Guided QuestionAre you trusting in your own righteousness and good works, or are you relying on the righteousness of Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law on your behalf?SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Robert Lewis explores Jesus’ teaching in Matthew Dr. Lewis distinguishes the Mosaic law from the oral traditions developed by the scribes and Pharisees. While the law revealed God’s righteous standard, these additional regulations became so extensive that they could actually contradict and invalidate God’s commands. Jesus confronted this legalism and redirected attention to the true intent of God’s Word.The law also reveals that righteousness is not merely about outward behavior. Jesus raises the standard by showing that God examines the heart, including motives and attitudes. The law therefore exposes humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness through personal effort.This leads to the heart of the gospel: Jesus alone perfectly fulfilled the law. While the law leaves humanity aware of its sin and unable to earn salvation, Christ offers His righteousness to those who trust in Him. Salvation is not achieved through religious performance or good deeds, but received through faith in Jesus Christ.Outline1. The Importance of the LawThe law reveals God’s holiness and righteous standard.Understanding the law helps us understand sin, salvation, justification, and Christ’s work.2. What the Law ContainsCeremonial lawsCivil lawsMoral lawsThe moral law provides a continuing standard of righteousness.3. Jesus and the LawJesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it.He fulfilled its ceremonial, civil, and moral requirements.God’s Word is completely reliable and trustworthy.4. The Problem of LegalismThe scribes and Pharisees added extensive oral regulations.Their traditions sometimes contradicted the very law they claimed to uphold.Jesus challenged religious traditions that replaced God’s Word.5. Righteousness Beyond External BehaviorThe law addresses the heart as well as outward actions.Jesus exposes the inadequacy of outward religious performance.True righteousness must extend to attitudes, motives, and desires.6. The Only Way to SalvationNo one can earn salvation by keeping the law.The law reveals our sin and inability to meet God’s standard.Jesus alone perfectly fulfilled the law.Through faith, believers receive Christ’s righteousness.7. The Cross RoadOne path trusts in personal righteousness and good works.The other trusts in Christ and His righteousness.Jesus offers forgiveness, grace, and entrance into the kingdom of heaven.Key TakeawaysJesus Fulfilled the Law: Christ did not abolish God’s law; He perfectly fulfilled it.God’s Word Is Reliable: Scripture provides a stable and trustworthy foundation in an uncertain world.Legalism Distorts God’s Law: Human traditions can become substitutes for God’s commands when they are elevated above Scripture.God Looks at the Heart: Righteousness involves motives and attitudes, not merely outward actions.The Law Reveals Our Sin: The law shows that no person can earn justification through good works.Jesus Is Our Righteousness: Christ accomplished what no human being could accomplish by perfectly fulfilling the law.Salvation Comes Through Faith: The gospel offers Christ’s righteousness as a gift of grace to those who trust in Him.Scripture ReferencesMatthew Mark Exodus Proverbs 1 Samuel