When you say you will do something, whether it is teaching 2nd grade Sunday School or meeting a friend for lunch at noon, can they count on you to follow through?
We live in a world that takes commitments lightly.
But God honors those who keep:
It’s a high bar, but so pleasing to the Lord when we keep it.
I was raised by a father who punished me most severely when I lied.
“Dee Dee — I have to believe your word.”
He told me I didn’t have appointments, I had commitments.
As Christians, we hurt our witness when we break our word,
and we quench His Spirit.
This week we are looking at Matthew 5:33-37,
and the subject of keeping our word and making promises.
The Pharisees were always trying to maneuver the law to their benefit, diligent in things that people could see, but ignoring weightier matters. Jesus said:
Woe to you,scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law: justice,mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.…(Matthew 23:23-24)
They did “gnat-straining” with oaths, saying that you only had to keep your word if you used God’s name in the oath. Or, even more ridiculous, you didn’t have keep your oath if you swore by the Temple, but you did if you swore by the gold in the Temple! (Matthew 23:16)
John Stott quotes Calvin:
The Pharisees has “obscured” the law; Jesus restored it to its integrity.
Jesus said:
Do not swear at all…simply let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No, “No,” anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
We’ll consider what it means to keep our Word,
whether it is ever right to break a promise,
and if we can swear on a Bible if called to court.
Can I tell you again how much I love this group?
I love your hearts, your hunger for righteousness,
and how you care for one another.
I am thankful for those of you who are staying with us in what is truly a very convicting series.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Can you think of a promise or a vow you have made? What is it?
Monday: You Have Heard That It Was Said, But I Say To You
Jesus is coming to clarify what the Pharisees have obscured. He is not doing away with the moral law of Moses, but getting to the heart. It is true we shouldn’t murder, but we also shouldn’t hate, for hate is the seed that can grow into murder. It is true we shouldn’t commit adultery, but we also shouldn’t lust, for lust is the seed that can grow into adultery. The reason Moses permitted divorce was because of the hardness of men’s hearts. And the reason Moses permitted oaths, was because all men are liars. But our word should be enough. We shouldn’t have to seal it with a vow.
3. Read Matthew 5:33-37
A. What was said to the people long ago, according to verse 33?
B. Is it true we should keep any vows or oaths we made before God? (See Eccles. 5:4-7)
C. But what does Jesus tell us is at the heart of this command? (Verses 34-37)
A. M. Hunter says “Oaths arise because men are so often liars.”
4. What vows have you made before God?
5. Where have you given your word to help with a ministry?
Tuesday: Our Hearts Are Deceitful
It is so easy to justify ourselves. When I was younger and had many speaking invitations, I knew it was important to keep my word when a bigger venue invited me and I already had committed to a smaller venue. I remember Joseph Stowell praising me for turning down Founder’s Week because of a smaller commitment. But when Women of Faith called and wanted to book me for a whole year, I persuaded myself that if the four places I had already booked were willing to change their date, I could say “Yes” to Women of Faith. They all did, though I know it was a hassle for them. And then, months later, Women of Faith changed their mind about me, feeling I was not “Seeker Sensitive.” I remember both the disappointment, but also the shame. I thought, “Just as Jacob the deceiver was deceived, God has allowed me to feel the pain of someone breaking their word.” I so often think of this verse:
God honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts. (Psalm 15:4)
5. Share a time when you broke your word and felt shame or kept it and felt the pleasure of God.
6. Read Matthew 23:16-17 and explain how the Pharisees tried to manipulate the law about oaths, lessening it and making it easier.
7. Read Matthew 23:23-24 and explain how the Pharisses tried to manipulate the law about tithing.
8. How would you summarize the heart of Jesus’ teaching about keeping oaths and our word?
Wednesday: Can We Ever Break An Oath?
You may remember the story in Judges of Jeptha, who promised after a victory to sacrifice whatever came out of his barn first. His daughter ran out to congratulate him, to his grief.
Some commentators say he sacrificed her, others that she had to remain a virgin. David Jeremiah said that if Jephthah had known about Leviticus 5:4-5, he could have confessed his foolish vow and sacrificed an animal for atonement.
