Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees… I. It MUST DIFFER from that of the Pharisee. 1. The seat of righteousness. Both Pharisee and Christian look alike in their conduct; the latter from the heart. 2. The righteousness of the Pharisee is limited by the narrow rule of sectarianism, that of the Christian is wide as the Word of God. 3. The righteousness of the Pharisee is at fault in its source. Its beginning and end is self. Christ is our righteousness. II. IT EXCELS. 1. In the object of its faith. 2. In enabling the Christian to reach heaven. (W. D. Harwood.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. |
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