Our Ultimate Authority

Matthew 5:17-20 | Justin Reed | September 7, 2025

Will you build your life on the shifting voices of culture, or on the unshakable authority of God’s Word?

  • Sermon Overview: The Authority of God's Word

    Pastor Justin walked us through Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus affirms the enduring authority of Scripture. In a world clouded by AI-driven deception and empty self-help platitudes, the Bible stands as our unchanging foundation. This sermon launches a series on treasuring, trusting, and obeying God’s Word, challenging us to build our lives on its truth rather than cultural trends or personal feelings.

    1. Scripture as Our Foundation in a Deceptive World

      • Jesus affirms in Matthew 5:17-18 that He came to fulfill, not abolish, the Old Testament law, underscoring its authority.

      • Deceptive voices, like AI-generated videos or self-help ideas such as “be true to yourself,” leave people empty, as the devil sows lies as in Genesis.

      • The Bible is our ultimate authority, daily necessity, sufficient guide, and transforming joy, providing answers in trials unlike human schemes.

      • Scripture: Matthew 5:17-18; Genesis 1 (implied); 2 Timothy 4:2 (“Preach the word”).

      • Key Phrase: “We are living as disciples who treasure, trust, and obey God’s word.”

      • 💭 Reflection:

        • Do I rely on God’s Word to discern truth and guide me in confusing times?

        • How can I share its truth with others?

    2. Doctrinal Truths of Scripture

      • Revelation: God reveals Himself through creation, conscience, and Scripture (Psalm 19:1; Hebrews 1:1-2).

      • Inspiration: God breathed through human writers, ensuring accuracy (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

      • Inerrancy: Scripture is wholly true, reflecting God’s nature (John 17:17; Proverbs 30:5; Numbers 23:19).

      • Infallibility: God’s Word cannot fail; its promises will be fulfilled (Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 24:35).

      • Authority: Scripture rules over culture, traditions, or feelings (2 Timothy 4:2).

      • Key Phrase: “God’s word is my authority. God’s word should rule my life.”

      • 💭 Reflection:

        • Do I trust the Bible’s truth and authority in every area of my life?

        • How can I deepen my understanding of these doctrines?

    3. Avoiding Undermining Scripture

      • Pharisees added traditions, straying from God’s heart (Mark 7:8). Sadducees subtracted miraculous elements, denying truths like the resurrection.

      • We must neither add nor subtract but submit to Scripture’s authority.

      • Scripture: Matthew 5:19; Mark 7:8.

      • Key Phrase: “We undermine scripture when we add to it like the Pharisees or subtract from it like the Sadducees.”

      • 💭 Reflection:

        • Am I adding personal or cultural traditions to God’s Word?

        • Do I dismiss parts of Scripture I find challenging?

    4. Living Transformed by Scripture

      • True righteousness comes from heart transformation through the gospel, not outward rule-following like the Pharisees.

      • Jesus calls us to submit, trust, and obey God’s Word as our anchor, living it out boldly.

      • Scripture: Matthew 5:20; James (implied, be doers of the word).

      • Key Phrase: “True righteousness isn’t about doing more than the Pharisees. It’s about changed from the heart.”

      • 💭 Reflection:

        • Is my heart being transformed by God’s Word, or am I focused on outward actions?

        • How can I obey Scripture more intentionally in daily life?

Group Guide

Start with one prayer at a time. Read the question, then pause—give yourself time to sit with it. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and any resistance that rises up.

Group Discussion Questions

  1. What part of Sunday’s sermon stood out most to you, and why?

  2. Read Matthew 5:17–20. Why does Jesus say He came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it?

  3. How does Jesus’ view of Scripture challenge us to treat the Bible today? What does it mean for our righteousness to “exceed that of the Pharisees and Sadducees”?

  4. Do you ever find yourself adding extra “rules” (like Pharisees) or explaining away hard parts of Scripture (like Sadducees)? Share an example.

  5. What’s one area of life where you’re tempted to follow culture, tradition, or feelings instead of Scripture?

  6. How can God’s Word be an anchor for you this week?