Heart Deep Righteousness - Matthew 5:20 | RaymaSongs

Heart Deep Righteousness

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📖Matthew 5:20

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I tell you the truth Unless your righteousness goes far beyond That of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees You will never enter the kingdom of heaven Their outward rules look good on the outside But God looks deeper, straight into the heart 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 It’s not enough to say you’ve never killed Anyone who stays angry with a brother or sister Is just as guilty before God Anyone who curses another in their heart Already stands in danger of the fire of judgment Make peace quickly—reconcile while there’s time 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 You’ve heard “Do not commit adultery” But I say anyone who looks with lust Has already committed it deep in the heart Be pure inside, not just on the outside Guard your thoughts, keep your heart clean True righteousness starts within 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 law pointed to holiness we couldn’t reach But Jesus came to live it perfectly for us He fulfilled every demand, paid every debt Now His righteousness covers us by faith Not by works, but by grace we stand clean Yet we live it out—changed hearts, new lives seen 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 We need a righteousness that comes from God Not from keeping rules, but trusting Christ He makes us right, then helps us live right Heart-deep change that honors the King Surpassing the old way—by His power within 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

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Devotional & Insight

1. The Foundation (Introduction)

“Heart Deep Righteousness” goes to the very center of the Sermon on the Mount. It confronts the most serious question any human being can ever face:

On what basis will I be accepted in the kingdom of heaven?

Let us look at what the Word of God says. The key text is:

> “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

> — *Matthew 5:20 NASB*

Jesus is not speaking here about optional spirituality for special Christians. He is setting the minimum requirement for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. He uses the strongest negative possible:

> “You will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The song accurately reflects this cutting edge of Christ’s teaching: outward religious correctness will never be enough. God demands righteousness that is heart-deep, not skin-deep. The righteousness of the kingdom is not merely external behavior but internal transformation.

The central message is this:

There is a kind of righteousness that is not enough – the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.

There is a higher righteousness – heart-deep, Spirit-produced, Christ-centered.

Without this surpassing righteousness, no one enters the kingdom.

This takes us directly to the core of the gospel: the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ, and then works its way from the inside out into every aspect of our lives.

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2. The Historical & Biblical Context

Matthew 5:20 stands at the beginning of Jesus’ exposition of the Law in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). To grasp its force, we need to understand:

### Who were the “scribes and Pharisees”?

Scribes (teachers of the law)

These were professional theologians and legal experts in the Torah. They copied, interpreted, and taught the Scriptures. They were the “Bible scholars” of their day.

Pharisees

The Pharisees were a religious movement committed to strict observance of the Law of Moses, plus the oral traditions built around it. They fasted, tithed carefully, observed ceremonial washings, and were meticulous about external religious duties.

In the eyes of the average Jew, no one was more righteous than the Pharisees. If anyone was going to heaven, surely it would be them. Their lives appeared devoted, disciplined, and scrupulous.

When Jesus says, “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees,” He is not lowering the bar. He is raising it beyond human reach in the natural.

### The setting: The Sermon on the Mount

Jesus is speaking to His disciples, with crowds listening (Matthew 5:1–2). He has just declared the Beatitudes:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit…” (5:3)

“Blessed are the pure in heart…” (5:8)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” (5:6)

He has also affirmed the enduring authority of the Law:

> “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

> — *Matthew 5:17*

Then He makes this shocking statement about surpassing righteousness in verse 20. Immediately after that, He begins to expose the heart behind the Law’s commands:

Anger and insult as heart-murder (5:21–26)

Lust as heart-adultery (5:27–30)

Truthfulness beyond oaths (5:33–37)

Love for enemies (5:43–48)

So Matthew 5:20 is not an isolated verse. It introduces Jesus’ radical re-interpretation of righteousness: from external performance to internal condition.

The song captures this structure:

First, the statement: “unless your righteousness surpasses…”

Then, the illustrations: anger and murder, lust and adultery.

Then, the solution: Christ fulfilling the Law and giving us His righteousness.

Finally, the outcome: a life changed from the inside.

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3. Word Study (Hebrew/Greek)

To understand Jesus’ words, we must examine two key terms: “righteousness” and “surpass.”

