Part 3: Arguing About Morality
ARGUING WITH JESUS
PART 3
“1. HOW GOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH?
Most Americans think:
-Good people go to heaven.
-And I’m a good person (OSO)
But good is a moving target.
You don’t make the cut if it’s all about being good.
“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20 (NIV)
“As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.”
Romans 3:10 (NIV)
“For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.”
(OSO) Romans 3:20 (NLT)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23 (NIV)
What percentage of our actions have to be good to be good enough?
2. RECONSIDER GOOD.
Jesus raised the standard of good so high - everyone fell short.
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48 (NIV)
Have you ever done another person wrong?
(OSO)
How good is good enough? Jesus
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NASB)
Good people don’t go to heaven - forgiven people go to heaven.
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.” Luke 23:33-34 (NIV)
Grace/Mercy/Forgiveness (OSO) (3 slides on one)
“There's nothing you can do to make up for you.” (OSO)
“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand… For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4 (NIV)
“And that He appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 (NIV)(OSO)
What are you trusting in to get you into heaven?
Heavenly Father. I have mistreated people You love. I've sinned. I'm a Sinner. I knew what I was doing. I don't just need to do better. I need forgiveness. I need a Savior. And today I accept Jesus as my Savior. I'm no longer trusting in my goodness. I'm trusting in Your undeserved goodness to me. I accept Jesus’ death as the once and for all payment for my sin. Amen. (OSO)
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
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This week’s Reading Plan and blog/podcast:
YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
“Let Us Do What Jesus Did” (7 days)
Blog and Podcast: Jesus and Morality