Page 115 - TH130 Kingdom of God A4 Final

The Sermon on the Mount and the Kingdom

Jesus continued, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses
that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not
enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 20). The law of Moses spoke primarily
to people’s outward acts. The law of Christ also speaks to their inward
motives and attitudes. Righteousness in Christ’s kingdom is not merely
a matter of keeping religious rules. It grows out of a living relationship
with God through Christ (Hebrews 8:10). The law of Christ can only be
kept through spiritual regeneration and the empowerment of the Spirit
(Romans 8:3–4).

Superior Ethics (Matthew 5:21–38)
Jesus gives four representative examples demonstrating how the ethics
of His kingdom surpass the ethics of the old covenant. The law of Moses
condemned murder; the law of Christ condemns uncontrolled anger. The
law of Moses condemned adultery; the law of Christ prohibits lust. The
law of Moses allows oaths; the law of Christ demands truthfulness as a
way of life.

More Than Murder (5:21–26)
The Old Testament Law prohibited murder. In the Sermon on the
Mount, Jesus confirms and expands
that prohibition. He said, “You have
heard that it was said to the people
long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone We must go to those
who murders will be subject to who offend us and
judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone
who is angry with his brother [some seek reconciliation.
manuscripts add “without cause”] will
be subject to judgment” (vv. 21–22).
Rather than harbor bitterness against those who have offended us, we
must go to them and seek reconciliation (v. 24).

More Than Adultery (5:27–29)
The Law of Moses commanded, “Do not commit adultery” (v. 27).
Jesus, however, taught that there is also an adultery of the heart and
eyes. He said, “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has
already committed adultery with her in his heart” (v. 28). We must not
only flee physical adultery, we must guard against infidelity of the heart
(vv. 29–30).

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