9. What does Leviticus 5:4-5 say?
There may indeed be times when we are permitted to break our word, as with Jepthah. When I was a brand new Christian I started teaching Sunday School to 2nd graders when I realized I really was not equipped yet — so I asked to be let off my commitment — they could put me in the nursery until I understood Scripture better. My heart was right with that one and the godly Sunday School superintendent knew it.
So many Christians hop from church to church, not seeing their commitment to the local family. Is it ever right to leave a church? Yes. There may be serious doctrinal issues. You may be traveling so far you can’t be active. You may be called by God to plant a new church. Your family truly may not be being fed, and though you have spoken the truth in love to leadership, there is no change.
But often people leave because someone has offended them and they can’t give grace, or they see a church that has music they like better. These are not easy things to discern, but oh, how we need to examine our hearts, to make sure we are hearing from the Lord, and not just trying to please ourselves.
I remember a well known Christian speaker using the Jepthah passage to justify a divorce that did not have scriptural grounds. She said that because her marriage vow was made when she was young and foolish, she could break it. She left him and taught others to do the same if they felt their marriage vow was a foolish one. That flies in the face of Jesus teaching on divorce.
Jesus says it always comes down to the heart, and our hearts are deceitful. We so want to please ourselves.
10. What are some ways we can guard against our hearts deceitfulness in situations where we are confused? (Take time with this.)
Thursday: Should We Refrain from Swearing on a Bible in Court?
11. What reason did Jesus give for not swearing by anything in Matthew 5:34-36?
The Anabaptists refused to swear by the Bible, in a desire to obey the above. John Stott said he appreciates their heart, but also gives examples where Jesus submitted to the practices of the court.
12. When the high priest asked Jesus to swear under oath if he was the Christ, did he respond? See Matthew 26:64.
John Stott said: Jesus emphasized in his teaching that honest men do not need to resort to oaths; it was not that they should refuse to take an oath if required by some external authority to do so.
13. How will you respond if you face this situation and why?
Friday: The Gospel Ever Crucified Between Two Thieves
It was Tertullion who said that the gospel is ever crucified between two thieves: antinominism, or against the law, and legalism, which missed the heart and goes for the letter. We are to do what is most pleasing to God, to seek Him with all our heart, and not to do what pleases ourselves. For those of you who wish to go deeper, here is a message by John Stott.
14. Share your notes or comments.
Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way and why?
66 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Major conviction. I used to be a stickler in keeping commitments for the reasons Dee listed but in the past few years I have kept some and have had to cancel some after I said yes. This past summer the women’s bible study leaders were asked if we were still wanting to lead this Fall’s study. (we can opt in and out depending on our family’s seasons but saying yes and then no isn’t what God would want.) At first I said I was stepping out this Fall because of my commitments at home but I SO wanted to that I changed my mind and said I was on board. Then a month before it started I told my co-leader I couldn’t because of my family-work constraints. This happened with Worship team in the past at this church but that was because of my husband’s needs-his health and work related issues. Ugh.
Oh Rebecca — I always love your heart. Your first example reminds me of Jesus story of the son who says “Yes,” and backs out and the son who says “No” and then does it! Jesus appreciated the latter. Yet there are times when health fails and that is understandable.
Sometimes what I see in you is a lack of confidence to do what you are equipped to do — so that’s where I pray for you!
Thank you Dee!! You always know how to pray for me.
What stands out to you from the above and why? The truth about the first picture. “…I showed up when I wanted to.” I have people in my family that are perpetually late as well as ones who bow out at the last second. You can’t count on them.
Can you think of a promise or a vow you have made? What is it? My wedding vow was the first thing that came to mind. Although truthfully, at the time I was saying the “till death do us part” I didn’t think anyone was expected to take it literally. My beliefs have changed radically since then.
Oh your last sentences made me smile, Dawn!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The imagery used by Jesus of straining gnats. How sad, but often true that as believers, we strain gnats…when we refuse to love our gay neighbors, or those in our body who find themselves facing a divorce, or others who are different in some way…while justifying our own sins such as not tithing our money, time or talent, or perhaps not honoring our parents, or our own internal lusting after another’s possessions, etc.
2. Can you think of a promise or a vow you have made? Yes What is it? I am married and so I have taken vows to my husband. I am a member of my church body and have made vows to God and to them; I have made promises at baptism services to live my life in such a way as to be a witness to those in our church who are growing up in their faith! But I am also guilty of some rash vows like: Lord, if you’ll fix this mess I’ve made of my hair color…I’ll never color my own hair again! And often I have made promises to myself like, I’ll never regain this weight I’ve lost, or I’ll be more patient with my children.
