Justification: True Righteousness in the Kingdom (5:17-20) – If you were to preach through Matthew 5:17-20, what would be your main point? This main point would be determined by the central idea of this passage. The needs of your congregation would shape your imperative theme, which is the particular response from them that you expect to achieve from your message. Please read the following summary of Matthew 5:17-20, which provides these answers for you.
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus teaches about true righteousness in the kingdom of Heaven, explaining that He has come to fulfill God’s standard of righteousness according to the Law and the prophets (5:17-18). He then explains that the disciples in the kingdom must meet a higher standard of righteousness than the traditions taught by the scribes and Pharisees (5:19-20). This righteousness can only be obtained through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Central Ideas - Here are proposed statements expressing the central ideas in Matthew 5:17-20 emphasizing the justification of those members of the kingdom of Heaven:
Exegetical Idea of the Text—Jesus taught His disciples the principles of justification in the kingdom of Heaven for those who believe in Him.
Theological Idea of the Text—God’s standard of justification for men has come through faith in Christ Jesus as a witness that the kingdom of Heaven has come.
Homiletical Idea of the Text—Because the Kingdom of Heaven has come, disciples of Jesus are called by the Gospel to obtain righteousness through faith in Christ Jesus in order to fulfill the Great Commission.