The Permanence of the Law & The Purpose of Christ

The Permanence of the Law & The Purpose of Christ

Sermon Text: Matthew 5:17-20

Main Idea: The purpose of the Old Testament is to lead us, by God’s grace, into God’s righteousness, through its fulfillment Jesus Christ.

1. 1. In what sense does Jesus fulfill the law? (Matthew 5:17–18)
      1. His Proactive Declaration
      2. His Place in Redemptive History
   2. In what sense are Christians bound by the law? (Matthew 5:19–20)
      1. Our Obedience is Linked to Our Rewards in the Kingdom, not our Entrance into the Kingdom
      2. Our Obedience is Redefined by the Teaching of Jesus and His Apostles.
   3. How should we respond to this passage?
      1. Cultivate our love for the OT by reading it in light of Jesus Christ.
      2. Consider our present understanding and pursuit of Christian obedience in light of Jesus declaration in verse 19.
      3. Consider the grounds of your righteousness before God. Is it based on your best attempts at law-keeping OR is it revealed in your inner desires to align every aspect of your life to the revealed will of God?