### 1) “Righteousness” – Greek: *dikaiosynē* (δικαιοσύνη)

The word *dikaiosynē* means more than just “being morally decent.” It comes from the root *dikaios* meaning “just” or “righteous,” that which is in right standing with a standard.

Biblically, righteousness means:

Being in right relationship with God, according to His standard.

Being conformed to His character and His covenant requirements.

Being declared right in His sight, and then living right as a result.

In Hebrew thought, the underlying concept is often *tsedaqah* (צְדָקָה) – faithfulness to covenant obligations, acting in accordance with what is right in God’s eyes, not merely human opinion.

So when Jesus says “your righteousness,” He is not speaking about:

Mere morality according to culture

Mere religion according to tradition

He is speaking about what makes a person acceptable before God in His kingdom.

This helps us see that the song is not concerned with mere “being a better person.” It is about the life-or-death issue of standing righteous before a holy God.

### 2) “Surpasses” – Greek: *perisseuō* (περισσεύω)

The verb translated “surpasses” or “goes far beyond” is *perisseuō*. It means:

To abound, overflow, exceed, be more than enough.

To go beyond the usual measure.

Jesus is not saying:

“Be slightly better than the Pharisees.”

“Improve a little on their standard.”

He is saying:

“Your righteousness must overflow beyond theirs.”

“It must be of a different order—not just more of the same.”

The Pharisees’ righteousness was external, legalistic, performance-based. The righteousness Jesus demands is internal, Spirit-produced, and rooted in a new heart.

The song’s phrase “goes far beyond” is exactly right. We are dealing not with a small improvement but a different kind of righteousness altogether—a righteousness from God (Philippians 3:9), applied to the heart and then expressed in life.

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4. Theological Exposition (Stanza by Stanza)

### A. The Failure of Outward Religion

> “Unless your righteousness goes far beyond

> That of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees

> You will never enter the kingdom of heaven

> Their outward rules look good on the outside

> But God looks deeper, straight into the heart”

This stanza confronts us with the fundamental mistake of the Pharisees:

They focused on outward rules, but God looks at the heart.

Scripture confirms this:

“For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

“This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.” (Matthew 15:8)

Jesus said of the Pharisees:

> “For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence… You are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”

> — *Matthew 23:25, 27*

Outward rules “look good on the outside.” But they can hide:

Pride

Hypocrisy

Bitterness

Lust

Unbelief

When the song says, “God looks deeper, straight into the heart,” it echoes Hebrews 4:12–13:

> “The word of God… is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart… all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

Spiritual warfare begins right here: Will we accept God’s diagnosis of our heart, or hide behind religious appearance?

### B. Anger, Insult, and Heart-Murder

> “It’s not enough to say you’ve never killed

> Anyone who stays angry with a brother or sister

> Is just as guilty before God

> Anyone who curses another in their heart

> Already stands in danger of the fire of judgment

> Make peace quickly—reconcile while there’s time”

This stanza reflects Matthew 5:21–26:

> “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder…’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court… whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (vv. 21–22)

Notice the progression:

The Law: “Do not murder.”

The Pharisees: “I have never physically killed anyone; therefore I am innocent.”

Jesus: “Harboring anger, contempt, or hatred puts you under judgment before God.”

Anger here is not momentary irritation but cherished resentment. Cursing “in the heart” reveals a spiritual reality: murder begins in the heart before it ever reaches the hands.

The command to “Make peace quickly—reconcile while there’s time” reflects Jesus’ teaching:

> “First be reconciled to your brother… Make friends quickly with your opponent at law…” (Matthew 5:24–25)

Why quickly?

Because unresolved anger gives a place to the devil (Ephesians 4:26–27).

Because bitterness defiles many (Hebrews 12:15).

Because delay hardens the heart and invites judgment.

Here we see the spiritual warfare dimension:

Unforgiveness and anger are doorways for satanic activity in a believer’s life. Many Christians are oppressed, tormented, or spiritually stuck not because of external sins, but due to internal bondage to resentment.

