In the book of Matthew, chapter five, Jesus says that our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees. I think in our society that it’s the typical interpretation to believe that Jesus is talking about being ‘good’. The focus of the Pharisees was always an adherence to Mosaic Law, and they were exceedingly adept at their form of ‘righteousness’. The Pharisees had rules to help follow the rules.
“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” –Matthew 5:20
Christians continue to place a very high level of importance upon righteousness, for good reason. The bible constantly speaks of and demands righteousness. Why? Because God can have no part with lawlessness; He can have no part with sin (1 John 1:5 and Habbakuk 1:13). The bible is very clear that sinners will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10).
If you continue reading Matthew 5 Jesus takes righteousness to a level beyond what even the Pharisees had practiced, laying out a standard that no man can keep. Jesus points out that righteousness is not just about what a man does with his hands, it’s about the motives in his heart (not merely external, but internal). Later, in Matthew 23, Jesus berates the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. You should read it for yourself. I think that the hypocrisy that Christ points out in the Pharisees is the same hypocrisy that both non-christians and Christians alike see in the church today.
What do Christians seem to get wrong, time and time again? That grace and righteousness are gifts. Time and time again I have to remind myself, righteousness cannot be achieved through will-power.
20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. –Colossians 2:20-23
Sin is not something you or I can overcome by shear will. But you must understand that sin is a joy thief. Christians have not been granted a license to sin, we are to follow Christ’s example. Attacking sin head on with will-power can only result in either pride or fear/shame (think about the Pharisees). Success leads to pridefulness; and failure leads to defeat, shamefulness, and a sense of low self-value. The grace that Christ offers is free. His gift of righteousness is free.
17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. –Romans 5:17
The church must grasp that life in the kingdom of God begins now. It begins when we decide to live for God’s glory. Jesus recruited followers, people to be disciples of His. There is abundant joy to be had in this life, now. Follow. Are you living for the glory of God? I just began reading a book entitled ‘Celebration of Discipline’ (I’m trying not to copy it verbatim as I write). It’s a book that teaches spiritual disciplines. If seriously strong will-power won’t trailblaze the path of righteousness, what will? Living life for the glory of God. It’s what we were created for; the opposite of sin. Foster your desire for God, thirst for Him, seek Him and be free.
10 Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, [a]Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” –John 8:10-11
