Sermon 2.1.26 | "Not to Abolish But to Fulfill

Jesus insists that God's instruction (Torah) has not been rescinded but rather fulfilled in him. The law and the prophets point forward to the Messianic goal; Jesus does not nullify what was given through Moses but brings it to its intended completion. The words and even the smallest pen strokes of the law remain authoritative until “all things are accomplished,” and Jesus reads those instructions as pointers to realities now embodied in his life, death, teaching, and the coming Spirit. That means the law still matters—its commands, ceremonies, and promises all continue to teach the shape of faithful life.

Four common misunderstandings are corrected. First, Jesus is not overturning Torah; he is fulfilling it. Second, the law has not simply expired at the advent of grace; rather, the gospel validates and completes the law’s aim. Third, the distinction between “big” and “little” commandments is not a license to neglect the small; every command contributes to the whole moral fabric God intends. Fourth, though the law’s standard is high, Jesus anticipates a new covenant reality in which the Spirit writes God’s instruction on hearts, enabling true (imperfect but real) obedience.

Practical clarity follows: how law applies depends on time, place, office, and circumstance—so what was required of priests or Israelites in one setting may look different now for ordinary followers. Jesus reinterprets Torah for his community, showing both the letter and spirit must be honored. Ultimately this is hopeful rather than despairing: while perfection is unattainable, the pattern of life Jesus calls for—directional, habitual obedience empowered by grace—is possible. Those who have not yet turned from sin are invited to receive forgiveness and the Spirit’s empowering. For those already in Christ, the call is to cherish, teach, and live the law as Jesus modeled it, trusting the Spirit to enable true obedience that matters before God.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The law was not abolished Jesus does not dismiss Torah; he fulfills what it pointed toward. The law’s narratives, rituals, and commands all foreshadow Christ’s saving work, and their meaning is realized rather than annulled. Reading Scripture through Jesus clarifies how old commands find their consummation in him and remain instructive for life. [04:04]
• 2. The law endures and matters Jesus affirms the continuing force of God’s instruction “until heaven and earth pass away,” insisting the text’s precision is intentional. That endurance challenges casual assumptions that Scripture’s details are throwaway residue. Rather than easing believers from obedience, fulfillment intensifies how God’s purposes are understood and pursued in the church. [11:50]
• 3. All commandments bear weight Small rituals and “minor” commands are not merely peripheral; they form part of the moral whole that God entrusted to his people. Jesus rejects both laxity toward the small and hollow precision that misses justice, mercy, and faithfulness—demanding obedience to letter and spirit. This calls for careful, context-aware discipleship that honors every component of divine instruction. [15:23]
• 4. True righteousness is possible Surpassing the scribes is not an impossible call to flawless perfection but an invitation to authentic, Spirit-empowered obedience. Ordinary people can be characterized as righteous when their habitual life aligns directionally with God’s commands, relying on repentance and grace when they fall. The new covenant writes the law on hearts, enabling a new kind of moral transformation. [23:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:37] - Opening prayer and focus
• [01:08] - Mark Twain anecdote and segue
• [02:20] - Sermon on the Mount context
• [04:04] - Reading: Matthew 5:17–20
• [06:34] - Misconception 1: Abolishing the law
• [11:50] - Misconception 2: Law has expired
• [15:23] - Misconception 3: Only big laws matter
• [23:08] - Misconception 4: Impossible standard
• [27:16] - True obedience vs perfect obedience
• [30:38] - Invitation to faith and application
• [32:17] - Closing prayer

Here is a Bible study guide based on the sermon:

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:17-20 (ESV)
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Observation questions

1. Jesus states, "Don't think that I came to abolish the law or the prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill." [04:04] What does Jesus mean by "abolish" and "fulfill" in this context?
2. According to Jesus, what is the timeframe for the law's enduring authority? [11:50]
3. The sermon summary mentions that Jesus corrects four common misunderstandings. What are these four misunderstandings?
4. Jesus says, "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." [04:27] How does the sermon explain the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?

Interpretation questions

1. The sermon suggests that the law and prophets were always pointing forward to something. [08:01] How does Jesus' fulfillment of the law clarify its original purpose and meaning for us today?
2. The idea that "all commandments bear weight" is presented. [15:23] How does Jesus' teaching about the "least of these commands" challenge the common tendency to prioritize some commands over others?
3. The sermon distinguishes between "perfect obedience" and "true obedience." [26:45] What is the difference between these two, and why is this distinction important for understanding Jesus' call to righteousness?
4. The sermon notes that Jesus reinterprets Torah for his community, showing that both the letter and spirit must be honored. [20:51] How does this reinterpretation differ from simply following the "letter of the law"?

Application questions

1. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, and that the law endures and matters. [10:56] In what ways might you have previously thought of the Old Testament law as something that has expired or is no longer relevant, and how can you begin to cherish it as Jesus did?
2. We are told that "all commandments bear weight" and that Jesus rejects both laxity toward the small and hollow precision that misses justice, mercy, and faithfulness. [15:23] How can you cultivate a more careful, context-aware discipleship that honors every component of divine instruction in your daily life?
3. The sermon highlights that "true righteousness is possible" through Spirit-empowered obedience, not flawless perfection. [26:45] What does it look like for your life to be characterized by "directional, habitual obedience" to God's commands, even when you fall short?
4. For those who have not yet turned from sin, the invitation is to receive forgiveness and the Spirit's empowering. [30:38] If this is you, what is one step you can take this week to turn to Jesus and accept His gift of forgiveness and new life?
5. For those who are already in Christ, the call is to cherish, teach, and live the law as Jesus modeled it. [31:40] How can you actively cherish, teach, and live out God's instruction this week in a way that reflects Jesus' example?