### C. Lust and Heart-Adultery

> “You’ve heard ‘Do not commit adultery’

> But I say anyone who looks with lust

> Has already committed it deep in the heart

> Be pure inside, not just on the outside

> Guard your thoughts, keep your heart clean

> True righteousness starts within”

This stanza parallels Matthew 5:27–28:

> “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Again:

The Pharisee says: “I have never physically committed adultery.”

Jesus says: “If you look to desire, to indulge inner fantasy, you have already transgressed in your heart.”

Lust is not the mere awareness that someone is attractive. Lust is:

A wilful, lingering, desiring look.

A mental indulgence in impurity.

A feeding of the imagination with uncleanness.

Scripture reinforces this heart-centered battle:

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

“Flee immorality… glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18–20)

“Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

“Be pure inside, not just on the outside” is the essence of surpassing righteousness. Outside purity without inner purity is hypocrisy. Inner purity will inevitably shape outward conduct.

### D. The Law, Our Inability, and Christ’s Fulfillment

> “The law pointed to holiness we couldn’t reach

> But Jesus came to live it perfectly for us

> He fulfilled every demand, paid every debt

> Now His righteousness covers us by faith

> Not by works, but by grace we stand clean

> Yet we live it out—changed hearts, new lives seen”

This stanza moves us from diagnosis to remedy.

The Law was holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12), but it exposed rather than removed sin:

“By the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20)

“If a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.” (Galatians 3:21)

The Law pointed to a holiness we could not reach in our own strength. Why?

Because of the corruption within us—what Paul calls “sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3).

Because our hearts were not regenerated.

So what did God do?

> “God, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

> — *Romans 8:3–4*

Jesus:

Lived the Law perfectly.

Fulfilled every righteous demand.

Took our guilt and curse upon Himself (Galatians 3:13).

Satisfied divine justice fully.

Thus:

> “Now His righteousness covers us by faith

> Not by works, but by grace we stand clean”

This is the heart of justification:

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested… even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe.” (Romans 3:21–22)

“…not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:9)

However, the song rightly continues:

> “Yet we live it out—changed hearts, new lives seen”

Justification (declared righteous) is always followed by sanctification (living righteously). True grace never excuses sin; it empowers obedience:

“For the grace of God has appeared… instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly…” (Titus 2:11–12)

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

### E. Righteousness From God, Worked In Us

> “We need a righteousness that comes from God

> Not from keeping rules, but trusting Christ

> He makes us right, then helps us live right

> Heart-deep change that honors the King

> Surpassing the old way—by His power within”

This is a summary of New Testament righteousness:

1. A righteousness that comes from God

Not human improvement.

Not increased religious effort.

A gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17).

2. Not from keeping rules, but trusting Christ

Paul contrasts these two sources:

“For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:3–4)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

3. He makes us right, then helps us live right

Justification (legal standing) and sanctification (daily living) are distinct but inseparable:

“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God…” (Romans 5:1)

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13)

4. Heart-deep change that honors the King

This fulfills the promise of the New Covenant:

“I will put My laws upon their heart, and on their mind I will write them.” (Hebrews 10:16)

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…” (Ezekiel 36:26–27)

Surpassing righteousness is:

Received by faith.

Rooted in Christ’s finished work.

Worked out by the Holy Spirit in our inner life.

Manifested in transformed behavior, especially in attitudes of the heart.

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5. Practical Application: How to Walk This Out

We must respond to this truth. Heart-deep righteousness is not automatic. It is God’s provision, but we must cooperate with it. Here are four practical steps, each with a corresponding proclamation.

### 1) Acknowledge the Insufficiency of Your Own Righteousness

First, we must renounce confidence in our own goodness, morality, or religious performance.

“All our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment.” (Isaiah 64:6)

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

This includes:

Releasing pride in being a “good person.”

Admitting that outward conformity cannot cleanse the heart.

Coming as spiritually bankrupt: “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3).

Proclamation 1:

“Lord, I confess that my own righteousness is not enough. I lay down all trust in my good works, my morality, and my religious efforts. I declare that I have nothing to offer You but my need and my sin.”

### 2) Receive Christ as Your Righteousness

Second, we must receive by faith the righteousness of Christ as God’s gift.

“Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us… righteousness.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)

“They… receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17)

This means:

Trusting that His obedience is counted as yours.

