April 18, 2012 (1 Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But I warn you – unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” Matthew 5:20 NLT
Observation: The Pharisees obeyed the law of God outwardly, but within they were ravening wolves. They were very careful to appear holy to those around them by their acts of service to the law, but their hearts were far from God. They enjoyed the praise of men and longed for it on a daily basis, they became their own idol. Our righteousness must exceed theirs if we are to ever enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Our righteousness must come from within, through Christ, and not through outward appearance only. Our righteousness must be sincere from a heart that Christ has changed, not merely a superficial holiness like that of the Pharisees.
Application: We have a clear and fair warning from Christ, yet we arrogantly ignore it. He plainly tells us that we must be sincere and pure on the inside to enter into that holy place called Heaven. The attitude of the Pharisees is still alive and well today! Many people think they are good to go because they serve outwardly in a local church. They count their service as “Kingdom of Heaven credit”, that assures them a place when they retire from this life. Yet Christ plainly warns us that outward service only is the same as that of the Pharisees and we must do better! We must be rigtheous within.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily. Thank You for Your Son Jesus that warns and provides instruction in righteousness for us. Help me be sincere in my relationship with You. Strengthen me to remain faithful to You, until the very end. May Your Spirit guide and protect me along life’s way, in Jesus name, Amen!
Amen!