1. The Righteousness of the Kingdom
Matthew 5:17-7:27

2. Sermon on the Mount
The nature of righteousness in kingdom of heaven (Matt. 4:23)
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, Matt. 5:17-18 (Rom. 10:4)

3. Scribes & Pharisees (Matt. 5:19-20)
Thought righteousness was accomplished by keeping the law, Gal. 3:10-12; Acts 13:39
Hypocritical & self-righteous in their approach to righteousness (Matt. 23:23)
Righteousness of the kingdom: Living by faith from pure heart, 6:21, 33 (Rom. 1:17)

4. Our Righteousness (Matthew 5:20)
External action is not the defining mark of righteousness, Matt. 5:21-48
Fails the heart test, 5:8; Lk. 16:15
Problem of self-righteousness, Lk.18:9-12
Glorifies itself, not God (5:16)
Righteousness of the kingdom addresses the disposition of the heart

5. Matthew 5:21-48 OT Law/Interpretation (Conduct)
Do not murder
Do not commit adultery
Divorce…give a certificate of divorce
Gospel of Kingdom (Cause, Motive of heart)
No anger w/o cause
Do not lust in your heart
The cause for putting away

6. Matthew 5:21-48 OT Law/Interpretation (Conduct)
Do not swear falsely
An eye for an eye
Love your neighbor and hate your enemy
Gospel of Kingdom (Cause, Motive of heart)
Integrity (yes be yes)
Mercy from the heart
Love your enemy to be sons of God

7. Inspect your devotion of heart Matthew 6:1-18
The motive of righteousness (6:1)
NOT to attract the attention and praise of men, 6:2, 5, 7, 16 (Jno.12:42-43; Phil. 2:21)
To be seen, acknowledged and approved by God, Matt. 6:4, 6, 18

8. Seek first the kingdom of God & His righteousness (Matt. 6:33)
Objective of righteousness
To be perfect (complete) like our heavenly Father, Matt. 5:48

9. Why Your Righteousness Matters
The blessings of the kingdom Matt. 5:3-12, 20
Your influence in the world Matt. 5:13-16
God’s glory Matt. 5:16 (1 Pet. 2:11-12)