Matthew 5:20 states that one's righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven. The document then examines the righteousness of the Pharisees, noting they diligently studied scripture, prayed frequently, fasted regularly, meticulously paid tithes, and tried to convert others. However, the document argues that good works alone do not save; they are the natural result and proof of salvation by grace through faith. It questions if readers know and do what God requires as diligently as the Pharisees, and warns that evidence of salvation through obedience is necessary to receive salvation's gift.

1. Matthew 5:20
For I say to you, that unless your
righteousness exceeds the
righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees, you will by no means
enter the kingdom of heaven.

2. The Righteousness of The Pharisees
• What is being righteous?
a. Always behaving according to a
religious or moral code.
b. Morally good or correct, especially
according to standards set by
religion.

3. The Righteousness of The Pharisees
• What is righteousness?
Being in right standing with God and
doing what God commands us to do.

4. What Are The Righteousness of The
Pharisees?
1. They diligently studied the
Scriptures.
• John 5:39
‘You searched the Scriptures, for in
them you think you have eternal
life; and these are which testify of
Me.’

5. What Are The Righteousness of The
Pharisees?
2. They prayed frequently.
• Matthew 6:5
‘And when you pray, you shall not be
like the hypocrites. For they love to
pray standing in the synagogues and
on the corners of the streets, that
they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I
say to you, they have their reward.’

6. What Are The Righteousness of The
Pharisees?
3. They fasted regularly.
• Mark 2:18
The disciples of John and of the
Pharisees were fasting. Then they
came and said to Him, ‘Why do the
disciples of John and of the Pharisees
fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’
• Luke 18:12
‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all
that I possess.’

7. What Are The Righteousness of The
Pharisees?
4. They meticulously paid their tithes.
• Luke 11:42
‘But woe to you, Pharisees! For you
tithe mint and rue and all manner of
herbs, and pass by justice and the love
of God. These you ought to have
done, without leaving the others
undone.’

8. What Are The Righteousness of The
Pharisees?
5. They put in great effort to win soul.
• Matthew 23:15
‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! For you travel land and
sea to win one proselyte, and when
he is won, you make him twice as
much a son of hell as yourselves.’

9. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
• The Pharisees knew the
commandments of God.
• The Pharisees did what they were
supposed to do.
• They did it diligently and fervently.

10. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
a. Good work does not save us
• Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you are saved through
faith, and that not of yourselves; it is
the gift of God, not of works, lest
anyone should boast.

11. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
b. Good work is the natural result of our
salvation.
• Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my beloved, as you have
always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but how much more in my
absence, work out your salvation with
fear and trembling.

12. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
C. Good work is our necessary
response to salvation.
• 2 Corinthians 6:1
We then, as workers together with
Him also plead with you not to
receive the grace of God in vain.

13. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
d. Good work is the living proof of
our salvation/ faith.
• James 2:20
But do you want to know, O foolish
man, that faith without works is
dead?

14. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
e. Good work is the outstanding fruit
of our salvation.
• Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.

15. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
• Do we know what is required of us
by God?
• Do we do what we are supposed to
do?
• Are we doing them diligently and
fervently?
• Are we doing them according to
God’s requirement/ way?

16. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
• As ridiculous as it may sound, we
may miss the gift of salvation if we
do not produce the very evidence
that prove that we have received
the gift!

17. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
• Obedience is necessary.
• John 8:31
Then Jesus said to those who
believed Him,’ If you abide in My
word, you are My disciples indeed.’

18. Are We More Righteous Than The
Pharisees?
• Action is expected.
• John 8:32
And you shall know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free.