A Right View of the Law | Matthew 5:17-20 | Pastor Neil McClendon

Sep 21, 2025 

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Do you think living by the Ten Commandments is enough to be right with God? What about the other 603 laws in the Old Testament? In this powerful message, Pastor Neil McClendon unpacks Jesus's statement that He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. The sermon reveals how a "rules-based" relationship with God will always leave us condemned, and how true righteousness comes only through Jesus Christ

This message will help you understand:
  • Think Properly (v. 17)
  • Understand Deeply (v. 18)
  • Teach Rightly (v. 19)
  • Hear Clearly (v. 20)

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A Right View of the Law
Matthew 5:17-20


1. Think properly, v. 17

Thinking about the law...

a) the law cannot change your heart
b) God never intended for the law to be a perfect or permanent basis for our relationship with Him.
c) Jesus fulfills the demands of the law on the Cross
   • Colossians 2:13-15
d) Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law makes salvation possible for humanity
e) Jesus’ fulfillment of the law provides a different motivation for obedience

2. Understand deeply, v. 18

3. Teach rightly, v. 19
  • Galatians 3:23-26

4. Hear clearly, v. 20

Signs of self-righteousness...

1) Do not take feedback or criticism well
2) Outward focussed
3) Competitive
4) A comparative mindset
5) A lack of community orientation
6) You are not to be embarrassed

  • Philippians 3:1-12


Mental worship…

1. Are there areas where you are still striving or working to achieve something that Jesus has already accomplished for you?
2. Do you ever relax some of the things the Bible clearly teaches? If so, for who?
3. What consistently motivates you to obey God?
4. How often do you reference the law when talking to people about God?
5. Do you understand what it means to be self-righteous versus trusting in Jesus’ righteousness?