More righteous than righteous | Matthew 5:17-25

02/15/25 • 21 min

What if simply getting angry could put you in the same danger as murder? What if someone a fool could make you guilty before God? Sounds extreme, right? But in Matthew 5:17-26, Jesus raises the bar on righteousness—way higher than we’d expect.

Jesus said, "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The Pharisees were the most devout rule-followers of their time—so what hope do we have?

Here’s the game-changer: Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfil it. The righteousness we need isn’t something we achieve—it’s something we receive. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus gives us His perfect righteousness. It’s not about religious performance; it’s about grace.

In this sermon, Paul Sampson explores what all this means for us today.

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In this sermon, Paul Sampson explores what all this means for us today.

Check out our website at christchurchhawker.org.au
Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ChristChurchHawkerACT
Visit us at 196 Hawker Pl, Hawker ACT 2614

Previous Episode

The Good Life | Matthew 5:1-16

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What does it really mean to live the good life? In this episode, we dive into Jesus’ radical definition in the Sermon on the Mount. While the world chases wealth, comfort, and success, Jesus says the truly blessed are the poor, the mourning, the meek, and the persecuted.

We explore how the Beatitudes flip our expectations upside down and show us that the good life isn’t about circumstances—it’s about being part of God’s kingdom, even in the midst of struggle.

But how do we hold onto this life? Jesus calls us to be salt and light—to stay distinct in our faith and let it shine in the world. We share real-life stories of Christians living this out, from Nigeria to London to our own church community, and reflect on how we can embody Jesus’ vision today.

Join us as we rethink success, embrace the good life Jesus offers, and seek to be a people shaped by his kingdom.

Check out our website at christchurchhawker.org.au
Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ChristChurchHawkerACT
Visit us at 196 Hawker Pl, Hawker ACT 2614

Next Episode

How to fix a broken heart | Matthew 5:27-32

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Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into a cultural mantra: Follow your heart. It’s everywhere—on posters, in movies, in self-help books. But is it true? Does your heart really know the way to the Good Life?

Jesus challenges that idea in the Sermon on the Mount. He says our hearts can actually deceive us, leading us into patterns that harm both ourselves and others. He pinpoints two symptoms—wandering eyes and broken relationships—that reveal the deeper problem: a heart that’s not aligned with God’s vision for human flourishing.

But here’s the good news: Jesus isn’t just diagnosing the problem; he’s offering a cure. And it’s not about extreme self-discipline or cutting out distractions—it’s about something far more radical.

Join us as we explore what it means to truly see others as God does, and how Jesus’ invitation to a new heart leads us into real, life-giving relationships. If you've ever wrestled with the tension between desire, culture, and faith, this episode is for you.

Check out our website at christchurchhawker.org.au
Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ChristChurchHawkerACT
Visit us at 196 Hawker Pl, Hawker ACT 2614