Love this whole post and laughed about the hair color!
My Mom said…oh NO…don’t make that promise to God…because you’ll never be able to color your own hair again! I can tell you though…that is one promise I’ve kept 🙂
That’s great!
Oops, posted before and then tried to edit & it was marked as spam?
I don’t know what happened Renee — for I don’t see it needing to be approved. Sorry!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The discussion of the Pharisees technicalities of keeping/not keeping oaths. It seems that these practices were driven by both a desire for assurance of heaven but also selfishness to make life what they wanted. The more I learn about Pharisees the more my eyes are opened to similar current day thought operations both in christians and non-christians.
2. Can you think of a promise or a vow yoy have made? What is it? I am married so that was a whole set of vows. I have vowed (along with my husband)to my mother that I will do everything I can to have her live with me if she needs help till she departs this world. I also make implied promises. When I had my kids that was an unintentional vow (that gets harder each year!). Every time I accept a patient assignment as a nurse I am making an unspoken promise to do my best to care for them. I try NOT to make promises, especially to my kids.
I’ve thought the same as you about the parallel with Pharisees to today’s Christians and non-Christians.
I never got the chance to post this last week, but I wanted to share. Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth’s Friday podcast was spot on with our study. It seems the Lord is talking to me 😉.
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/podcast/revive-our-hearts/sexual-purity/
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Swearing on a bible….never thought about that?
The picture of the the lady walking in late to lunch. I do tend to keep my promises, but I also have a horrible habit of being late to things. It is really a character flaw of mine I suppose? I am someone who doesn’t like to waste time. On a subconscious level I think getting to my appointment too early means I will be sitting, doing nothing, and therefore time is wasted. On time to me means at the moment the appointment occurs. To my husband it means 5 minutes earlier. Then, on the conscious level, I’m really bad at estimating, especially time. Then there is the prep that goes on for the appointment; are the lunches packed? Are the teeth brushed, etc. Finally, I have found a way to get myself to appointments at the correct time…set it for 15 minutes earlier to trick myself! Hahaha…
2. Can you think of a promise or a vow you have made? What is it?
First, my wedding vows.
I have made a commitment to dance with our youth girls every other week for an hour and a half. Sometimes I don’t have time to prepare and it is hard.
3. Read Matthew 5:33-37
A. What was said to the people long ago, according to verse 33?
Not to break an oath but to fulfill to the Lord any vow made.
B. Is it true we should keep any vows or oaths we made before God? (See Eccles. 5:4-7)
Yes. It is foolish to make one unless you can fulfill it and it is better to not make one than to make one and break it.
C. But what does Jesus tell us is at the heart of this command? (Verses 34-37)
So this is a great question and I am not sure I am on track but when we make a vow or oath before God we are adding to our yes. We aren’t in control of the future, He is so if we break it we are damaging our witness. If we can’t just say yes without adding an oath that says our yes isn’t to be trusted. Jesus is saying our yes should be all because we should be trustworthy if we are His.
4. What vows have you made before God?
I vowed before God to stay faithful to and love my husband when we were married.
Hi Rebecca!
Good morning sunshine!! My sweet friend Laura.
<3
Absolutely right on C!
3. Read Matthew 5:33-37
A. What was said to the people long ago, according to verse 33?
Don’t break vows. Don’t break vows to the Lord.
B. Is it true we should keep any vows or oaths we made before God? (See Eccles. 5:4-7)
The passage says we should not break any vows to the Lord.
C. But what does Jesus tell us is at the heart of this command? (Verses 34-37)
Don’t make any vows to God. He says just say a simple “I will or won’t.”
A. M. Hunter says “Oaths arise because men are so often liars.”
4. What vows have you made before God?
I think I have made vows like I will pray more, I will read my bible more often, etc. With respect to my family, I have said “I won’t do this or that if you do this or that.” Ugh. I think I realized a long time ago that I should not do that (something internal made me stop; there was something that didn’t seem “right” about it) so I haven’t made vows to Him for a long time.”
5. Where have you given your word to help with a ministry?
I have worked with the dancers at our church. The other thing I have done recently is host a young women’s bible study on Titus 2 “Adorned by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth. I am a mentor in our MOPS group as well.
