Don't be messing around with my goodness

Notes from Pastor Ben: Enjoying the Good Life
http://www.fbceugenefamily.com/podcasts/
Get rid of your pride; it is external and God does not want it.
self righteousness is righteousness that is their own
Matt 5:20 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.
The harshest words God ever said were to religious people.
The kind of righteousness discribed in Matthew 5 by Jesus is imposiblefor even the most religious people. Jesus does not call us to religion; He calls us to relationship with himself.
It is not about keeping the rules of external religion; it is about something that happens deep inside you.
The blessed or happy life in Matthew 5 is gaining God's approval after we've already received His acceptance by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Rom3:24) We must be creadited with God's righteousness as a gift through faith, before we can actually begin to become more righteous like God in our hearts and demonstrate that through good works. (What church people call sanctification- becoming more like Christ.) Jesus' sermon was intended, primarily, for those who are already His disciples. (Those who already believe His gospel.)
Therefore, it is possible to be enabled by His Spirit to live, love and lead like Jesus.