Coastal Christian | Law & Grace in the Kingdom | Matthew 5:17-48 | Pastor Matt Stokes | 3-8-26

March 8, 2026 · Pastor Matt Stokes

Pastor Matt Stokes Matthew 5:17-48 Discipleship Filled with the Holy Spirit Grace God's Plan God's Word Righteousness Sanctification

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” — Matthew 5:17
The people were wondering if Jesus was dismantling their religious system.
“For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” — Matthew 5:18
What begins as reverence can slowly turn into religious performance.
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:19
“For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:20
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not kill.’” — Matthew 5:21
“But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” — Matthew 5:22
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother…” — Matthew 5:23–24
“Agree with thine adversary quickly…” — Matthew 5:25
Conflict left unattended often grows harder over time.
“Ye have heard that it was said… ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery.’” — Matthew 5:27
“But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28
“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out… and if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off…” — Matthew 5:29–30
Are there influences, habits, or patterns in your life that quietly pull your heart toward impurity?
It is about transformed hearts.
“It hath been said, ‘Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement.’” — Matthew 5:31
“But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication…” — Matthew 5:32
How are you allowing Scripture, rather than circumstance alone, to shape your understanding of covenant and grace?
“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said… ‘Thou shalt not forswear thyself.’” — Matthew 5:33
“Swear not at all; neither by heaven… nor by the earth… nor by Jerusalem…” — Matthew 5:34–36
“But let your communication be, ‘Yea, yea; Nay, nay.’” — Matthew 5:37
What would it look like for your integrity to grow so that your simple word carries weight without needing additional explanation?
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’” — Matthew 5:38
“But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” — Matthew 5:39
“If any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also… and whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” — Matthew 5:40–41
“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” — Matthew 5:42
What would it look like for you to step into self restraint instead of retaliation?
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.’” — Matthew 5:43
“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you…” — Matthew 5:44
“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good…” — Matthew 5:45
“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?” — Matthew 5:46
What might it look like for you to pray for that person or seek their good?
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” — Matthew 5:48
Once the heart is exposed, the only place left to turn is grace.
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” — Matthew 5:48
“Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” — John 8:11
“Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43
Jesus didn’t lower the standard of the law. He raised it high enough that we would finally realize we need a Savior.

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Coastal Christian | Law & Grace in the Kingdom | Matthew 5:17-48 | Pastor Matt Stokes | 3-8-26