Kingdom Righteousness

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-48

Song: Psalm 19

The righteousness of the kingdom is the highest righteousness that the mind of man can entertain. It does the following.

The righteousness of the kingdom teaches that you can’t be right with God and be wrong with your brother. Don’t even begin to offer praise to God with the same tongue by which you cursed your neighbor. Be reconciled to your neighbor first.

The righteousness of the kingdom defeats sin where it starts. The man who does not commit adultery because he lacks opportunity but satisfies his lusts with pornography is still condemned. Heaven’s reign requires man to take charge of his own heart.

Kingdom righteousness makes you your brother’s keeper. A man who puts away a faithful wife bears guilt should she remarry, for he has given her opportunity to sin because of loneliness or incontinence.

The law of the kingdom requires honesty with one’s neighbor. There are no loopholes in making commitments. Your “yes” should mean “yes” and your “no,” “no.”

Heaven’s reign advocates mercy toward enemies and the repayment of evil with good. It demands defeating evil with kindness. It seeks not to repay and avenge but to change, by showing mercy. It is a law reserved for the courageous.

The law of the kingdom goes beyond right actions, to right motives, right reasons, right thoughts, and beyond just being right to being merciful. It’s the key to the blessed life.

Jason Moore