The Righteousness Of The Pharisees

Matthew 5:20

“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

INTRODUCTION:

1. Matthew 5:20.

2. Background of the Pharisees.

a) Religious and political group in Palestine.

b) Had their origin in the Hasidim. Hasidim began in 2^nd century, B.C. in response to influence of the Hellenists. Hasidim insisted on strict observance of Jewish laws.

c) When Syrian king Antiochus tried to do away with the Jewish religion, the Hasidim took part in the Maccabean revolt against Antiochus.

d) Two groups grew out of this revolt – Essenes and Pharisees. Essenes later broke off from other Jews and formed their own communities. Pharisees remained an active part of Jewish life. Because certain Greeks looked on Pharisees favorably, Pharisees were represented on the Sanhedrin.

e) Though never very large in number, Pharisees remained an influence at the time of Christ. Because of the corruption of the priests, the Pharisees looked to the scribes to interpret the law for them.

3. Consider characteristics of some (not all – John 3:1, John 7:45-52, John 19:38-42) of the Pharisees.

DISCUSSION:

I. Said one thing yet did another.

A. Pharisees taught the law to others. But Jesus warned his disciples to do as the Pharisees did, not as the Pharisees said – Matthew 23:2-4.

B. We ought to make sure our actions are in agreement with our words – I John 2:4-6.

II. Did things to be seen of men.

A. Pharisees made broad phylacteries and enlarged borders of their garments. They loved places and titles of honor – Matthew 23:5-7.

B. We are not to be motivated by a desire to be seen of men – Matthew 6:1, 5, 16.

III. Neglected part of God’s commandments.

A. The Pharisees strained at gnats but swallowed camels – Matthew 23:23-24.

B. We ought to observe all those things God has commanded – Matthew 28:19-20.

IV. Loved money.

A. Pharisees loved mammon and made it their God – Luke 16:13-16. Also Mark 7:10-13.

B. We ought to keep ourselves free from the love of money – I Timothy 6:6-10.

CONCLUSION:

1. Unless our righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees, we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.

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