Transformative Love: Christ's Fulfillment and Our Journey

Summary

Today, we gathered to worship the God whose mercies are endless and whose love transforms us from the inside out. We began by acknowledging our need for God’s reign in our hearts and our world, asking Him to replace our anxieties and fears with the good news of His love and forgiveness. We confessed our tendency to see only our own perspectives and asked for renewed hearts that honor the beauty and diversity of God’s creation and people. In Christ, we are not only forgiven but made new—fit for His table and called to reflect His life to the world.

Turning to the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, we explored what it means that He came not to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them. The Old Testament is filled with pictures of redemption—Noah, David, Esther, the Exodus—all pointing forward to the ultimate Redeemer. These stories, while powerful, were incomplete; true and lasting redemption could only come through Christ. He is the one who steps in, defeats evil, and brings about the transformation we could never achieve on our own.

Jesus’ fulfillment of the law is not just a theological point—it’s a call to transformation. He raises the standard, not by adding burdens, but by inviting us to a deeper righteousness that goes beyond outward obedience to the very heart. This is not something we can accomplish by our own strength. Instead, we are called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, who gives us new hearts and empowers us to live out God’s ways. As we read Scripture, gather in worship, and respond to conviction, we are being changed bit by bit into the likeness of Christ.

This journey is not about earning God’s love, but about responding to it. Jesus wants us to be great in His kingdom—not content with spiritual mediocrity, but pressing on to become people who truly honor Him. Our transformation is a testimony to the world, a source of joy for ourselves, and a way to bring glory to God. Each day, we are invited to ask, “Lord, what is one area you want to change in me?” and to trust that He who began a good work will bring it to completion.

Key Takeaways

- Christ Fulfills Every Promise of Redemption
Jesus did not come to discard the Old Testament but to bring its promises and pictures of redemption to their true and complete fulfillment. Every story—Noah’s ark, David’s victory, the Exodus—finds its ultimate meaning in Him. Where the old stories left longing for a Redeemer, Jesus steps in as the one who truly saves, transforms, and brings us home. [27:10]

- The Law Points Us to Our Need for a Redeemer
The high standard of God’s law reveals our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. Jesus deepens the law, showing that it is not just about outward actions but the condition of our hearts. This impossible standard is meant to drive us to Him, the only one who can redeem and transform us from within. [34:50]

- Transformation Is a Cooperative Work with the Holy Spirit
God gives us new hearts and the indwelling Spirit, but He calls us to cooperate—reading Scripture, responding to conviction, and seeking His help in our weaknesses. True change happens as we invite Christ to address specific areas in our lives, trusting Him to do what we cannot. This ongoing process is how we become more like Jesus, bit by bit. [41:58]

- Our Growth Is a Witness to the World
As we allow Christ to transform us, our lives become a testimony to His power and grace. People are not looking for perfection, but for genuine progress—evidence that God is at work. Our transformation gives credibility to our faith and can inspire others to seek the hope we have found in Christ. [49:21]

- Joy and Greatness in the Kingdom Come Through Obedience
There is deep joy in seeing God’s Spirit help us overcome sin and grow in righteousness. Jesus encourages us not to settle for “just getting by” spiritually, but to pursue greatness in His kingdom by letting His Word and Spirit shape us. This pursuit brings joy, honors God, and prepares us for the day when we will be presented before the Father, blameless and whole. [46:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:40] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[11:57] - Confession and Assurance
[13:00] - Children’s Time and Blessing
[25:14] - Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
[25:54] - Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Law
[27:10] - Old Testament Pictures of Redemption
[28:32] - David and the Ultimate Battle
[30:17] - The Need for a True Redeemer
[31:31] - Daniel’s Prophecy and the Eternal Kingdom
[32:50] - Jesus: The Fulfillment of All Redemption
[34:50] - The Law, Righteousness, and Our Need
[41:58] - Cooperating with the Holy Spirit
[45:10] - Christ’s Mission: Our Transformation
[46:08] - Ambition for Greatness in the Kingdom
[49:21] - Our Lives as Testimony
[52:13] - Prayer and Response
[56:24] - Closing Blessing and Benediction
[01:06:18] - Communion and Final Hymn
[01:07:28] - Dismissal and Final Amen

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Matthew 5:17-20
“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.”

