Redeemer Bible Church Santa Barbara

We’ve considered several times the King’s assertion that we must have a perfect kind of righteousness in His Kingdom. Be encouraged – the King knows what His citizens need.

Jesus knew His startling demands regarding righteousness and perfection could lead to misapplications in His followers’ lives. He clarifies our responsibilities; thankfully we can fall back on the Gospel and the faithful work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus has warned us about chasing after hoarded plenty and scurrying after daily necessities. Today’s text clarifies how we can replace those endeavors.

Apart from the mundane troubles of life, sometimes it seems the entire world is coming apart – so with this week’s headlines. Can we find confidence for daily living?

In our complex world it seems odd to encounter Jesus’ counter-cultural, binary, cut-n-dried options. More of that this morning, as He calls us to be faithful citizens of His Kingdom.

Jesus has just mentioned two ways not to pray. One hypocritical, aimed at one’s own glory. One mechanical, as if God can be manipulated or that he doesn’t exist at all. Now, Jesus teaches us the way to pray; simple, yet profound. This is the model for prayer that God listens to, and that God will bless.

Clearly, Jesus expects citizens of His Kingdom to manifest righteousness. What does this mean? What should this look like?

In the Lord’s astonishing and often ironic Providence, our Independence Day text has Jesus calling us to surrender our rights! You won’t hear these truths on either CNN or FoxNews. But, coming from Jesus, they must be faced by those who follow Him.