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. Matthew 5:20
It is interesting to note that even unbelievers know the standard of behavior expected of a Christian. I have heard some unbelievers rebuke Christians for not behaving like Christians.
Jesus, throughout his ministry taught the standard of the Kingdom of God. These are higher than the law given to the Israelite through Moses. The Pharisees believed they were righteous because of their rigid adherence to the law. Jesus expects us to set our bar much higher than these.
After all, He came to fulfill the law and the Prophets (Matt 5:17). So he has the authority to set a new standard - that of the Kingdom of God. His standard thus supersedes the law. He has become our standard, our modus operandi.
Let us see some of these standards;
The law said the person who murder will be in danger of judgement. Jesus says the person who gets angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of judgement. (Matt 5:21,22);
The law said do not commit adultery. Jesus says whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matt 5:27,28);
The law said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Jesus says whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also, forgive your enemy, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Math 5:38,39,44);
I'm sure you get the drift now. The law gave the minimum standard, Jesus gave the highest one.
In relation to people, we are to be motivated by love, peace, sacrifice, holiness in thoughts and actions. If we apply Jesus' standard, we will rise above actions that are motivated by the self - selfishness, self-centeredness and self-interest.
If we aspire to Jesus' standard, we will seek transformation by the continual renewal of our minds with everything that is good, pure, godly, virtuous and praiseworthy
Our Christian walk is to a higher standard than the law. Do not be bound by the law but be guided by the standard set by Jesus Christ. It is a standard that we should aspire to daily. We can only meet these by the help of the Holy Spirit.
Do not lower your standard. You are the child of the Most Excellent Father.
It is interesting to note that even unbelievers know the standard of behavior expected of a Christian. I have heard some unbelievers rebuke Christians for not behaving like Christians.
Jesus, throughout his ministry taught the standard of the Kingdom of God. These are higher than the law given to the Israelite through Moses. The Pharisees believed they were righteous because of their rigid adherence to the law. Jesus expects us to set our bar much higher than these.
After all, He came to fulfill the law and the Prophets (Matt 5:17). So he has the authority to set a new standard - that of the Kingdom of God. His standard thus supersedes the law. He has become our standard, our modus operandi.
Let us see some of these standards;
The law said the person who murder will be in danger of judgement. Jesus says the person who gets angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of judgement. (Matt 5:21,22);
The law said do not commit adultery. Jesus says whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matt 5:27,28);
The law said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Jesus says whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also, forgive your enemy, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Math 5:38,39,44);
I'm sure you get the drift now. The law gave the minimum standard, Jesus gave the highest one.
In relation to people, we are to be motivated by love, peace, sacrifice, holiness in thoughts and actions. If we apply Jesus' standard, we will rise above actions that are motivated by the self - selfishness, self-centeredness and self-interest.
If we aspire to Jesus' standard, we will seek transformation by the continual renewal of our minds with everything that is good, pure, godly, virtuous and praiseworthy
Our Christian walk is to a higher standard than the law. Do not be bound by the law but be guided by the standard set by Jesus Christ. It is a standard that we should aspire to daily. We can only meet these by the help of the Holy Spirit.
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| copyright Bill Dan |
Do not lower your standard. You are the child of the Most Excellent Father.
#PrayerforToday 28th March 2018
Almighty Father, thank You for sending Your Son to come to earth and show us Your Kingdom standard. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Give me the grace to walk the standard of the Kingdom. Help me to be transformed by the renewal of my mind. Help me to love my neighbours as myself. In Jesus name I have prayed Amen
I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©
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