In recent weeks – looking at very searching passages
We have looked at anger and lust
Today looking at the sin of deceit/lying
We can all say that we have lusted, been angry without cause, lying
Some have confessed great problems in these areas
Jesus spoke plainly about the dangers of such sin
Today’s passage is equally convicting – Matt 5:33-37
We will look at v31-21 another time
We will look at swearing oaths
Reading Matt 5:33-37
Our world is in a crisis of truth
Fake news, fact checkers, bias
We must filter the news through the word of God
Example of justice, the sanctity of human life, pride & boasting
Be careful how much you take in
Looking at the issue of truth and the sin of deceit
Jesus was concerned that there was much falseness in Israelite society
People were taking cheap oaths … often with no intention of doing so
Jesus says no need to swear oaths: simply say yes or no
Do not make excuses
Do not add to your words
Anything more is from the devil
Lying is serious
Prov 12:22, Rev 21:8
Overview:
The meaning of Jesus words
How it applies to us
The meaning of Jesus words
"You have heard …"
The Pharisees had twisted the interpretation for their benefit
Jesus gives a clear and true interpretation
Do not swear at all – our word should be our bond
Can people trust you?
Do you keep your word?
Are you prepared to say no?
Are you a person of your word?
Jesus gives a summary statement of words from Leviticus, Deut 23:21-22, Numbers
If you do not fulfil a vow – it will be sin to you (Deut)
We should take vows carefully and not vow lightly – examples
In the Bible there are instances of people taking vows
Example of Joseph – to take his body from Egypt to Israel – this vow was fulfilled (about 440 years later)
The Pharisees were using a loophole to get out of ‘vowing to God’
Jesus says not at all – all things belong to God
Earth, heaven, your hair
It is foolish to think you can get around this
Reading Matt 23:16-18
"Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that [i]sanctifies the gold? And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?"
Trying to split hairs – explanation
Jesus cuts through this hypocrisy and exposes it
Do you need to keep saying ‘honestly’, ‘I swear’
We should analyse our words
Jesus is not doing away with oaths
He answered under oath in ‘court’
The apostle Paul makes a vow – Acts 18:18
The apostle Paul had witnesses of his actions
We still have oaths – court, marriage vows,
But we must fulfil our oaths
Jesus is concerned for truth in the inward parts
Does not everyone lie?
How foolish to compare ourselves to others
v48 – compare yourself not to others but to God
We can never be perfect but consider God’s standard
Do not make excuses – examples
This is extremely convicting
Believers – we ask for God’s help to change
Unbelievers – ask God to create a new heart in you
It is difficult to know how to respond at times
Jesus often asked questions of others
Jesus went to the cross to bring forgiveness of sins – if we trust in Him as Lord and Saviour
We are filled with God’s righteousness
Jesus can change us
The book of James talks about the difficulty/danger of the tongue
Explanation
This teaching returns to two of the Ten Commandments – taught in a personal way
Not to take the Lord’s name in vein – 4th Commandment
Not to swear falsely – 9th Commandment
James 5:12 repeats Jesus’ teaching: "But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment"
We will be judged for our idle words
Hence we should paid heed to what Jesus says
Do not embellish, exaggerate or make excuses
Simply say yes or no
Do not be like the devil who is the ‘father of lies’
Sometimes oaths are to our own hurt
Example
Psalm 15:4
This Psalm ultimately points us to Jesus Christ
God will not hear our prayers if we regard iniquity in our hears (Psalm 66:18)
Confess your sin to Jesus and come to God in His name
How it applies to us
There is a reverse of the above
Grace, kindness, truthfulness
Let us be known as people of our word, integrity and loving/honouring Jesus
