Living as Disciples: Embracing True Righteousness and Love

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound journey of spiritual disciplines and their role in our lives as followers of Jesus. The essence of these disciplines is not merely to perform them for the sake of tradition or obligation but to genuinely live as students of Jesus, learning and obeying His teachings. The journey begins with a decision to be a disciple, which involves observing our failures and understanding their causes. This process is not about guilt but about growth and transformation through the Spirit.

We delved into the Sermon on the Mount, a cornerstone of Jesus' teachings, which challenges us to redefine our understanding of righteousness. Jesus calls us to surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees by moving beyond mere legalistic adherence to the law. Instead, we are invited to engage with the invisible landscape of the heart, where true righteousness resides. This involves a shift from external actions to internal attitudes, such as moving from anger and contempt to love and reconciliation.

The message also addressed the common misconceptions about the kingdom of God. Entering the kingdom is not about achieving a set of rules but about living in an interactive relationship with God, characterized by love and truth. This kingdom life is not about seeking justice in the worldly sense but about embodying a love that transcends human definitions of justice. It is about living out of the abundance of what we have received from God, acting from a place of strength and fullness.

Ultimately, the call is to live in a way that reflects the character of someone who is at home in the kingdom of God. This is not about following a new set of laws but about embodying the life and teachings of Jesus in our everyday actions and interactions. It is about being transformed by the Spirit to live a life of love, peace, and righteousness that surpasses the superficial standards of the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Decision to be a Disciple: The journey of spiritual disciplines begins with a conscious decision to live as a student of Jesus, focusing on learning and obeying His teachings. This involves observing our failures and understanding their causes, not as a source of guilt but as opportunities for growth and transformation through the Spirit. [01:22]

2. Surpassing Righteousness: True righteousness surpasses the legalistic adherence of the scribes and Pharisees. It requires moving beyond external actions to engage with the heart's attitudes, such as transforming anger and contempt into love and reconciliation. This shift is essential for entering the kingdom of God. [20:18]

3. Interactive Relationship with God: Entering the kingdom of God is about living in an interactive relationship with God, characterized by love and truth. It is not about achieving a set of rules but about embodying a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus in our everyday actions and interactions. [23:30]

4. Transcending Human Justice: The kingdom life calls us to transcend human definitions of justice by embodying a love that surpasses mere justice. This involves standing for what is right from a place of love and strength, rather than anger and retribution, thus reflecting the heart of God. [39:50]

5. Living from Abundance: Those who are at home in the kingdom of God act out of the abundance of what they have received from God. This means living a life of love, peace, and righteousness, not out of scarcity or fear, but from a place of strength and fullness, advancing the kingdom among human beings. [43:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:19] - Understanding Spiritual Disciplines
- [00:59] - Decision to be a Disciple
- [01:51] - Observing Failures
- [03:12] - Role of Disciplines
- [06:12] - Sermon on the Mount
- [08:01] - Teaching on Reality
- [09:41] - Who is a Good Person?
- [11:03] - Becoming a Good Person
- [13:52] - Jesus and Guilt
- [15:13] - Righteousness Beyond the Law
- [20:18] - Surpassing Righteousness
- [23:30] - Interactive Relationship with God
- [39:50] - Transcending Human Justice
- [43:18] - Living from Abundance

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:20 - "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
2. Matthew 5:21-24 - "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean by saying that our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law? ([20:18])
2. How does Jesus redefine the concept of murder in Matthew 5:21-24, and what does this imply about the condition of the heart? ([27:22])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of living in an interactive relationship with God? ([23:30])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between human justice and the justice of the kingdom of God? ([39:50])

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual disciplines can help us surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees? ([01:22])
2. How does the sermon explain the shift from external actions to internal attitudes in the context of the Sermon on the Mount? ([24:19])
3. What does it mean to live from a place of abundance, as described in the sermon, and how does this relate to the kingdom of God? ([43:18])
4. How does the sermon address the common misconceptions about entering the kingdom of God? ([23:30])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent failure in your spiritual journey. How can you view this as an opportunity for growth and transformation rather than a source of guilt? ([01:51])
2. Consider a situation where you have been angry or held contempt for someone. How can you move towards love and reconciliation in that relationship? ([27:22])
3. How can you cultivate an interactive relationship with God in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to embody the teachings of Jesus? ([23:30])
4. Think of a time when you sought justice in a situation. How can you approach similar situations from a place of love and strength rather than anger and retribution? ([39:50])
5. Identify an area in your life where you feel scarcity or fear. How can you shift your perspective to live from a place of strength and fullness? ([43:18])
6. How can you actively work on surpassing the righteousness of the Pharisees in your own life? What changes in attitude or behavior might this require? ([20:18])
7. Reflect on your understanding of what it means to be blessed. How does the sermon challenge or affirm your current perspective? ([14:42])

Devotional

Day 1: Choosing Discipleship as a Path to Growth
The journey of spiritual disciplines begins with a conscious decision to live as a student of Jesus, focusing on learning and obeying His teachings. This involves observing our failures and understanding their causes, not as a source of guilt but as opportunities for growth and transformation through the Spirit. By acknowledging our shortcomings, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who guides us toward becoming more like Christ. This decision is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to follow Jesus and allow His teachings to shape our lives. [01:22]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus today to allow for growth and transformation through the Spirit?


