Surpassing Truthfulness

Matthew 5:33-37

Matthew 5:33-34
Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne;

Matthew 5:35-36
nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.

Matthew 5:37
But let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Jesus is measuring us
against the yardstick of His character - concerning anger - concerning lust - concerning fidelity in marriage - concerning my truthfulness

What is an oath?
Oaths Vows Perjury Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Exod. 20:16)

What God taught about oaths

For men truly swear by him who is greater than themselves, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. (Hebrews 6:16)

What God taught about oaths

You shall fear the LORD your God, and serve him, and shall swear by His name. (Deuteronomy 6:13)

Jesus under oath

the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God

Jesus under oath

Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven. (Matt. 26:62-64, NKJV)

Making a Vow
If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. (Numbers 30:2)

Substandard Righteousness
1. By how OFTEN they swore

Substandard Righteousness
1. By how OFTEN they swore 2. By what they swore ABOUT

Substandard Righteousness
1. By how OFTEN they swore 2. By what they swore ABOUT 3. By what they swore BY

Substandard Righteousness
1. 2. 3. 4. By how OFTEN they swore By what they swore ABOUT By what they swore BY By the REASON they swore

Results of Not Loving Truth

1. 2. 3. 4. Deception Distrust Destructive Oaths Denigrating Gods Name

Godly, honest speech:

1. Swear off oaths!

Godly, honest speech:

1. Swear off oaths! 2. Sanctify the Name of God

Godly, honest speech:

1. Swear off oaths! 2. Sanctify the Name of God 3. Sincerely love others

Godly, honest speech:

1. 2. 3. 4. Swear off oaths! Sanctify the Name of God Sincerely love others Support and say what is true

An honest people
Now I pray to God that you do no evil but that you would what is honest for we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. (2 Cor. 13:7-8)

My mouth like Gods mouth!

Therefore thus says the LORD, If you turn back, then I will bring you again; you shall stand before Me. And if you take out what is precious from what is vile, you shall be as My mouth. (See Jer. 15:18-19)