Series: Sermon on the Mount
Entering the Kingdom
Matthew 5:17-20; 48
The Kingdom of Heaven
The theme of the kingdom of heaven is mentioned eighttimes in the Sermon on the Mount. When Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven, He is referring to the reign of God. There is analready/not yet aspect to the kingdom of heaven.
One of the functions of the Sermon on the Mount is to describe those who will experience the kingdom.
Many erroneously believe that “good people” will experience the kingdom of heaven. To believe this, they must:
· deny their own failures.
· ignore the high expectations of God.
· believe Jesus will simply overlook their sin.
Matthew 5:17
How does Jesus “fulfill” the law?
1. He models perfect obedience.
2. He reveals the law’s true meaning.
3. His condemnation/death exposes the guilt of humanity.
4. His death fulfills the law’s demands.
Matthew 5:18
Jesus affirms the absolute authority of all of the scripture.
Matthew 5:19
Matthew 5:20; 48
The law demanded absolute perfection to enter heaven.
Romans 3:21-24
Today’s Takeaways
Man does not have the authority to lower the standards of God.
Complete purity is required to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Recognizing sinfulness is foundational to entering the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus, through His death, provides access to God and His kingdom for us.