Day 2: Righteousness Beyond Legalism
True righteousness surpasses the legalistic adherence of the scribes and Pharisees. It requires moving beyond external actions to engage with the heart's attitudes, such as transforming anger and contempt into love and reconciliation. This shift is essential for entering the kingdom of God, as it calls us to examine our inner motives and align them with the teachings of Jesus. By focusing on the heart, we cultivate a righteousness that reflects God's love and grace, rather than merely following rules. [20:18]

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you have been focused on external actions rather than the heart's attitude. How can you shift your focus to love and reconciliation today?


Day 3: Living in an Interactive Relationship with God
Entering the kingdom of God is about living in an interactive relationship with God, characterized by love and truth. It is not about achieving a set of rules but about embodying a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus in our everyday actions and interactions. This relationship invites us to engage with God daily, seeking His guidance and wisdom as we navigate life's challenges. By prioritizing this relationship, we experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers and become conduits of His love and truth to others. [23:30]

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a more interactive relationship with God today? What specific steps will you take to abide in Him?


Day 4: Transcending Human Justice with Divine Love
The kingdom life calls us to transcend human definitions of justice by embodying a love that surpasses mere justice. This involves standing for what is right from a place of love and strength, rather than anger and retribution, thus reflecting the heart of God. By embracing this divine love, we become agents of reconciliation and peace in a world that often seeks retribution. This love challenges us to see others through God's eyes and respond with compassion and grace. [39:50]

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you are seeking justice. How can you approach it with divine love and strength instead of anger and retribution?


Day 5: Living from the Abundance of God's Kingdom
Those who are at home in the kingdom of God act out of the abundance of what they have received from God. This means living a life of love, peace, and righteousness, not out of scarcity or fear, but from a place of strength and fullness, advancing the kingdom among human beings. By recognizing the abundance we have in Christ, we are empowered to share His love and grace with others, impacting the world around us. This abundance mindset shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been given, enabling us to live generously and joyfully. [43:18]

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you live out of the abundance of God's kingdom today? How can you use what you have received to bless others?

Quotes



you decide to live as Jesus student you can't get very far if you start messing with disciplines just sort of to see what happens that's the first step so now why is that the first step well now you are a student your student now you're learning and so you begin to obey his teachings [00:01:03]

observe why you fail if you are unable for example we've just been talking about something we might call sexual purity if you're unable to do that there is a reason why observe why that may be something like simple habits you may have a habit of looking at things which you shouldn't be looking at [00:01:51]

the secret of the spiritual life is not if at first you don't succeed try try again it is if at first you don't succeed find out why you fail fix it and then try again that's the way it works No you failed because of somehow you were perhaps.perhaps how you were thinking about hunger [00:04:07]

you have to get a hold of his teaching which begins on the first question what is real God in his kingdom that includes the natural world but that's the basic reality that Jesus teaches that's why he says what he does that's why he says repent for the kingdom of the heavens at hand [00:07:39]

Jesus is teaching you about these things and you have to get a hold of his teaching which begins on the first question what is real God in his kingdom that includes the natural world but that's the basic reality that Jesus teaches that's why he says what he does that's why he says repent [00:07:39]

Jesus first of all reassures them that he's not about to abolish the law rather he's going to show how to do the law how to fulfill the law how can you fulfill the law so now in making these adjustments verse 20 I'm telling you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes [00:19:50]

he's saying that if you stick at what the scribe and the Pharisee call righteousness you will not do that they don't do it because they've got their own Kingdom defined very visibly and that's where they're ruling and living and so their righteousness turns out to be not righteousness at all [00:21:08]

you have to move to the level of the heart now the spirit God is looking for people to worship him but they who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth tink so kind of curious how did you come to the conclusion the King dependence because of what he says afterwards [00:23:20]

you can stand for what is right and for what is good even where it involves you and you should do that Jesus is not saying don't do that he's telling you how to do it I'm telling you how to do it the only thing that would you do justice to justice is love [00:40:15]

he is saying love the people who are on the other side and if possible find a way to work it out and if the person says naturally yeah but what if you what about me no I'm glad you asked that's where the kingdom comes in you approach these things with the attitude [00:37:48]

you have to understand that when Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount you have a tear on your sheet right at the bottom he is not giving laws he's not saying this is what you must always do he is talking to you about what the person who is at home in the kingdom [00:42:31]

they do not act out of scarcity out of fear out of weakness they act out of strength out of fullness out of confidence and by doing that they enter into a power that is so great that we can speak of the kingdom advancing among human beings so let me leave you [00:43:29]

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Transcript
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