The following audio messages are a part of our End Times Bible Prophecy Series, taught by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, recorded at Whitestone Christian Fellowship.
Those who enter the Kingdom of Heaven must have a righteousness that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees for they only had the self-righteousness of legalism which says, “I am good because I do (or do not do) these things.” True righteousness is unconcerned with self proclaimed goodness for true righteousness comes from the heart and says, “I love you Lord, help me to do whatever pleases You.”
The Sermon on the Mount is the sermon that Jesus gave in Matthew chapters 5-7. Matthew 5:1-2 is the reason it is known as the Sermon on the Mount: "And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, " The Sermon on the Mount is the most famous sermon Jesus ever gave, perhaps the most famous sermon ever given by anyone.
The Sermon on the Mount teaches us a lot about ourselves in relation to God and His kingdom. It is not about works, and our own self-righteousness, but about His righteousness in us, a transformed life that is dedicated to and pleasing to God.
The message in the Sermon on the Mount is so profound that it applies to you today and in any generation. It contains detailed instructions on how to seek God and live the kind of life that pleases Him. We are still faced with the same temptations of relying on our own righteousness.
We still at times think it is our good works that save us when the truth is good works are a fruit of our salvation. The Sermon on the Mount is a beautiful reminder that on our own, we won’t be able to meet God’s standards. It is only by Jesus’ blood and righteousness that we are made right in the eyes of God.
Jesus chose to end the Sermon on the Mount with a parable that shows how important it is to have the right kind of foundation in life. If you truly believe in Jesus, then obedience to Him will be your perfect response. When Jesus finished, the people were astonished. Unlike no other scribe or rabbi they’ve encountered or heard of, Jesus possesses divine authority because He is God.
