Chuck Smith emphasizes that true righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, who focused on external law observance rather than internal transformation. He explains that their righteousness was superficial, driven by wrong motives and neglecting the deeper matters of justice, mercy, and faith. Smith asserts that the righteousness necessary to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is not based on personal merit or adherence to the law, but rather on faith in Jesus Christ, who embodies the true standard of righteousness. He encourages believers to manifest this righteousness through the fruits of the Spirit, highlighting the importance of grace and a genuine relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt desire for the Kingdom, urging believers to pray, plan, and live in accordance with it.

"RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT EXCEEDS..." Intro: Effect of these words on hearers. I. WHO WERE THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES? A. Scribes were men who read and interpreted the scripture to the people. 1. Ezra was a scribe. B. Pharisees were a religious sect. 1. They attempted to strictly observe and keep the law. II. WHAT WAS THE NATURE OF THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS? A. An external observance of the law. 1. Outside they were clean. B. A partial observance of the law. 1. They paid tithes of their spice gardens, yet omitted weightier matters of judgment, mercy and faith. C. Wrong motives. 1. To be seen and known of men. Ill. WHAT KIND OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NECESSARY TO ENTER KINGDOM? A. "Not having my own righteousness which is of the law..." B. The imputed righteousness (Abraham.. C. Christ is the standard of righteousness. 1. "When the Holy Spirit is come will testify of sin, righteousness and judgment." D. Not external wrought by law and works. 1. Internal wrought by work of Spirit. IV. HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RIGHTEOUSNESS? A. Believing and trusting in Jesus. 1. Romans 4:5, "But to him worketh not but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." 2. Romans 5: 3, 4. V. HOW IS THIS RIGHTEOUSNESS MANIFESTED? A. By the fruit it bears in my life. 1. The kind of love that creates. a. Peace, joy, long-suffering... VI. HOW MUST I INTERPRET THIS VERSE? A. No way can I by law or work be deserving a place in kingdom. 1. Ii shuts me up to the grace of God. 2. As far as any righteous standing before God, I must rest where God is resting. 3. I must cast myself in faith totally upon Jesus Christ. B. I should accept God's provision. 1. I should rejoice in God's provision. VII. AN ATTITUDE TOWARD KINGDOM. A. Desire it. B. Pray for it. C. Plan for it. D. Live in it.