TO BE SAVED ,YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST BE HIGHER THAN THAT OF THE PHARISEES

 The more the opposition is against you,the higher shall be your promotion because of the anointing of God's favour upon you. 

Good -Life Devotional: TO BE SAVED ,YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST BE HIGHER THAN THAT OF THE PHARISEES 

By Michael Benson Ajayi

Matthew 5:20 (AMP) states:

"For I say to you that unless your righteousness [uprightness, moral essence] is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts true righteousness with the external, ritualistic righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes and Pharisees were seen as the epitome of religious observance, yet their focus was often on outward appearances rather than inward transformation. Jesus calls His followers to pursue a righteousness that flows from the heart and is rooted in a genuine relationship with God.

KEY POINTS  

RIGHTEOUSNESS BEYOND WORKS: This verse does not advocate for legalistic adherence to the law but highlights the need for a deeper, spiritual righteousness that surpasses external acts. This righteousness comes from faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 3:9).

CONDEMNATION OF HYPOCRISY: The Pharisees' righteousness was often hypocritical. They meticulously followed rules but neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity in one's faith.

THE ROLE OF GRACE: this "greater righteousness" is possible not through human effort but through the grace of God. By believing in Jesus, one is justified and empowered to live righteously (Romans 3:22-24).

 ADDRESSING COMMON OBJECTIONS

OBJECTION: Isn't this a contradiction of grace?

Jesus' teaching here does not nullify grace. Instead, it underscores that true grace transforms the believer's life. Righteousness is not earned but evidenced by a heart changed by God (James 2:17).

OBJECTION: Is it unfair to demand more than the Pharisees?

The "more" refers to quality, not quantity. It shifts the focus from external compliance to internal transformation, achievable through a personal relationship with Christ.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRISTIANS

Examine Your Heart: Are your actions motivated by love for God or a desire to appear righteous?

RELY ON THE SPIRIT: True righteousness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

LIVE OUT THE BEATITUDES: Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5 provide a framework for this greater righteousness.

JESUS' CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW 

Romans 10:4: "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." 

In Ezekiel 36:26-27: God promises to give a new heart and spirit, enabling obedience.

Also in Hebrews 10:16: God writes His laws on our hearts under the new covenant.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to live in righteousness.

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