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Series: “The Hands and Feet of Jesus”

Matthew 5: 17-48

I.     Introduction

A.  Opening Illustration:

1.    Observation about today’s reading in Proverbs.

2.    Something that has helped me “Put First Things First,” is this little reminder, “We are the hands and feet of Jesus.”

B.  Theme = “The Hands and Feet of Jesus” Series

1.    If we are going to commit ourselves to this type of living then we need to understand that a life dedicated to Jesus Christ requires change.

2.    He demonstrated this in His baptism (ch. 4) à

II.   Body

A.  Jesus preached repentance (change)

1.    If we are going to be the H & F of Jesus, then we have to be all about CHANGE.

a)    That is the message for ourselves (Jesus demonstrated this in His baptism and wilderness experience)

b)    This is our message for others.

2.    Comments regarding Change (repentance).

B.  The First Covenant’s requirement of “Personal and Perfect Obedience.”

1.    Read the text and highlight the fact that Christ is setting a standard which no one has achieved (there were some in those days (Pharisees) who probably boasted of their obedience to the law).

2.    Jesus shows them that they are lost, that they fall short of God’s standard – perfection.

C.  Christ fulfilled the Law’s requirement and atoned for our failures.

III. Conclusion