Growing in Righteousness

Summary

The sermon emphasizes Jesus' stark warning that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of God, referencing Matthew 5:20. It explains that while justification is by faith alone, as Luther taught with the concept of "simul justus et peccator" (at the same time just and sinner), genuine faith inevitably leads to sanctification. Therefore, the practical takeaway is that authentic faith will be evidenced by a growing, tangible righteousness in our lives, serving as a sign of its genuineness.