Trusting that His blood fully cleanses your guilt.

Resting in His finished work for acceptance before God.

Proclamation 2:

“Lord Jesus, I receive You as my righteousness. I renounce my own righteousness and I put my trust in Your perfect obedience and Your shed blood. I thank You that I am justified by faith and declared righteous before God in You.”

### 3) Yield Your Heart to the Holy Spirit’s Inner Work

Third, we must cooperate with the Spirit as He writes God’s law on our hearts.

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

“If by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)

This involves:

Bringing anger, bitterness, and lust into the light.

Choosing forgiveness where there has been resentment.

Rejecting impure thoughts and habits, and replacing them with God’s Word.

Asking the Spirit daily to search and cleanse the heart (Psalm 139:23–24).

Proclamation 3:

“Holy Spirit, I yield my heart to You. Expose anger, bitterness, lust, and all hidden sin. I choose to forgive those who have wronged me. I ask You to purify my thoughts and desires. Write God’s law on my heart and empower me to walk in heart-deep righteousness.”

### 4) Practice Quick Reconciliation and Mental Discipline

Fourth, we must act on Jesus’ instructions:

“Make peace quickly—reconcile while there’s time.”

“Guard your thoughts, keep your heart clean.”

Practically:

When offended, choose to forgive and seek peace swiftly.

When tempted to lust or indulge unclean fantasy, turn your mind immediately to the Word, to worship, or to prayer.

Replace lies and accusations with God’s truth—this is warfare in the mind (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

Proclamation 4:

“By the grace of God, I choose to be quick to forgive and quick to reconcile. I refuse to entertain anger, hatred, or lust. I will guard my heart and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. The Holy Spirit enables me to walk in purity of heart.”

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6. A Proclamation & Prayer

### Proclamation of Heart-Deep Righteousness

Speak this aloud, slowly and deliberately:

“I affirm today that I cannot enter the kingdom of heaven by my own righteousness. My own righteousness is not enough and never will be. I renounce all trust in myself, in my goodness, and in my religious performance.

I confess that the Law of God is holy, righteous, and good, and that it exposes my sin. I acknowledge that anger, hatred, and unforgiveness are as serious before God as murder; that lust and impure thoughts are as serious as adultery. I bring my heart into the light of God’s Word.

I believe that Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law perfectly for me. He lived a sinless life, He died for my sins, and He rose again for my justification. I receive by faith the righteousness that comes from God through Jesus Christ. I declare that Jesus is my righteousness, my holiness, and my redemption.

I yield my heart to the Holy Spirit. I ask Him to write God’s law on my heart, to cleanse my motives, to purify my thoughts, and to produce in me true, heart-deep righteousness. I choose to forgive, to reconcile quickly, and to guard my heart and mind.

Not by my works, but by God’s grace, I stand clean. Christ in me is my hope of glory. His righteousness in me surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. I belong to the kingdom of heaven, and by His power within, I will live as a citizen of that kingdom. In the name of Jesus, amen.”

### Prayer

“Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You under the authority of Your Word in Matthew 5:20. I acknowledge that You look not at the outward appearance but at the heart. I confess that in myself I fall short, not only in my actions but in my attitudes, motives, and thoughts.

Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to fulfill the Law perfectly and to bear my sin and curse on the cross. Thank You that in Him I can receive a righteousness that truly surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees—a righteousness from God by faith.

Holy Spirit, search me now. Expose every root of anger, bitterness, hatred, lust, and hypocrisy. Grant me grace to repent deeply and sincerely. Break every chain that binds my heart. Cleanse me by the blood of Jesus and renew a right spirit within me.

Write Your law upon my heart. Empower me to live in heart-deep obedience—to forgive quickly, to reconcile wherever there is estrangement, to reject impure thoughts, and to walk in purity and love. Let my life display the reality of the kingdom of heaven within me.

I ask this in the name of Jesus, who is my righteousness, my Savior, and my King. Amen.”

Further Listening

Deepen your worship with these related songs:

Living by His Word – Matthew 4:4

Feeding the Soul – Matthew 4:4

Living by His Word (v2) – Matthew 4:4

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