Main Passage: Matthew 5-7
Principle #1: Perfection is the standard; Jesus is the solution.
Principle #2: Blessed are the humble, dependent, surrendered.
Principle #3: Reveal, don’t conceal, the new life in you.
Romans 7:12 (ESV)
12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Principle #4: Greater righteousness comes through faith in Christ.
Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV)
9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
So here’s how we respond:
- Stop trying to earn what can only be received.
Some of you are exhausted trying to be “good enough.” You will never get there. Surrender. - Let the standard drive you to Jesus, not away from Him.
Don’t avoid this teaching because it’s hard—embrace it because it reveals your need for grace. - Begin to live from a changed heart, not for a changed image.
Kingdom living is not performance—it’s transformation from the inside out.