5. Share a time when you broke your word and felt shame or kept it and felt the pleasure of God.
Shame: As I mentioned above in backing out of co-leading a study, and a few times I had to back out of serving on worship team due to my husband’s health.
Pleasure of God: I have said yes a lot, even though it was painful, keeping my word and feeling His pleasure. There are many, but one I can think of that I said yes to but when it came time to do it my flesh wanted not to. I agreed to be a chaperone for a weekend in Indiana with my son’s brass academy band. I didn’t know I would have to share a room with a mom I didn’t know for I prefer my own room, or with someone I know. Also, we had to keep track of the students and keep the peace on the bus all the way there and back. I kept my yes and felt His pleasure serving those around me with any need that would arise. The mom I roomed with happened to be a believer and we talked a lot about the things that mattered (although she liked to turn the news on first thing in the morning and I didn’t tell her to stop. I absolutely hate watching anything on t.v. in the morning. I deeply enjoy and desperately need quiet mornings with Him.)
Good job, Rebecca.
Funny about tv — I feel the same way. If I watch, it is only in the evening and it always seems so bad when people have it on in the day — where did that come from? I am part Pharisee!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Oh wow. I think I must have selectively forgotten that 4th verse of Psalm 15! That is very convicting for me. Other than being married 25+ years I think I struggle with commitments! 😉 Not really, but I do find myself easily wiggling out of things at times, and I’m very good and justifying my reasons…ugh. This is good conviction for me. I smile thinking how the Spirit leads you Dee!
2. Can you think of a promise or a vow you have made? What is it?
I know I have a promise to my husband, and unspoken promise to care for my children. I have a promise to trust in the Lord even when I don’t understand–and yet I know it is He who enables me to keep that.
I don’t see you like that Lizzy — I see you as very faithful!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The comical picture of the man swallowing the camel while straining gnats. It made me smile that Jesus had a sense of humor in making a very important point. The Pharisees were so caught up with the menial things, that they missed the fact of what they were overlooking was causing harm, to them and others. It made me think of the song about the old lady who swallowed a fly. When she swallows the horse…she’s dead of course.
2. Can you think of a promise or a vow you have made? What is it?
Yes. The vow I made to my husband when we got married. This one may seem funny to y’all, but I have made a promise to my hummingbirds that I feed, to take care of them properly. Making sure I don’t use the store bought food, changing their food every two days when the weather is really hot and keeping the feeder clean and free of mold. I continue to do this until they fly south which is usually by the end of this month. If we go out of town, my daughter takes care of them.
Hummingbird promise! Sweet.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why? – “You don’t have appointments, you have commitments.” Referring to keeping an oath I really love this “It’s a high bar, but so pleasing to the Lord when we keep it.” This is something I try hard to do all the time, but fall short at times.
Can you think of a promise or a vow you have made? What is it? – The one that comes first to my mind is the promise I made to my husband when we got married. To be there no matter what. There are times we struggle and I may walk away for a moment, but for me it is better for me to do that, then to start arguing.
3. Read Matthew 5:33-37
A. What was said to the people long ago, according to verse 33? Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your vows to the Lord.’
B. Is it true we should keep any vows or oaths we made before God? (See Eccles. 5:4-7) It sounds as if we are. God seldom asks us to take a vow but it is something that men are prone to do voluntarily and often to their detriment. There are many Scripture references on the importance of what comes out of our mouths.
C. But what does Jesus tell us is at the heart of this command? (Verses 34-37) At the heart of this command is the warning that we are to be people of our word, just as the Lord keeps His word. If we are trustworthy in keeping our promises then there is no reason to add to that. We are to be a covenant keeping people who reflect the nature of our covenant keeping God.
4. What vows have you made before God? Marriage vows, baptism vows, church membership, but what I see more clearly now that any promise I make is a vow before God.
5. Where have you given your word to help with a ministry? I have not lately because I am not in a place to be able to keep that commitment. But, I have served in many capacities in the past – teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, being in the choir, on a pastoral search committee.
3. Read Matthew 5:33-37
A. What was said to the people long ago, according to verse 33? – That it was said “do not break your oaths, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.”
B. Is it true we should keep any vows or oaths we made before God? (See Eccles. 5:4-7) – We need to keep the vows we make to God and to fulfill them right away. If we think we can’t keep a vow it is better to not make a vow at all.
