Matthew 5:20 For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees… There are several kinds of religion. 1. There is the religion of simple technical observances. 2. There is a religion of conduct, or morality. 3. There is the religion of spirituality: this contemplates God and ignores man's needs. 4. There is the religion of morality and spirituality. Right conduct springing from right motives. Let us look at the nature and value of morality. I. Morality may be defined as conformity to the laws of our condition. The laws of the body, the law of fellowship, civil laws. II. The advantages of morality. 1. It is the gateway of spirituality. 2. All the things that come within the range of morality are good in themselves. 3. It has a tendency to educate men. 4. When men try to place themselves in conformity to the law of morals they put themselves in a line in which they will be illumined and carried to a higher Christian experience. 5. We must not suppose that morality is a substitute for the higher forms of religion. 6. It must not be a mask for self-indulgence. 7. Morality relates especially to this life, but religion to eternity, as fully realized in immortal existence. 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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