This study was first taught on March 31, 2010

Topic: The Righteousness That Excels That of The Scribes and Pharisees (2)

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Background
Righteousness can be defined as moral uprightness, justice, blamelessness or faithfulness toward God. Righteousness in general, which should form the basis for establishing the judiciary and law enforcement in human society, is the standard for judging who is living right and who is not. We therefore speak of lawlessness, wickedness or corruption, where there is no justice or moral uprightness in society. A universal measure of righteousness will ensure that the same standard is applied everywhere in the world. Also, a universal measure of righteousness will ensure that the requirement for entering into heaven is the same regardless of where you live or where you are. Such a universal standard of living can only and truly be set by God, the creator of the earth, and not by men! As such, a ‘righteousness’ that falls short of God’s standard is wrong, and really, wickedness!

Last week, we looked at the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, which falls short of God’s standard. We noted that the Scribes and the Pharisees, being unable to live according to God’s standard, established their own. This was because they were unwilling to submit to the righteousness of God; were ignorant of the word of God; and, have their own interpretation of scripture (which essentially contradicts God’s original intent).

Their righteousness depended heavily on their own interpretation of God’s word, as well as justification of their deeds or misdeeds. It was an outward show of religion; observance of laws based on wrong interpretation of the intent thereof; and on sacrifices rather than on obedience to God. They were pretenders portraying to the world who they were not. They trusted in their own strength, status, and genealogy as sufficient to give them entrance into the kingdom of God.

Though the Scribes and Pharisees are dead and gone, there are, in this generation, religious leaders who are today what they were in Jesus’ days! The Lord Jesus, however, said that if any man is to enter into the kingdom of God, the righteousness that will get him in must excel that of the Scribes and the Pharisees. Christians must of necessity possess a righteousness that is devoid of hypocrisy and an outward show or religion. This righteousness we shall now study tonight with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture Text(s)
Mathew 5:20; 23:2-3
The Scribes and the Pharisees were the ultimate as far as religion was concerned here on earth in Jesus’ day. Yet the Lord spoke of the righteousness that exceeds theirs!
The Righteousness that excels that of the Scribes and Pharisees must be the righteousness of God. The righteousness of God is based on the finished work of Christ on the cross, from start to finish. It delivers from sin, and keeps us from sinning further. The righteousness of God is thus, not just the standard for living, but also the means to satisfy the standard.
Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 51:16-17; Isaiah 66:2b; 1 Samuel 15:18-23; Acts 5:29; 1 Samuel 16:7; Luke 11:39; Mark 7:20-23; Matthew 12:33, 35; Romans 2:28-29; 9:30-32; 3:20-22; 10:9-10; Luke 16:15; Romans 10:3; 6:16; Acts 4:19; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Philippians 3:4-9; Galatians 3:1-3; 2:20; John 15:4-5; Acts 10:38; Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:12-14; John 3:3-5; 1:11-13; Romans12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Conclusion
The righteousness that excels that of the Scribes and Pharisees is one that is predicated on God! It is first and foremost based on the finished work of Christ on the cross, and then it empowers those saved to live as God wants them to in the power of the Holy Spirit. It must begin from the heart of a transformed man, and work its way outward (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The righteousness of God, in contradiction to that practiced by the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, is first inward, and then manifests outwardly in good works; and not merely an outward show, lacking inner spiritual life. It is based on an on-going relationship with God through the finished work of Jesus Christ; not on religious observance and personal merit. It arises from a walk with God, not from working to earn it by personal effort (Ephesians 2:8-9); it is lived in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in your own strength (1 Samuel 2:9b); it requires that you submit and yield to God’s standard; it is imbibing and living the word of God, not the mere observance of the letter of scripture; it is holiness, not hypocrisy; and, it is God’s way, not our way. It is attained by faith in Christ (the fulfillment of the Law).

Without the righteousness of God, no one can enter into heaven. But God be praised Who has given us His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our righteousness; and the Holy Spirit to help us live righteously.

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