C. But what does Jesus tell us is at the heart of this command? (Verses 34-37) – There is nothing higher than God and we should just let our yes be yes and are no no. Anything past this is from the evil one.
A. M. Hunter says “Oaths arise because men are so often liars.”
4. What vows have you made before God? – I ask the Lord to help me be the Christian that others can see Him through me. I’m not sure if this is really a vow or just me asking for His help. I don’t like be out of his will and I know that am, but it makes me mad at myself when I do get out of his will.
5. Where have you given your word to help with a ministry? – Just recently my husband and I stepped down from being on the First Impression Team after 10 years, which is basically greeting people as they come in and helping them find their way if they are new. We felt we needed a break from it, so I’m eager to see if what we did was wrong. We currently are leaders of a Life Group for the last 4 years and at times I feel inadequate to lead, but our group encourages us to keep going.
I’m sure you were great at greeting, Julie, and it sounds like the group is loving how you lead too!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
That one picture was convicting, the one of the woman showing up late: “Sorry I’m late but I got here as soon as I wanted to.” Ouch. I’m one who tends to run a bit late; not to work, but to social things. Most of the time it is true, that I arrived as soon as I wanted to.
2. Can you think of a promise or a vow you have made? What is it?
I made a vow when I got married, to be faithful, and to love my husband for better or for worse.
3. Read Matthew 5:33-37
A. What was said to the people long ago, according to verse 33?
Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.
B. Is it true we should keep any vows or oaths we made before God? (See Eccles. 5:4-7)
This passage seems to imply that you should. It says that when you make a vow to God, not to delay in keeping it. It says you’re a fool if you don’t. It would be better not to make a vow in the first place than to make one and not fulfill it. Also, don’t offer lame excuses, like your vow was a mistake.
C. But what does Jesus tell us is at the heart of this command? (verses 34-37)
The heart of it is not to lie. We shouldn’t need to make ourselves more believeable by swearing that we will do this or that. In fact, Jesus doesn’t even say that it’s wrong to say “No”; simply let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no.
4. What vows have you made before God?
The only vow I can think of that I truly made before God is my vows to my husband on my wedding day, though I was not a Christian at that time (it still counted).
5. Where have you given your word to help with a ministry?
I haven’t recently, though my Sunday school leader asked it I would be interested in serving on the medical response team at church, but I said no because I was just starting orientation for my new job at the hospital and had to work 3 twelve-hour shifts per week at first. I already felt overwhelmed and is it bad to say that I don’t feel called to serve in this way? I know they sometimes ask for help in the nursery but I don’t especially feel called to do that either. I did recently give my word to make the main dish for my evening Bible study last week as we take turns providing dinner for our group. When I signed up, I knew that I must keep my commitment to follow through.
5. Share a time when you broke your word and felt shame or kept it and felt the pleasure of God.
When my parents were living in their condo and I had a responsibility each week to help, along with my sister, to do cleaning over there. Sometimes I felt like I had too much to do at my own house, but when I went over there anyway and cleaned, I know that I did the right thing.
6. Read Matthew 23:16-17 and explain how the Pharisees tried to manipulate the law about oaths, lessening it and making it easier.
The Pharisees said that it meant nothing to swear by the temple, but if you said I swear by the gold of the temple, then you must keep your oath. Jesus essentially said that is really stupid because it is the temple that makes the gold sacred in the first place.
7. Read Matthew 23:23-24 and explain how the Pharisees tried to manipulate the law about tithing.
The Pharisees dutifully tithed a tenth of their spices but ignored what the law said about practicing justice, mercy and faithfulness. Apparently to them, giving of their spices got them off the hook and they could turn a blind eye to the other matters.
8. How would you summarize the heart of Jesus’ teaching about keeping oaths and our word?
Just cut out all the nonsense. If you really can’t do something, then say no – don’t make the commitment in the first place. Think carefully and consider before you make a promise, and if you do promise, then just do it. Be someone who can be counted on to follow through.
5. Share a time when you broke your word and felt shame or kept it and felt the pleasure of God.
I have been pretty good when it comes to this, as I try so hard not to break my word even when it hurts. The few people who may have been victims of my word breaking would be my mom, husband, and kids. A small scenario would be me and my kids bumping into someone and me talking to that person while my kids were waiting. Sometimes, looking back, I made them wait way too long (in the car, at school). I would say (the next time), “I won’t be long” but then it would happen again. Ugh. Another would be my mom or husband…they would give me a break with our kids and I took advantage of it and stayed longer than I should have wherever I was at the time. I did feel bad afterwards and saw how I was self serving and not thinking of others.
