Encounter the Truth

Jonathan Griffiths

Invisible Religion, Part 2

September 14, 2021

Jesus addresses a group of people who are very concerned that their religious acts should be seen and observed by others. He insists that their religious acts are worthless if they are done for show—and he calls us instead to seek the approval of the Father and not of men.

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Jesus addresses a group of people who are very concerned that their religious acts should be seen and observed by others. He insists that their religious acts are worthless if they are done for show—and he calls us instead to seek the approval of the Father and not of men.
September 13, 2021
Although the coming and work of Christ might look like God’s plan “B” when salvation by works failed, actually, Paul shows us that God’s promises and plans through the Old Testament point to Christ and find fulfilment in him. Law-keeping was never the means of salvation, and we must never fall back into thinking that it could ever save.
September 12, 2021
This section of chapter 5 is showing us that we need a Saviour who can deal with our guilt. As he outlines this kingdom ethic, Jesus is actually telling us how he wants us, his saved people, to live. Jesus really does mean that his saved people are to live out a righteousness that will be greater than even the righteousness of the Pharisees. Living out that righteousness will be evidence that we have been forgiven, that we have experienced his grace, and have been filled with his Spirit.
September 10, 2021
This section of chapter 5 is showing us that we need a Saviour who can deal with our guilt. As he outlines this kingdom ethic, Jesus is actually telling us how he wants us, his saved people, to live. Jesus really does mean that his saved people are to live out a righteousness that will be greater than even the righteousness of the Pharisees. Living out that righteousness will be evidence that we have been forgiven, that we have experienced his grace, and have been filled with his Spirit.
September 9, 2021
Although some thought Jesus overturned the Law of Moses, he insists that he has come to fulfil it. His teaching on the Law’s requirements sets a standard of righteousness that we fail to meet on our own—and so it shows us that we need to rely on him and his righteousness to be acceptable to the Father. At the same time, Jesus does mean to call us to live according to a radically high standard. This is only possible through the gracious work of his Spirit in us.
September 8, 2021
Although some thought Jesus overturned the Law of Moses, he insists that he has come to fulfil it. His teaching on the Law’s requirements sets a standard of righteousness that we fail to meet on our own—and so it shows us that we need to rely on him and his righteousness to be acceptable to the Father. At the same time, Jesus does mean to call us to live according to a radically high standard. This is only possible through the gracious work of his Spirit in us.
September 7, 2021
While the world thinks blessing is found in aggressive self-advancement and self-preservation, Jesus teaches the surprising and counter-cultural message that blessing is found in an attitude of meekness and humility—because that is the disposition that is required for entering the kingdom of heaven through faith in him. Those who enjoy true blessing will live distinctively as salt and light in this world.
September 6, 2021
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus, and him alone; law-keeping will not save. Having been saved by faith in Christ, we continue to live the Christian life by faith in Christ—with whom we were crucified, and who lives in us by his Spirit.
September 5, 2021
While the world thinks blessing is found in aggressive self-advancement and self-preservation, Jesus teaches the surprising and counter-cultural message that blessing is found in an attitude of meekness and humility—because that is the disposition that is required for entering the kingdom of heaven through faith in him. Those who enjoy true blessing will live distinctively as salt and light in this world.
September 3, 2021
Ultimately, the gospel will mean that God’s people will be devoted to doing good works. Those works don’t save us—but they are the natural result of our salvation. Those who refuse to live in this way have clearly not been transformed by God’s kindness.
September 2, 2021
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Featured Offer

Free Resource | Clinging to the Rock in the Storms of Life
Where can we find TRUE stability? Learn more in your FREE PDF download from Encounter the Truth Ministries about finding your stability with God.

About Encounter the Truth

Through faithful teaching of the Scriptures, Encounter the Truth seeks to facilitate encounters with the truth of God’s Word—and ultimately, with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Truth that came down from heaven. Our prayer is that those who do not yet know Jesus will come to a saving knowledge of the truth, that believers will be established in the truth, and that, through this, local churches will be strengthened.

About Jonathan Griffiths

Jonathan Griffiths serves as Lead Pastor of the Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, Canada, sits on the Council of the Gospel Coalition Canada, and gives leadership to the Timothy Trust, which exists to promote expository Bible ministry. He loves to train and mentor developing leaders for gospel ministry. Jonathan studied theology at the University of Oxford and completed his Ph.D. on Hebrews at the University of Cambridge. He takes a keen interest in current affairs, not least politics and economics. He and his wife, Gemma, have three children.

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