- Ezekiel 36:26
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

- Daniel 2:44-45
“And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever...”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Jesus in Matthew 5:17-20, what is His relationship to the Law and the Prophets? What does He say about their lasting importance?
2. In the sermon, what Old Testament stories were mentioned as “pictures of redemption” that point forward to Jesus? ([27:10])
3. What does Ezekiel 36:26 promise God will do for His people?
4. What does Jesus say about those who “relax” the commandments versus those who “do and teach” them? ([34:50])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus say He came to “fulfill” the Law and the Prophets, rather than abolish them? What does “fulfill” mean in this context? ([25:54])
2. The sermon says the Old Testament stories are “incomplete” without Jesus. In what ways does Jesus complete or fulfill these stories? ([32:50])
3. The standard of righteousness Jesus describes is higher than outward obedience. Why do you think He raises the standard to the heart level? ([34:50])
4. According to the sermon, what does it look like to “cooperate” with the Holy Spirit in the process of transformation? ([41:58])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon suggests asking God, “What is one area you want to change in me?” If you were to ask that question honestly, what area comes to mind for you right now? ([52:13])
2. Jesus warns against being content with “spiritual mediocrity.” Are there areas in your faith where you have settled for “just getting by”? What would it look like to pursue “greatness” in God’s kingdom in those areas? ([46:08])
3. The sermon describes transformation as a “cooperative work” with the Holy Spirit. What is one practical way you can invite the Holy Spirit to work in your life this week? ([41:58])
4. The pastor shared about how his own life has changed over time, becoming “kinder, gentler, more at peace.” If someone watched your life over the past year, what changes would they notice? What do you hope they would see? ([48:41])
5. The sermon says our growth is a “witness to the world.” Can you think of a time when someone noticed a change in you because of your faith? How did that impact your relationship with them? ([49:21])
6. The joy of obedience was highlighted as a reason to pursue transformation. When have you experienced joy as a result of following God’s leading, even in a small area? ([49:21])
7. The sermon mentions that reading Scripture and responding to conviction are ways we cooperate with God. Is there a specific practice (like Bible reading, journaling, or prayer) you want to commit to this week to help you listen for God’s direction? ([41:58])

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Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets
Jesus did not come to abolish the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them, bringing to completion all the promises and pictures of redemption found throughout the Old Testament. Every story, from Noah to David to the prophets, points forward to Christ as the ultimate Redeemer who accomplishes what no one else could—restoring us to God and establishing a kingdom that will never end. In Him, the unfinished business of redemption is completed, and we are invited to trust in His finished work as the foundation of our faith and hope. [25:54]

Matthew 5:17-18 (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.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust Jesus as the one who fulfills God’s promises, rather than trying to accomplish things in your own strength?


Day 2: The Promise of a Never-Ending Kingdom
God’s plan throughout history has been to establish a kingdom that will never be destroyed, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose reign brings hope, justice, and redemption to all who trust in Him. The Old Testament prophets, like Daniel and Isaiah, foresaw a time when God would set up an everlasting kingdom through a Redeemer whose rule would surpass all others. This promise assures us that, no matter the chaos or brokenness we see around us, God’s purposes will prevail and His kingdom will stand forever. [31:31]

Daniel 2:44-45 (ESV)
“And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”

Reflection: Where do you need to remember today that God’s kingdom is unshakeable and His rule is everlasting, even when the world feels uncertain?


Day 3: True Greatness in the Kingdom—Obedience and Transformation
Greatness in God’s kingdom is not about outward status but about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us as we obey God’s commands and teach others to do the same. Jesus calls us beyond mere belief to a life where our actions, attitudes, and priorities are shaped by His Word, and where we seek to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. As we cooperate with His Spirit, we become living testimonies of His redeeming power, growing in holiness and preparing for the joy of His presence. [34:50]

Matthew 5:19-20 (ESV)
“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.”

Reflection: What is one command of Jesus that you sense the Holy Spirit inviting you to take more seriously and live out more fully this week?


Day 4: The Gift of a New Heart
God promises to give us a new heart and a new spirit, transforming us from the inside out so that we desire His ways and are empowered to live them. This transformation is not something we achieve by our own effort, but a gracious work of the Holy Spirit who convicts, renews, and strengthens us day by day. As we open ourselves to God’s Word and presence, He shapes our desires, heals our brokenness, and enables us to reflect His love and holiness in every area of life. [41:58]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV)
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”

Reflection: What is one area of your heart where you need God to bring transformation and renewal today? Will you invite Him to do that work?


