The Law Fulfilled in Christ
Tim Conway explains that Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament law but to fulfill it, calling believers to live a practical righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees by faithfully keeping even the least commandments.
This sermon delves deep into the importance of understanding and applying the Old Testament laws and commandments in light of Christ's teachings. It emphasizes the need to view the Old Testament laws through the lens of love for God and others, recognizing that true salvation is found in Christ alone. The sermon highlights the spiritualization of Old Testament laws by the apostles, focusing on faith working through love as the essence of fulfilling the law and the prophets.
Sermon Outline
-
I. Context of the Sermon on the Mount
- Matthew 5-7 as one connected sermon
- Focus on practical righteousness for kingdom living
- Righteousness exceeding scribes and Pharisees
-
II. Jesus’ Teaching on the Law
- Jesus did not come to abolish but to fulfill the law and prophets
- Law and prophets represent the entire Old Testament
- Law remains until heaven and earth pass away
-
III. The Importance of Keeping All Commandments
- Even the least commandments must be kept and taught
- Relaxing commandments results in being called least in the kingdom
- Meticulous obedience is required for kingdom citizens
-
IV. Practical Righteousness Exceeding the Pharisees
- External righteousness is insufficient
- True righteousness involves heart attitudes and actions
- Examples include anger, reconciliation, and love
Key Quotes
“I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” — Tim Conway
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Tim Conway
“Whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Strive to live a righteousness that is genuine and exceeds mere external compliance.
- Be meticulous in obeying and teaching all of God's commandments, even the least ones.
- Pursue reconciliation and love in relationships as evidence of kingdom righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jesus abolish the Old Testament law?
No, Jesus clearly states He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, and that not one part of the law will pass away until all is accomplished.
What does it mean to have righteousness exceeding the scribes and Pharisees?
It means living a genuine, practical righteousness that goes beyond external appearances and includes heart transformation and obedience to all commandments.
Are Christians required to keep the Old Testament commandments?
According to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5, believers are called to keep and teach even the least of the commandments as part of kingdom living.
Is the Sermon on the Mount about justification?
No, the Sermon on the Mount focuses on practical righteousness and how believers live in the kingdom, not on Jesus’ justification work on the cross.
What happens if someone relaxes the commandments and teaches others to do so?
Jesus warns that such a person will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, indicating serious spiritual consequences.