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Scripture Reading:  Matthew 6:19-24

The Righteousness of the Kingdom (2)

(Matthew 5:17-7:27)

 

Intro.
1.  Review Part 1

2. Two problems with the scribes & Pharisees (Matt. 5:19-2):

  a. Thought righteousness was achieved through keeping the LOM (law keeping) (Gal. 3:10-12).

  b.  Hypocritical, self-righteous approach to righteousness (Matt. 23:2, 23).

2.  Our righteousness must exceed the scribes & Pharisees (Matt. 5:20).

3.  Living by faith from a pure heart; it matters because of blessings, your influence & God’s glory.

 

I. RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM REFLECTS TRUSTING FAITH & PRODUCES FRUITFUL SERVICE, Matt. 6:19-34.

  A.  Faith that Trusts & Serves God (full, complete), 6:19-32 (Rom. 1:17); Jas. 2:18.

    1.  Valuables, 6:19-21, 24; 1 Tim. 6:6-8.

    2.  Vision, 6:22-23; Col. 3:2.

    3.  Values, 6:25; Matt. 16:26 (1 Jno. 2:15-17).

      a.  We are assured by the sovereignty, love & fellowship of our heavenly Father, 6:26-30.

      b.  Do not worry (be not anxious, asv), 6:25, 27-28, 31, 34.

      c.  Little faith, 6:30

    4.  Faith takes to heart the comfort of Christ’s promises, power, presence & love.

  B.  We must Faithfully & Fruitfully Serve God, 6:33-34.

    1.  Priority: Active in how we live toward material world, Heb. 13:5-6.

    2.  God’s purposes & pursuits become ours:

      a.  Kingdom of God, cf. Lk. 17:20-21 (1 Pet. 3:15).

      b.  His righteousness (cf. Matt. 5:20; 6:24); see Lk. 1:6; Rom. 6:12-16.

    3.  Daily provisions & pursuit, 6:34, 11.

 

II. RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM PROPERLY ASSESSES ALL THINGS, Matt. 7:1-20.

  A.  Judge Ourselves & How we Judge Others, 7:1-6 (Jno. 7:24).

    1.  Will not be hypocritical, 7:1 (Matt. 15:1-3, 7; Rom. 2:1).

    2.  Our measurement will be returned to us, 7:2 (Lk. 6:38).

    3.  With a view toward helping others, 7:3-5 (1 Cor. 5:3-5).

    4.  Correct assessment of holy things (truth, the church) keeps us from handing them over to defilement, 7:6 (Tit. 1:10-16).

  B.  Assesses God’s Ability to Bless Us, 7:7-11.

    1.  7:7-8A-S-K:  Formula for success for the righteous; The righteous actively trust that God will bless you (faith).

      a.  Ask in faith, Jas. 1:5-8 (stable, faithful heart).

      b.  Not out of lust / worldliness, Jas. 4:1-4.

    2.  7:9-11Persevering prayer accompanied by active faith brings certain answer from God, 1 Pet. 3:8-12.

      a.  God will not deceive & disappoint His children.

      b.  He sends us good things, Jas. 1:17.

  C.  Assesses One’s Treatment of Others, 7:12.

    1.  Out of gratitude for the Father’s con­tinuing gifts , 7:11 (Not as others do to you, Prov. 24:29).

    2.  Embodies the law & the prophets (5:17); cf. Matt. 22:37-40.

  D.  Assesses the Paths of Life, 7:13-14 (Jno. 1:4-5; 14:6).

  E.  Assesses Teachers & their Teachings, 7:15-20 (1 Jno. 4:1; Gal. 1:6-9).

 

III. RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM HEARS & OBEYS THE WORDS OF JESUS (WILL OF THE FATHER), Matt. 7:21-29.

  A.  Saying but not Obeying is Lawlessness (Sin), 7:21-23.

     -Remember the righteousness of the scribes & Pharisees, 5:20 (23:3); ours must exceed theirs.

  B.  The Wisdom of Obedient Faith, 7:24-27.

    1.  cf. Matt. 11:28:  Coming to Jesus is hearing His words & doing them, Lk. 6:47.

    2.  Hearing the words of Christ & doing nothing is foolish, Lk. 6:49.

    3.  Submission to the authority of the King, 7:28-29 (Col. 3:17).

 

Conclusion

1.  Unless our righteousness conforms to the word of Christ, we “will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20).

2.  What describes your righteousness:  Law-keeping (sinless perfection)?  Hypocritical?  Seeking the praise of men?  The righteousness of faith in Christ (the righteousness of the kingdom)?

3.  Be wise:  hear & obey the words of Christ (gospel of the kingdom) & be saved from sin & death.