Oaths & Promises

May 18, 2014

We live in a world where it is common place for people to lie and break their word all the time. Sometimes people have valid reasons to break a vow like not having money to pay their bills because they got laid off and other times people just have empty excuses like forgetting to make a deadline at work because they weren’t paying attention to the boss’ request. Either way, Jesus’ lesson on oaths is very relevant to us today and should be followed closely. Do you want to be a trust worthy person?

TEXT

Matthew 5:33-37, “33 Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

SERIES TERMS

  1. Sermon on the Mount: The longest single portion of Jesus’ teaching found in Matthew 5-7 that serves as the foundation of Christian morality and spiritual practice. #KingdomBasics 
  2. Disciples: Born again committed students and followers of Jesus Christ.
  3. Kingdom of Heaven/God: The active rule and reign of Jesus in one’s life and upon the earth with kingdom blessings. The kingdom is all about the King!

OATHS/VOWS/SWEARING

  1. Definitions: The terms oath, vow, and swear all basically have the same meaning and that is, “to promise to do something based on your respect for another thing.” For example, “I swear to God I will pay you back!”
  2. In modern times vows would come in the form of, (a) Testifying in court, (b) Marriage Vows, (c) Contracts, and (d) Promises.
  3. Moses taught in the Old Testament that it was acceptable to make vows to the Lord as long as they were fulfilled. Numbers 30:2, “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”
  4. Jesus is teaching his disciples to be honest people that don’t need to make oaths to trust each other. One’s simple “yes” or “no” should be enough.
  5. James 5:12, “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.”
  6. Therefore, its wrong to swear when all you need to say is yes or no.

JESUS’ WORDS IN CONTEXT

  1. Often times Jesus spoke in broad terms by using such phrases as, “anyone who says you ‘fool’ will be in danger of the fire of hell,” “do not swear an oath at all,” “do not resist an evil person,” and “if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” 
  2. However, in specific situations Jesus Himself acted differently, (a) Calling Someone a Fool: Matthew 23:17, (b) Swearing: Matthew 26:63-64, (c) Resisting Evil People: John 2:13-14, & (d) Jesus Not Going: Luke 13:31-32.
  3. Therefore, either (a) Jesus contracted Himself (along with the apostles) or (b) He is referring to specific situations in general terms.
  4. For example, when I see my kids fighting with each other and I say, “Stop fighting- I don’t ever want to see you fight!” I mean specifically not to “fight with each other,” however, if they were in the army it would be an acceptable time to fight.
  5. Examples of Paul’s Vows: (a) Acts 18:18 (for a religious purpose), (b) Romans 1:9 & Philippians 1:8 (to validate his word).
  6. In conclusion, avoid making the bad kind of oaths and keep your word whenever you give it!

Screen Shot 2014-05-16 at 2.25.40 PM

Chart from, “Big Book of Bible Difficulties,” Norman Geisler. 

FIVE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR WORD & BE A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON

  1. CONSIDER YOUR COMMITMENTS BEFORE MAKINE THEM: Only commit to what you can do.
  2. NEVER BREAK YOUR WORD: Keep your word, even if it hurts, Psalm 15:4.
  3. DON’T BE DOUBLE MINDED: Stay committed in your mind and actions to the things you promised, James 1:4-8.
  4. PRAYERFULLY SEEK GOD FOR STRENGTH TO LET YOUR YES BE YES:  Rely upon God’s grace to overcome all obstacles.
  5. ADMIT & REPENT OF INCONSISTENCY: If you do break your word don’t try to hide it, simply repent and learn from your mistakes.

Nothing is more important to your character than keeping your word because from it comes everything you do.  

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Posted in Sermon on the Mount Series