Sermon Notes

Series Recap

Since the start of our Jesus Life series, we have covered two important qualities of Jesus that we can apply to our lives.

Week 1 (Matt 4:23-25)

Jesus demonstrated the necessity of being approachable to all as a kingdom citizen. As Christians, we are called to welcome and be kindhearted to all people. 

Week 2 (Matt 5:13-16)

Jesus taught how to allow your influence as a kingdom citizen to impact and influence the world for good, which will ultimately bring glory to the Father in heaven. The salt of the earth and the light of the world.

“If you say something and back it up with your actions, you will provide the ‘proof’ for people who are listening to you, and they will much more willingly follow your lead.” ~ Jim Rohn

The Situation – Watch your mouth/It’s time to move away from swearing oaths – Matt 5:33-37

And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. Matt 5:33 MSG.

In ancient times, Jews usually did not sign written contracts. Instead, they often made verbal oaths, which were considered just as binding.

• The ancient Jews often made vows to God and to others, using God’s name.

• The law of Moses allowed this, as long as people did not misuse God’s name or make promises they did not intend to keep.

Application

Today, we rarely make promises out loud, since most agreements need a signature to be official. Still, Jesus wants his followers to keep their word and avoid making promises they do not intend to keep. Can others rely on what we say?

The Problem – The necessity of oaths is symptomatic of our sinful nature – Matt 5:33

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfil to the Lord the vows you have made.’ – v33 NIV

• Jesus could have been accused of violating the law of Moses, as making oaths was permissible. (See Lev 19:12, Num 30:2 & Dt 23:21)

• Jesus made it clear in the same sermon on the mount that He had not come into the world to abolish the Law or the prophets but to fulfil it. (Matt 5:17)

• Jesus wanted his teaching to point back to the beginning of creation, before the laws of Moses were given.

Application

Jesus points out that one sign of sin is our tendency to lie and be dishonest. The law of Moses introduced oaths to help people stay honest and keep their promises. Even today, dishonesty remains common, revealing our flawed nature. However, by following Christ, we can learn to live truthfully and honestly.

The Solution & Celebration – The Jesus life only requires a Yes and No! – Matt 5:34-37

You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Matt 5:34. 

Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong. Matt 5:37.

• Jesus told his disciples and the crowds that living in God’s kingdom comes down to giving two clear answers: yes or no.

• Jesus wants his followers to be so honest that they do not need to make promises. A simple yes or no should be enough.

Application

As Christians, we aim to be trustworthy and live with integrity so that people can rely on what we say. When our actions reflect our words, our message to others becomes much stronger.

Questions

1. How would you respond to someone who critiques Jesus’ teaching and claims He was usurping the law of Moses? – Read Matt 5:33-37
2. Discuss situations and examples where you felt tempted not to be truthful.
3. How have you seen your lack of truth or the lack of truth by others cause pain and problems in relationships/friendships?
4. Why should and how can our conversations and conduct be consistently marked by truth? How can we help each other with this?
5. Discuss the potential damage if the Christians/the church is untruthful in our Christian witness, testimony and lifestyle. How can this impact the lost and our community?
6. What similarities can you see between the mosaic law of swearing oaths to divorce in the Bible? See Lev 19:12, Num 30:2, Dt 23:21, Matt 5:31-32