6. Read Matthew 23:16-17 and explain how the Pharisees tried to manipulate the law about oaths, lessening it and making it easier.
I’m not sure I understand these verses…The Message was most clear to me (I read 5 versions). The Pharisees thought it was okay to break a promise but you were not ever allowed to swear upon a Bible. The next verse eludes me…something about the leather on the Bible not carrying the same weight as your hand? I get the leather being less important than your human flesh, however I don’t get it the analogy???
7. Read Matthew 23:23-24 and explain how the Pharisses tried to manipulate the law about tithing.
The Pharisees kept immaculate records with their money, and gave their 10% in tithing, but they were lean on compassion and caring for people as well as condoning justice and having faith.
8. How would you summarize the heart of Jesus’ teaching about keeping oaths and our word?
I guess it is better to not make an oath or promise than to make one and then have to break it.
Excited to see you this weekend in Pennslyvania, Laura!
Same here Dee! Can’t wait <3
3. Read Matthew 5:33-37 A. What was said to the people long ago, according to verse 33?
“Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.”
B. Is it true we should keep any vows or oaths we made before God? (See Eccles. 5:4-7)
Yes. “It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” God is truth. If we break a vow we are showing little regard for truth, and this dishonors Him.
C. But what does Jesus tell us is at the heart of this command? (Verses 34-37)
Do not take oaths at all. Simply be a person of your word–“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’” The need to add an oath to my word, saying “I promise”, implies that in the past I haven’t kept my word and now it needs reinforcing. I’m more careful with this now, but I can hear my kids when they were younger asking–“…do you promise?” They needed assurance we would follow through because there had likely been times we said we would do one thing, and plans changed. Now I use the word “maybe” a lot!
4. What vows have you made before God?
To be faithful to my husband, my family, have integrity in my job.
5. Where have you given your word to help with a ministry?
My husband and I have taught Sunday school more years than we’ve been parents. It’s not always something I want to do, but there is always such a need.
5. Share a time when you broke your word and felt shame or kept it and felt the pleasure of God.
The first year we were married, I was 22, my husband’s boss and wife had invited us for dessert. On the day of, my insecurities set in and I called and said I didn’t feel well and we couldn’t make it. I later heard she was really disappointed. I still feel bad about that one! But I do think it convicted me and changed me.
But I can think of many other times I kept my word when I really didn’t feel like it and was so blessed and assured by Him I did the right thing. All involved being there for someone else, showing up in an area when I said I would, fulfilling a commitment to teach Sunday school when my family had already begun going to our new (current) church…all involve people, and I have always felt His blessing, His pleasure, when I am faithful.
6. Read Matthew 23:16-17 and explain how the Pharisees tried to manipulate the law about oaths, lessening it and making it easier.
They tried to make a distinction that swearing by the temple meant nothing unless you sore by the gold in the temple.
7. Read Matthew 23:23-24 and explain how the Pharisees tried to manipulate the law about tithing.
The Pharisees thought that by tithing perfectly their mint and dill and cumin that was enough–but Jesus points out they miss the most important things of giving justice and mercy and faithfulness.
8. How would you summarize the heart of Jesus’ teaching about keeping oaths and our word?
We are to be people who value truth. Our words should be sincere. If we say we will do something, we are to be faithful to our words. We should also be careful about promises and oaths because we cannot control the future. We’ve mentioned vows to our spouses, so some vows must be right to make? But I think it’s the heart attitude of recognizing our dependence upon the Lord to help us fulfill our vows, and our humility is realizing we cannot control the future. I can vow to be a faithful wife, and ask God to help me. But I cannot promise a day at the lake because I can’t control the weather!
Every plan, is ultimately in His hands. Thinking of James 4:13–“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.””
I’m so impressed you kept your teaching commitment at your old church after you had changed! Blessed are you, Lizzy.
