The Righteousness That We Don’t Have But The Righteousness That We Must Have

"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." (v.20)
- Jesus set the bar high. It is otherwise impossible for men to produce this righteousness by themselves, except that Christ has done it.
- the BAD news was that we were doomed. The GOOD news was that God provided a way.
- According to the story of The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 10:17-27), Jesus commanded the young man to give up everything and follow Him. The man walked away dismayed and grieving for he owned much property.
"And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” (v.23)
“With people it is IMPOSSIBLE, but not with God; for all things are POSSIBLE with God.” (v. 27)
In Matthew 5:20, there are two kinds of righteousness being referred to:
a. That of the Scribes and Pharisees (which is rejected)
*What is its Nature?
- Imperfect as all men are sinners
- Outward show, hypocrite, deceitful
- Blind

*What is its Effectiveness?
- Burdensome - maintaining outward holiness
- Hypocritical - living double life

*What is its Result?
- Death and condemnation

b. The righteousness of the true believer (which is accepted)
*What is its Nature?
- Perfect because it is of God, by God, unto God
- Inward transformation, true, real
- Sees clearly

*What is its Effectiveness?
- Christ's finished work in us

*What is its Result?
- Eternal life

This righteousness is given to us through faith, finished in and by Christ, a gift. May this gift be received by you today.