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{sermon on the mount}

 {sermon on the mount} 

THE IMPORTANCE OF OBEYING GOD’S LAW_ 

Matthew 5:17-20 

 
John Wesley once wrote in his journal, “I am a Bible-bigot. I follow it in all things, both great and small.” 

 

[Group discussion starter] Do you agree with John Wesley? 
Should everything the bible says still be followed today? 
Why or why not? 

 

So far, Jesus has spoken of the character of his followers. He has also emphasised the influence we will have on the world if we exhibit this character and if our character bears fruit in “good deeds”. 
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus continues to further define this character and these “good deeds” in the terms of righteousness. This passage is of great importance not only for its definition of Christian righteousness, but also for the light it sheds on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Between the Law and the Gospel... 

 
[Read Matthew 5:17-20] 

 

This passage naturally divides into two equal parts. 
Verses 17-18 and verses 19-20. 
What does each part emphasise? 

 

Why might some people think that Jesus came to abolish the Law and the Prophets? 

 

[Activity] “The Law and the Prophets” (Hebrew Bible / Old Testament) consists of doctrine, prophecy, and ethical precepts. 
In what sense has Jesus fulfilled each of these? 

 

In verses 17-18, how does Jesus emphasise his high view of Old Testament Scripture? 

 

How can Jesus’ words strengthen our confidence in Scripture? 

 

What parts of the bible have you tended to ‘skip over’ or neglect? 

 

How can you make studying these parts a higher priority? 

 

In verse 19, how will our response to the Law determine our status in the Kingdom of Heaven? 

 

The Pharisees and teachers of the law were zealous about observing the Law. So, how can our righteousness possibly surpass theirs? 

 

Jesus states that only those who have this ‘surpassing righteousness’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (verse 20).  
How can this be harmonised with his statement about the ‘poor in spirit’ (those who admit their ‘spiritual bankruptcy’ that we explored in the first study) entering the Kingdom? 

 

Some people claim that Jesus abolished the law for the Christian and that we are only responsible for obeying the “law of love”. 
Respond to this view in light of Jesus’ words in this passage. 

 

As Christians, how should we study and apply the Old Testament law today? 

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