The Law of the King (Matthew 5:17-20)

This sermon is on the law of the King in Matthew 5:17-20.  The late Dr. John R.W. Stott (one of my favorite authors) wrote about this passage in his book, Christ the Controversialist, and he said, "When Jesus said that Christian righteousness must exceed pharisaic righteousness (Matt. 5:20), He meant that Christian righteousness accepts the full implications of the law without trying to dodge them. It recognizes that the law's domain extends beyond the actual deed to the word, and beyond the word to the thoughts and motives of the heart. Pharisaic righteousness was an outward conformity to human traditions; Christian righteousness is an inward conformity of mind and heart to the revealed will of God."

Doesn't "outward conformity" sound easier? Sure it does, we all know that "inward conformity" means changing our attitudes ... toward God, others, and even ourselves. Much harder than simply behaving better. And so, as we're seeing with much of Matthew, it's all easier said than done!