9. What does Leviticus 5:4-5 say?
That if a person thoughtlessly or carelessly makes an oath/promise to do anything, whether that thing is good or evil, and does so not really aware of what he is doing; nevertheless, when he realizes what he has done, he will be guilty of sin. Then, he must confess his sin specifically. (The next verse goes on to say that he must bring from his flock a sin offering) I had not heard about this story of Jepthah. I sure hope he didn’t kill his own daughter. I don’t think that would have pleased God.
10. What are some ways we can guard against our hearts deceitfulness in situations where we are confused?
I would ask myself, does what I want to do line-up with the plumb line of God’s Word, or does it go against or seem to contradict it? It may also be good to seek godly counsel, but I realize that as in the case of the Christian speaker who got a divorce, we can refuse the sound advice of other believers, as well as distort God’s Word to mean what we want it to. We can pray and seek God’s wisdom, but sometimes, even when His Spirit is trying to convict us we are headed the wrong way, we can choose not to listen. Perhaps it is best that as long as we feel confusion, we wait, and do not take any action. God is not a God of confusion, so we need to wait for Him to make it clear to us. In the case of that Christian speaker, I would say that a marriage vow may well have been taken at a time when we were foolish and/or not even a believer, but you don’t look back, you start where you are right now. If at this present time you don’t have grounds for divorce (and maybe you do, if your spouse is, for example physically abusive or unfaithful) then you stay in the marriage. If a person is really a believer though, wouldn’t God eventually get through to you that you are wrong?
So true about our deceitful hearts, Susan, and the wisdom of waiting.
5. Share a time when you broke your word and felt shame or kept it and felt the pleasure of God. – I hate to admit this, but there are times when I am invited to a party and I said I would go, but then don’t feel like it when the times comes and will bow out of it. I feel bad when I do, these are my friends who would probably be there for me if I needed them, but because I am tired or whatever excuse I have, I don’t go and end up feeling bad for doing it.On the other side of this, I have to really watch that my pride doesn’t get in the way when I stick to a promise I made and maybe I really shouldn’t have. Was I doing it to make a point (stubbornness) or was it really what I was supposed to do. I guess I have to dig deep and see if I feel the presence of God in these situations. I know my commitment to lead a life group is one that I feel we are to be doing so we continue to lead the group and when our group meets we have a great discussion all the time. They have become my extended family.
6. Read Matthew 23:16-17 and explain how the Pharisees tried to manipulate the law about oaths, lessening it and making it easier. – The Pharisees were putting more weight on the ‘thing’ that people used when making the promise instead of the words coming out of their mouths. To them it didn’t matter what was being said, it mattered more on where the promise was being said.
7. Read Matthew 23:23-24 and explain how the Pharisses tried to manipulate the law about tithing. – They neglected to see that though tithing and keeping account of finances was important, they lost sight of the other parts of the law, the moral ethics, justice, faithfulness and mercy. These things are just as important to Jesus but they were blinded to them because perhaps to them tithing showed their stability, wealth in life.
8. How would you summarize the heart of Jesus’ teaching about keeping oaths and our word? – What comes out of our mouths is what matters. It doesn’t matter where we are standing, what we are touching, but the spoken word is what matters to Him. What we speak comes from the heart so if an oath, or promise is made, our hearts should want to fulfill it.
Julie – my introverted daughter Anne has a card on her refrig that says, “I”m sorry I can’t come to your party, I already did a party this year.” 🙂
Oh my, I need that sign on my fridge.
9. What does Leviticus 5:4-5 say?
If you make a foolish promise/oath, you need to admit your guilt and confess your sin. Verse 6 though, says you may offer a sacrifice, which is a sin offering, that would cleanse you from your sin.
10. What are some ways we can guard against our hearts deceitfulness in situations where we are confused? (Take time with this.)
Well, when you mentioned the person above who said she could break her wedding vows because she made them when she was young, and then you referred to Jesus and His teaching on divorce, I had to reflect on just what He taught again because I have a pea brain and can’t remember. I went back and quickly saw that it had to do with adultery. So, my point is, you can use your resources (the Bible) to make sure you are on “point.” We need to check ourselves occasionally to make sure we aren’t veering from God’s ideas of how we should run our lives. However, before we can even do that, we have to have an awareness that there even could be a problem. I feel like most of us internally know when we are at a cross roads in making a permanent decision about an important life thing; marriage, divorce, purity, adultery, etc. whether we are Christians or not. It is part of our internal being. It’s at that point that we should stop and check the scripture for guidance.
