Oaths

The Greatest Sermon Ever!  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  30:28
0 ratings
· 190 views
Files
Notes
Transcript
Pray
Introduction: Anyone ever made a promise that you didn’t keep? I think we all have. In the book, “Men of Integrity” Mark Moring shared this story about his son, Peter.
He said, “It was late, and my young sons, Peter and Paul, had been in bed for at least an hour. My wife and I had just returned from our Bible study group, and I snuck into the boys’ room to say good night.
"Dad, can I have some ice cream?"
"No, Peter, it’s late, way past bedtime."
"But Dad, you promised.”
He was right. Peter had asked for ice cream earlier in the day, but we didn’t have any. And I had said, "I’ll get some for you later, I promise.”
Dinner came and went. We cleaned up the kitchen; the boys picked up their toys. The sitter arrived. And my wife and I left for Bible study. I’d forgotten all about the ice cream. But Peter hadn’t.
So, even though it was after 10 o’clock, I hopped in the car, drove to the convenience store, got a half gallon, and hurried home.
Peter and I enjoyed that chocolate-vanilla swirl together. After all, I had a promise to keep.”
Once you consider and say “Yes” you need to commit—even when it costs you!
Today we are discussing oaths as we continue through the Sermon on the Mount. This is a subject that doesn’t get a lot of attention. So let’s look at what Jesus says.
Read: Matthew 5:33-37
Explanation: What we have here is something that I believe many of us as Christians don’t really think about all that much. The using of oaths in this passage is not the same as the sin of cursing, rather it is using tricks to sidestep the truth. This was a common practice of the Pharisees as they would make oaths by swearing or promising on the city of Jerusalem, or by heaven, or by earth, or by a body part. In fact it is warned in Leviticus 19:12
Leviticus 19:12 ESV
You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.
and again in...
Deuteronomy 23:23
Deuteronomy 23:23 ESV
You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.
If you make any oaths it is to be directed to the LORD God and it is the vow of your life given to Him. The Pharisees used oaths to try and get people to believe them. We’ve all said things like, “I swear on my mother” or “I cross my heart” or “I swear on everything that is holy,” or the one I despise the most, “I swear to God.” That is a blatant misuse of the Lord’s name! It is a very common practice in our culture. But what is being taught here is a matter or character. You should be of such good character that your words are trusted and you do not have to compensate for it by oaths. The part of the character that I feel this addresses the best is that of...
Application:

Integrity

This is why Jesus says, “let what you say be simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’.” Words depend on your character. If you are a person of integrity, then your words will be trusted. Pastor Chuck Swindoll said, “Few things are more infectious than a godly lifestyle. The people you rub shoulders with everyday need that kind of challenge. Not prudish. Not preachy. Just cracker jack clean living. Just honest to goodness, bone - deep, non-hypocritical integrity.”- Chuck Swindoll
Integrity is an honesty that is not shown just in the public areas of life but in the private as well. The believer should always strive to live with integrity. In fact consider these two Proverbs. Proverbs 12:22
Proverbs 12:22 ESV
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
and Proverbs 21:3
Proverbs 21:3 ESV
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Honesty and integrity give people a reason to trust you. However, the more words someone has to use to convince you, the more you should be wary. My grandfather use to say that a man is only as good as his word. Our character should be so blameless that an oath is never necessary. In the book of James he writes, James 5:12
James 5:12 ESV
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
A person of integrity will have no reason to resort to oaths. Those who make oaths and are wrong bring upon themselves shame. I love what John Stott said, “Swearing (i.e. oath-taking) is really a pathetic confession of our own dishonesty.”- John Stott
Are you a person of integrity? Can your word be trusted? I think these are questions that should be asked of ourselves from time to time.
Conclusion: As Christians we should say what we mean and mean what we say. We should strive each day to live with integrity and remain above reproach in all that we do. I challenge you today to a life of integrity and honesty. I challenge you to let your yes and no be enough. By your words you will reflect what is truly stored in your heart. Is it honesty or deceit?
Pray
Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more