In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus preached with authority—radically re-centering how we should live as citizens of God’s Kingdom. In Matthew 5:17–20, He makes a surprising claim: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

For those who believed Jesus came to cancel the rules, He said the opposite. He came to complete every part of the law and offer His perfect righteousness to all who place their faith in Him.

Old Testament law had three divisions: ceremonial (rituals, sacrifices), dietary (clean vs. unclean foods), and moral (God’s standards of right and wrong). The first two served a purpose for a time but are no longer binding. The moral law, however, still applies. It flows from God’s eternal character—He is truthful, faithful, forgiving, and loving—and calls us to live the same way.

Jesus deepened our understanding of moral law. Not murdering is keeping the law—but loving your enemies is fulfilling it. Not committing adultery is keeping the law—but being pure in heart and sacrificially loving your spouse fulfills it. The law’s real target? Our hearts.

God’s moral code serves three purposes: First, it explains sin. We’re hardwired with a moral compass, but not every good choice comes naturally— like forgiving someone who’s hurt us. Second, it exposes sin. “Through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (Romans 3:20). The law is like a thermometer: it tells us we’re spiritually sick but doesn’t heal us.

Third, the moral code expresses out need for a savior. Trying to obey the rules without trusting Jesus leads to selfrighteousness. What we need is heart-level righteousness— something only Christ offers.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:20: “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” That kind of righteousness comes not from trying harder but from receiving the free gift of grace through Christ.

Let Christ be your measure and standard of Godly righteousness. Obeying Him will point your moral compass in the proper direction.

At LECC, 415897 Highway 9 in Eufaula, we invite you to explore that journey. Small group Bible study starts at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and all-age activities light up Wednesday nights at 6:30. Come check your compass— and maybe even reset your course.

God bless you!

Jeremy Little, Minister