Righteousness That Exceeds
Kingdom Living – The Sermon on the Mount • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 11 viewsIn Matthew 5:17–48, Jesus declares that He has not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. He then shocks His audience by saying that unless their righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, they cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven. The Pharisees were known for strict obedience to rules, but Jesus reveals that true righteousness is not just about outward performance. Instead, it is about inward transformation — righteousness that flows from the heart. Through six examples, Jesus raises the bar: anger equals murder in the heart, lust equals adultery, oaths must be simple and true, retaliation should be replaced with grace, and love must extend even to enemies. His teaching shows that God cares not only about what we do but also about who we are. This deeper righteousness cannot be achieved by human effort alone but comes through the transforming work of Christ in us.
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Series: Kingdom Living – The Sermon on the Mount
Sermon Series: Kingdom Living – The Sermon on the Mount
Week 3 – Righteousness That Exceeds
Week 3 – Righteousness That Exceeds
Text: Matthew 5:17–48
Title: “More Than Skin Deep”
Introduction
Introduction
A morning of worship, a lifetime of grace.
Most people want to be considered “good.” We compare ourselves to others — “I’m not as bad as him” or “At least I don’t do what she does.” But Jesus raises the bar in Matthew 5:20: “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
To His audience, that was shocking. The scribes and Pharisees were the religious elite, experts in the Law. But Jesus says true righteousness is not about outward performance, but inward transformation. It’s not skin deep — it’s heart deep.
Explanation (Walking the Text)
Explanation (Walking the Text)
In Matthew 5:17–20, Jesus clarifies His relationship to the Law:
“I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them.” Jesus embodies the Law’s purpose and brings it to completion.
He warns that those who break even the least command and teach others to do the same will be called least in the Kingdom.
Then comes the shocking statement: righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees (v. 20).
From verses 21–48, Jesus gives six examples — often called the “antitheses” — where He says: “You have heard it said… but I say to you.”
Anger (vv. 21–26): Not just murder, but hatred and insult break God’s command.
Lust (vv. 27–30): Not just adultery, but looking with lust is sin.
Divorce (vv. 31–32): Protecting marriage, not treating it lightly.
Oaths (vv. 33–37): Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no.
Retaliation (vv. 38–42): Instead of revenge, turn the other cheek, go the extra mile.
Love of Enemies (vv. 43–48): Don’t just love your friends — love your enemies, for this reflects the perfection of your heavenly Father.
Argumentation (Why This Matters)
Argumentation (Why This Matters)
Jesus is teaching that sin is not only about external actions but internal attitudes. The Pharisees focused on looking righteous outwardly, but Jesus exposes the heart.
You can avoid murder but still harbor hatred.
You can avoid adultery but still entertain lust.
You can say the right words but fail to live truthfully.
The Kingdom of God requires a righteousness that goes beyond legalistic rule-keeping. It requires transformation from the inside out — something only the Spirit of God can accomplish.
Application (Living It Out)
Application (Living It Out)
Examine Your Heart, Not Just Your Habits. Ask not just “What am I doing?” but “What am I thinking and feeling before God?”
Practice Integrity. Let your words and commitments mean something. Keep your promises without manipulation.
Choose Grace Over Revenge. When wronged, resist the urge to get even. Show Christ’s love instead.
Love Radically. Don’t just love those who are easy to love. Love the difficult, the different, even the hostile. That’s Kingdom love.
Illustrations
Illustrations
Skin-Deep vs. Heart-Deep: A fresh coat of paint on a rotten wall looks good for a while, but the structure is still crumbling inside. Outward religion without inner transformation is the same.
Children’s Example: A child can be told to say “sorry,” but true reconciliation only comes when their heart feels sorrow. God wants more than empty words; He wants a changed heart.
Transition to Conclusion
Transition to Conclusion
Jesus didn’t lower the standard — He raised it. He showed us that no one can achieve true righteousness on their own. That’s why He came — to fulfill the Law, to transform hearts, and to make us new.
Conclusion
Conclusion
So here’s the question: is your righteousness only skin deep, or has Christ changed your heart? The Pharisees were experts at looking good on the outside, but Jesus calls us to something greater — righteousness that flows from the inside out.
We can’t achieve it by ourselves. But through the cross, Jesus gives us His righteousness and calls us to live it out daily. This is Kingdom living — more than skin deep.
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer
“Lord, we confess that too often our righteousness has been skin deep. Forgive us for focusing on outward appearances while neglecting our hearts. Transform us from the inside out. Give us hearts that love instead of hate, eyes that honor instead of lust, words that are true, and lives that reflect Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
