Surpassing the "Rigtheousness" of Pharisees

Philip Strong
04/24/22 - Sunday Morning Worship

Matt.5:20, "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven."  Attaining the eternal reward of heaven is not a competition, and Jesus is not suggesting that we merely have to "beat" or "finished ahead of" someone else.  However, 1Cor.10:6,11 both emphasize that the past failures of others can and should serve as cautionary illustrations and examples to help steer us clear of their sinful disobedience.  So, what were the Pharisees really like, and how can we avoid their abysmal attitudes and actions?  Perhaps a look at Matt.23 will help show us how to not only do but be better...