Summer on the Mount: Jesus and the Law (Part 2) (Matthew 5:17-18) | Pastor Hayden Thomas

Preaching Point: Christ’s righteousness produces obedience from the inside out concerning all that Jesus commands and even comes with a warning to those who reject absolute obedience to the commands of Christ.

Main Text: Matthew 5:17–20

Teaching Points:

1. Eradicate Legalistic Ideas of Righteousness V20
2. Fear Invalidating Any of Jesus’ Commands V19a
3. Desire an Honorable Position in God’s Kingdom V19b

Application Questions:

1. Write down one helpful observation or application from this week’s sermon. 
2. Read Romans 3:20 and Romans Romans 10:4. How does righteousness that is acceptable to God demolish any feeble attempt to gain favor from God outside of trusting in Jesus for your right standing with God? 
3. Read Matthew 5:19 and Matthew 28:18–20 (emphasis on v20). What are some consequences if Christians do not have a healthy fear of misrepresenting Jesus’ teaching? 
4. Read Matthew 23:23–24. In what ways would the Pharisees have benefited if they had a healthy fear of invalidating God’s commands? 
5. What can you do to keep from falling into the temptation of nullifying Jesus’ commands?
6. Read 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Matthew 19:28–30. Scripture is clear that honor in the Kingdom of Heaven has varying degrees based on how one responds to God’s written revelation. With that in mind:
7. Why is desiring an honorable position in God’s Kingdom a good thing? 
8. How does this truth change how you see your daily life as consequential to eternity?
9. Read Matthew 20:20–28. How can you keep from making the same mistake the disciples did in thinking you could even attempt to manipulate your way into an honorable position in Christ’s coming Kingdom?