You Must Be Perfect

This morning we continue in our study through the gospel according to Matthew looking at Matthew 5:21-48. Jesus gives six "You have heard it said," statements and gives teaching about anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and loving your enemies. Jesus contrasts the faulty interpretation and application of the Law by the religious leaders and corrects their faulty understanding. In the sermon we consider the following:

1) What is goodness? What does it mean to be righteous? What is the righteousness that is greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees?

2) Why aren't we good? Why can't we be good or have a righteousness worthy of entrance into the kingdom on our own?

3) How can we become good? How can we have a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees?

Jesus exposes our lack of goodness and righteousness that we might wholly depend upon Him to be our perfection. We can be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect through faith in Jesus. If you believe in the gospel you are counted righteous and perfect because of the person and work of Jesus.