234. MAT 5:20. NECESSITY OF EVANGELICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS

Mat_5:20. Necessity of Evangelical Righteousness

"Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."’97Mat_5:20.

The important and interesting character of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. It is the Christian’s code of spiritual laws’97a clear digest of the statutes of Christ’s kingdom.

Let us notice,

I. The Nature of that Righteousness which distinguished the Scribes and Pharisees.

The scribes were the public writers and doctors of the law. The Pharisees were a sect of the Jews, who derived their name from Phariz, which signifies to separate, because they separated from the great body of the Jews, and professed superior sanctity. But in time they became flagrantly hypocritical and wicked, as is evident from the statements of Christ. They were divided into various minor sects, and some of them had adopted the most foolish and contemptible rites and customs. Yet the righteousness they professed at least, was,

1. According to God’s law.

They professed sacredly to revere and obey the law of God.

2. It was very extensive.

They professed to regard the whole law, every jot and tittle.

3. It was connected with great devotion.

None prayed so often; had eighty set forms of prayer; never entered a house without prayer; prayed in the open air, &c.

They were distinguished,

4. For great self-denial.

Denied pleasures of all sorts, however innocent; often fasted, &c.

5. They liberally supported their religion.

Gave tithes of all they had &c., of things not demanded.

6. They were exceedingly zealous.

Make any sacrifice to extend it; compass sea and land to make one proselyte, &c. Yet, with all these striking traits, their righteousness was abhorred by God. For it was carnal in its nature, the result of pride and vain-glory. It was hypocritical in its character. They were insincere. It was all pretence and show. No reality. It was selfish in its spirit. Hence they devoured widows’ houses, &c. It was deeply injurious to souls, &c.

II. The Nature of that Righteousness necessary to our entering the Kingdom of God.

It must "exceed" the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. Ours must exceed theirs,

1. In its origin.

Must be implanted by the Spirit; the effect of the renewing grace of God; must be God’s work within us.

2. In its nature.

A new heart, a righteousness of faith, fervent love, and sincerity of soul.

3. In its extent.

Embracing the whole of God’s will; both the letter and the spirit of the commands, &c.

4. In its end.

Not the praise of men, but the honor of God; to glorify him in all things.

5. In its effects.

Fruits of righteousness to the glory of God, and of goodness to the human race; full of kindness, compassion, mercy, &c. Evangelical righteousness brings the soul into a state of holy resemblance to the blessed God. Now this is necessary to our entering the kingdom of God on earth being the Lord’s appointed plan of salvation; and it is essential to our entering the kingdom of glory, for without this we have no meetness for heavenly felicity.

Application

1. The revelation of this righteousness is given in God’s blessed word.

2. It is obtained by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is made unto us "wisdom, righteousness," &c.

3. The necessity of this righteousness is obvious, both from the holy nature of God’s law, and the purity indispensable to happiness, both in this world and in that which is to come.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS