Blessed are the Righteous

Sermon Series: God’s Plan for the Blessed Life (Sermon 3)

Christ's Law: A Guide to True Righteousness

Bible Passage: Mt 5:17–19

Summary: In this passage, Jesus clarifies His relationship with the Law, emphasizing that He fulfills it in its entirety rather than abolishing it. This affirms that the Law serves a purpose that transcends simple rules, pointing towards a transformative righteousness that can only be found in a deep relationship with Him. Jesus teaches that true followers must not only adhere to the Law but also reflect its spirit in their lives.

The Big Idea: True righteousness is found not in strict obedience to the Old Testament Law but in placing your trust in Christ Jesus as your Savior and the perfect fulfillment of that Law.

1. Purpose of the Law

Mt 5:17

Perhaps you could begin by highlighting that Jesus confirms He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, stressing the eternal relevance and purpose of the Law in leading toward God's righteousness. This point can set the stage for understanding how Christ embodies the Law, inviting His followers into a deeper, transformational relationship that goes beyond mere rule-following.

2. Perfection of the Law

Mt 5:18

You could suggest that Jesus' declaration about not a single letter of the Law disappearing until its complete fulfillment underscores the continuity and reliability of God's word. This reinforces that Christ's teaching and His life exemplify the permanence and completion of God's promises, encouraging believers to trust in His unchanging righteousness.

3. Practice of the Law

Mt 5:19

Maybe you could discuss Jesus' emphasis on practicing and teaching the commandments, which serves as a call to action for His followers. This point highlights that our obedience should spring from love and reflect God's character, encouraging believers to embody the transformative righteousness of Christ in their daily interactions and behaviors.

4. Promotion by the Law

Mt 5:19

Perhaps focus on how Jesus elevates those who practice and teach the commandments, indicating a shift from external adherence to the Law to an internal transformation that glorifies God. This could emphasize the importance of cultivating a heart that desires righteousness, urging the congregation to embody Christ's teachings as a testament to their faith.

5. Promise of the Law

Mt 5:19

You could bring to light Jesus' emphasis on greatness in the kingdom of heaven tied to obedience and teaching, suggesting that genuine adherence to His commands is rewarded. This final point can inspire believers to pursue the fullness of righteousness as demonstrated by Christ, motivating them to emulate His life and exceed mere legalistic observance.

Application: We must align our actions and attitudes with God's will by placing our trust in Christ Jesus, the embodiment of the OT law. The Law is not just a set of regulations but a way to live in relationship with God. It encourages us to reflect on how our behavior and to demonstrate our faith daily.

This passage points to Christ: Christ is the culmination of the Law and the Prophets. In Him, God’s pattern of righteousness unfolds. Christ’s life and sacrifice exemplify the true intent of the Law. The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ draws believers back into a restored relationship with God the Father.

Conclusion: Righteousness is more than following legalistic rules; it is a relationship with Jesus Christ who fulfilled the Law. Righteousness, then, requires an internal change of heart and a relationship with Christ that produces obedience motivated by love and grace.