Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees… What is it to enter the kingdom of heaven? It involves leaving the kingdom of evil. There is no admission to it without righteousness. I. DESCRIBE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE PHARISEES. 1. They were celebrated for their knowledge. As Scribes, they were acquainted with the Scriptures. 2. In religious matters they were particular and earnest. Always at temple, earnest at prayer. 3. They were wonderfully generous. They gave tithes of all they possessed. 4. They were held in high esteem by their fellow-countrymen. 5. Can you hope to excel them? Out of Christ you cannot. II. HOW THEN IS IT POSSIBLE TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN? Two ways: 1. By works. 2. By faith. No thoroughfare along the first way. In nature's loom we cannot weave a better righteousness. Christ's righteousness exceeds; as the sunlight exceeds the glimmer of the glow-worm. (Thomas Spurgeon.) 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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