The Law and Righteousness

Today’s Focus: The Law and Righteousness
Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20

Greetings Kingdom Citizens
This is a two-part scripture and we will break it down in its respective parts. First let’s look at what Jesus says about the law.

The Law
So many “religious Christians”, not you because you are a citizen, consistently say we are not under the law but under grace. But look at what Jesus says about the law in verse 17 and 18. So based off of our Lord and Savior’s words the law still has power. Now, in every kingdom there are laws and rules. So what makes God’s kingdom so different? He judges you based off of the law and that is what he uses to establish whether you are in right-position (righteous) with Him. He grants His blessings based off of His laws and promises. So do not think that you can just live anyway and think you can just come to God casually and ask for forgiveness and go back to doing the same. So the only way you can live righteous in God’s Kingdom is that you know His laws and commandments which are found in the scriptures.

Righteousness verses Religion (verses 19-20)
The Pharisees and scribes were the religious leaders of that time. They knew the law but yet because of they thought they knew everything they could not spiritually discern the Messiah standing right in front of them. Throughout Jesus ministry you will see these guys trying to trick and trip Jesus up, but we all know what happened and if not, you will see. Now Jesus says something very important. If you break the commandments or the law and teach people to, then you are called least into the Kingdom. On the other hand, if you obey the commandments and teach others to do so, then you will be called great into the Kingdom. Now Jesus says unless your righteousness exceeds those of the scribes and Pharisees you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. I am going to explain this very carefully! Because of the teachings of the Pharisees, they were preventing people from entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Be careful who you learn from! Do not get your impression of God from anyone. You get your impression of God from God Himself. Now here is another way to look at verse 20! Unless your righteousness exceeds those of the Pharisees then you will not be able to “explore” the Kingdom of Heaven. For those of us who are saved, this is directed right at you. If your righteousness does not line up with God, then you will not be able to explore the benefits of Kingdom life. You may wonder why your life is so hard and it seems like God does not answer any of my prayers. You need to check your righteousness with God.

Abba’s Ambassador,
Min. Calvin Calhoun, Jr.