Day 5: The Joy and Witness of a Transformed Life
As we allow Jesus to redeem and transform us, our lives become a testimony to others and a source of deep joy for ourselves. Progress in holiness is not about perfection, but about letting the Holy Spirit work in us, step by step, so that others see Christ’s character growing in us. This journey brings joy to our hearts, credibility to our witness, and glory to God, as we become more and more ready for His kingdom. [49:21]

Philippians 2:14-16 (ESV)
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

Reflection: Who in your life might notice the changes God is making in you, and how can you intentionally let your growth point them to Christ this week?

Quotes

And so Jesus wants to let them in on what he's doing with the Old Testament. And he wants to be really clear. And he says, do not think that I've come to abolish the law or the prophets, which means basically the Old Testament. That's what it was called in that day. I have come, I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. And so he's letting us in on his mission statement. Here I am. And he's saying, I'm here to fulfill the law and the prophets. [00:26:04] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip

And what Jesus is saying, he's come to fulfill the law and the prophets in that he is going to be the one who steps in, who is God, and he begins to bring the real hope that people who find their hope in him will be transformed and saved and ready for this new kingdom, this new start. [00:28:32] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

And so when he says that he is going to be the fulfillment of the Old and New Testament, he's saying there's so much unfinished business in the Old Testament. Even though there's all these pictures of redemption, there never really is long redemption. It seems that the people can't in and of themselves be redeemed. They need the great Redeemer. [00:30:29] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

And throughout the Old Testament, we find pictures again, prophets who say that there is one who is going to come whose kingdom will never be destroyed. Daniel, when he's talking to Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar has this great dream. And in the dream, he sees all the various kingdoms coming. And he's defining them, the Bronze Age, and he goes all the way through them to the Roman Age. And then he says that there's going to be, during the Roman Age, a new kind of king emerging. [00:30:53] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

And so there's this great, throughout the scripture of the Old Testament, New Testament, there's this prophecy of one who's greater than all the other pictures of redemption, one whose kingdom will never end. Isaiah says, you know, unto us a child is born, and he talks about this one who's wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, the prince of peace, and of his government it shall never end. [00:32:50] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

So Jesus, when he steps up and he says, I have not come to abolish the law and the prophets, I've come to fulfill them. All the dreams, all those moments that we see in the Testament, we see good overcoming evil, where we see people's hearts turn and be transformed, where we see people get out of Egypt and get to the promised land, all those pictures of redemption that we see. Esther, who stopped the evil Mordecai from destroying the people, and all of these pictures, you see, they're all fulfilled in Christ. [00:33:19] (00:00:33 seconds) Edit Clip

He's the picture of them all. They're all kind of 2D in the Old Testament, and they become to life in him. In fact, he is the greatest redeemer. And that's what he's trying to say. He's not destroying the old, he's actually bringing it to life, to another dimension. And aren't you glad? [00:33:51] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

And he's saying, listen, what's in that Old Testament, all those pictures of redemption, nothing is going to go away until it's accomplished. Jesus is saying, I'm putting my credibility on the line. It will be accomplished. We will get home. We will get home, and when we get home, we will be a people who are holy and pure and righteous, set for the king's table with no shame. [00:34:34] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

In fact, Jesus makes the claim, well, Jude makes the claim that Jesus will present us before the Father, faultless, blameless, spotless. That when Jesus introduced you, there's going to be like a little, probably some bells ringing, maybe your drum roll, and they're going to say your name, and you're going to come on out there, and there'll be a big smile of the heavenly Father over you. And all the angels are going, whoa! what a transformation i just didn't think you'd do it god and and and you're you're like holy and you're righteous and you you you love god with all your heart's full strength and mind and you love your neighbor and you were wise and you were your best you you have your own personality and it's accomplished you see your redemption and all those will put them safe in the king to do what only he can do we can't redeem ourselves if we could we would and so that's why christ came and that's all these pictures of redemption are in the old testament to get us fueled up for what only he can do he destroys our enemies he's getting us home and when we're getting there and he's promised we'll get there [00:35:00] (00:01:22 seconds) Edit Clip