cross – it is finished – what was finished?  His mission, His fulfillment of the Law

The law of God – perfect – the ceremonial law – imperfect

The purpose of the law defined their relationship with God and outlined rules for living a Holy Life – we cannot – but Jesus DID!

Supporting Scripture:

Romans 10:4 – " For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

He completes it and He transcends it – everything in the law and the OT and the prophets pointed to Him, points to Him today!

Hebrews 10:1 – "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves."

Open-Ended Application Questions:

1. How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the law change the way you read the Old Testament?

2. In what ways do you see Jesus’ teachings completing or clarifying God’s commandments?

2. The Enduring Authority of God's Word (Matthew 5:18-19)

Illustration: Imagine a lighthouse standing firm through centuries of storms. No matter how much culture or society changes, God’s Word remains a steadfast guide for our lives.  Imagine a road map or GPS system. No matter how much the landscape changes, the directions remain the same. If a traveler ignores the map and chooses their own way, they may get lost (GPS going to New Orleans- story). Likewise, God’s Word remains the ultimate guide for life, even as the world changes. Those who follow it stay on the right path, while those who disregard it risk losing their way.

How can anything endure forever? Let's see how Jesus addressed this.

Key Idea: “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.” God’s Word is eternal, unchanging, and remains the foundation of our faith and obedience.

James 2:10 – For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.

What authority does the law have – ultimate – it all applies – not the smallest letter nor the least stroke of a pen, not one iota, one dot, one period nor the smallest detail will disappear until it is all accomplished.

But when you follow Christ and teach about Christ – your reward will be great in the Kingdom

Isaiah 40:8 – "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

Follow and Lead – His Word never changes – you can be secure in what it says

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

He equips you – you don’t have to do it alone –

Open-Ended Application Questions:

1. How do you respond when parts of the Bible challenge your personal views or the norms of society?

2. In what ways can you ensure that God's Word remains the highest authority in your life?

3. Call to True Righteousness – More Than Legalism (Matthew 5:20)

Illustration: A dirty cup may look clean on the outside but is unusable if it’s filthy inside. The Pharisees appeared righteous outwardly, but Jesus emphasized that true holiness comes from a changed heart, not just religious acts.

Key Idea: “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.” Jesus calls for a righteousness that goes beyond external rule-following; it must be an inward transformation of the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 – "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

By fulfilling the law – He becomes the authority – not the Pharisees.

Jesus demands a higher righteousness than the Pharisees taught and followed

Pharisees knew the law, were religious, prayed regularly, fasted regularly, tithed regularly

The Pharisees were the highest standard – Jesus doesn’t challenge their attention to the law but how they controlled it – changed it – now Jesus is the antithesis – the exact opposite of what was expected

And He requires a greater righteousness than Pharisees have or teach – being a disciple of Christ requires a greater righteousness – requires a heart issue not a head issue – 12in from head to heart

Philippians 3:9 – "Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ."

In order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven – we must leave the kingdom of sin and evil

It is not religious legalism to the law of the scribes and Pharisees but a deeper commitment to do the Will of God

Open-Ended Application Questions:

1. In what ways do we sometimes focus more on outward appearances rather than inward transformation?

2. How can you seek true righteousness that comes from faith in Christ rather than just religious duty?

Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Takeaway: Jesus fulfills the law, upholds the authority of Scripture, and calls us to a righteousness that comes from the heart.

Challenge: This week, reflect on these questions and take action:

Study a passage from the Old Testament and see how Jesus fulfills it.

Evaluate whether you are truly living by God’s Word or just going through the motions.

Ask God to transform your heart so that your righteousness is genuine and not just for outward appearances.

BIG IDEA: Jesus calls us to a deeper righteousness—one that comes from the heart, not just outward obedience.

Closing Scripture: Psalm 119:105 – "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."