Encounter the Truth

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One commentator has described the Corinthian church as a dumpster fire: sexual immorality, cliques, snobbery, spiritual arrogance, lawsuits among believers—they were doing it all. And Paul hasn’t held back his rebuke. But his final words in 1 Corinthians reflect not rejection but redemptive love, showing that even a deeply flawed church has a future. Christians are called to move forward in love—restored by grace, modeling forgiveness, honoring one another, giving generously, and striving for unity.

One commentator has described the Corinthian church as a dumpster fire: sexual immorality, cliques, snobbery, spiritual arrogance, lawsuits among believers—they were doing it all. And Paul hasn’t held back his rebuke. But his final words in 1 Corinthians reflect not rejection but redemptive love, showing that even a deeply flawed church has a future. Christians are called to move forward in love—restored by grace, modeling forgiveness, honoring one another, giving generously, and striving for unity.

Paul's vision for church gatherings is Spirit-filled but not chaotic, Christ-centered but also mindful of outsiders, and expressive but orderly. The true mark of spiritual worship is the building up of believers, the conversion of the lost, and the peaceable order that reflects God's nature. This matters because public worship is the heart of church life.