Matthew 5:19-20

19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 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.

1. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

2. The problem: Whose standard do you use for being good or bad?

3. Do you belive in the existence of heaven where people will live with God forever?

4. Immediately after death what will happen to you?

a. You will go to heaven?

b. You wil go to purgatory?

c. You will go to hell?

d. You will be reincarnated?

e. You will cease to exist (annihilation)?

5. What is the theme of the Sermon on the Mount?

6. How do you get into the kingdom of heaven (v. 20)

a. Who were the scribes?

b. Who were the Pharisees?

c. How could anyone on earth exceed the scribes and Pharisees?

d. How does Jesus say to get to heaven?

e. What is the impact of Deuteronomy 5, Romans 10:3 on our lives today?

f. What are four differences between Religion and the Gospel? (Luke 18:9)

1. Religion emphasizes the outward while the Gospel emphasizes the heart

2. Religion emphasizes prohibition while the Gospel emphasizes freedom

3. Religion emphasizes barriers while the Gospel breaks those barriers

4. Religion emphasizes "work your way" while the Gospel through Jesus says, "I am the way"

g. What are the only two forms of religion and there implication?

1. Human achievement

2. Divine accomplishment

Lesson: We get into heaven by surpassing man's religious righteousness through submitting to God's revealed righteousness. (The righteousness that God requires is the righteousness that God gives)

Question: Do you know God's revealed righteousness? Why or Why not? What will you do with it once you have it?

7. How do you become great in the kingdom of heaven?(v. 19)

a. On your relationship to the revealed truth of God

b. Discuss the difference between faith and grace regarding entrance and posiition into and in the kingdom.

c. What did the Law mean to the Jews and what was Jesus' meaning?

1. Ceremonial vs. Traditional

2. Transcendent permament moral law revelaed throughout Scripture

d. What type of judgment do Christians face? That of sin or that of service? What does this mean for living today?

Lesson: We become great in heaven by practicing and promoting God's transcendent permament moral law revelaed throughout Scripture.

Question: Who are you influencing, discipling and helping to grow in Christ? How are you practicing what God has revealed in your life?

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