The righteousness of the pharisees

Matthew 5:20

For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

The Righteousness of The Pharisees

• What is being righteous?a. Always behaving according to a

religious or moral code.b. Morally good or correct, especially

according to standards set by religion.

The Righteousness of The Pharisees

• What is righteousness?

Being in right standing with God and doing what God commands us to do.

What Are The Righteousness of The Pharisees?

1. They diligently studied the Scriptures.

• John 5:39‘You searched the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are which testify of Me.’


2. They prayed frequently.• Matthew 6:5

‘And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.’


3. They fasted regularly.• Mark 2:18

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, ‘Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’

• Luke 18:12‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’


4. They meticulously paid their tithes.• Luke 11:42

‘But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.’


5. They put in great effort to win soul.• Matthew 23:15

‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.’

Are We More Righteous Than The Pharisees?

• The Pharisees knew the commandments of God.

• The Pharisees did what they were supposed to do.

• They did it diligently and fervently.


a. Good work does not save us

• Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.


b. Good work is the natural result of our salvation.

• Philippians 2:12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but how much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling.


C. Good work is our necessary response to salvation.

• 2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.


d. Good work is the living proof of our salvation/ faith.

• James 2:20But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?


e. Good work is the outstanding fruit of our salvation.

• Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.


• Do we know what is required of us by God?

• Do we do what we are supposed to do?

• Are we doing them diligently and fervently?

• Are we doing them according to God’s requirement/ way?


• As ridiculous as it may sound, we may miss the gift of salvation if we do not produce the very evidence that prove that we have received the gift!


• Obedience is necessary.• John 8:31

Then Jesus said to those who believed Him,’ If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.’


• Action is expected.• John 8:32

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Spiritual

The righteousness of the pharisees