For example, I have a struggle for knowing whether I should be buried whole or cremated when I die. I need to research the Bible before I make that decision. My mom, a Catholic, would never get cremated because of Catholic ruling of no cremation. Prior to her passing, she had researched and figured out they agreed you could be cremated however you had to have your ashes buried. I’m not Catholic, so I’m interested in what the Bible says about cremation. Anyone know where to go for that guidance? I know the “… ashes to ashes” passage, but are there others?
Laura’s got a good question for my smart women — cremation or burial? Go for it! 🙂 I’m flying to the East where Laura and Jackie are coming to my retreat! I’ll greet them for you!!!
Well I think cremation is ok. We were made from dust and dust we will return right? Ecclesiastes 3.20 says “All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.”
Tell my roommate Laura I said hi and give her a hug for me. So wish I was able to be there this weekend too. Blessings to you Dee.
Hi Laura:
I have been curious about this question as well. There is not specifically any reference for or against cremation so to speak but many scriptures that support the idea of treating the body as holy. I did some searching and found the story in 1 Samuel 31 that talks about King Saul and his son Jonathan being burned and then ha I guess their remains buried. It is clear that in Biblical times that burial was the custom but nowhere is one custom described as right or wrong. Also in those days there were human sacrifices made in which people were burned and that would have had a negative connotation.
I think that God is able to resurrect even our ashes and that whatever is done should be done with dignity and honor to acknowledge that life is holy. I’d be interested to hear…also the from ashes to ashes phrase we all hear is not in the Bible but is a loose interpretation of Genesis 3:19…for dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return and is found in the English Burial Service.
5. Share a time when you broke your word and felt shame or kept it and felt the pleasure of God. The memory of a broken promise that still brings me much shame happened in the 5th grade. A boy I was friends with asked me to go to a Saturday afternoon movie and get my Mom to take us. I said yes but was too embarrassed to mention the boy to my Mom, so I just did something else that day but never called this boy to explain. Either we never spoke of it and were no longer friends or I made up a lame excuse and the friendship ended. We moved away at the end of the school year and I never had a future opportunity to apologize. Steven…I am so sorry!
6. Read Matthew 23:16-17 and explain how the Pharisees tried to manipulate the law about oaths, lessening it and making it easier. These verses remind me of the childhood rules like…if I had my fingers crossed when I made a promise then it wasn’t valid. My brother was in junior high and my Dad had caught him in a lie and said Son, honestly is the best policy to which my brother promptly replied…what’s second best! Just shows the human heart is so deceitful!
7. Read Matthew 23:23-24 and explain how the Pharisses tried to manipulate the law about tithing. I think they thought as long as they were diligent in tithing…they could ignore the more significant things like justice for the widow, mercy for leper and faithfulness to their wives.
8. How would you summarize the heart of Jesus’ teaching about keeping oaths and our word? Your words matter more than you will ever know! Do not speak them hastily. Be a man/woman of your word, even when it is hard. If you make a rash promise that you find you can’t keep, bring it to Me…don’t hide. Make amends when possible.
Steven — I hope you see Lucy’s entry!
Reminded me of when Wayne tried to hold my hand in the movie in sixth grade and I went out to the lobby and called my dad to pick me up. So sorry Wayne!
9. What does Leviticus 5:4-5 say? If a person swears thoughtlessly with an oath and then realizes later how foolish he has been, he can confess that to the Lord and bring a guilt offering and be freed from his sin and not need to fulfill the vow.
10. What are some ways we can guard against our hearts deceitfulness in situations where we are confused. I think that this is one of the primary roles for the Holy Spirit in my life…to help guard my heart. He will bring to my remembrance the Word for such a time as it is needed. Often I recognize the voice of the Lord in an idea that is so contrary to my natural bent that I know it was not my own thought. I also can guard myself against my hearts deceitfulness by being quick to listen and slow to speak…seeking godly counsel when appropriate.
9. What does Leviticus 5:4-5 say? – If we thoughtlessly make an oath and realize afterward how foolish it was, we are to confess in what why we have sinned.
10. What are some ways we can guard against our hearts deceitfulness in situations where we are confused? (Take time with this.) – I think the best thing we can do is not rush in to making any decisions or promises. We need to gather all the facts about the circumstance, or event and bring it to the Lord first in prayer. We then should wait for His answer in what or how we should handle it. We can also dig in to God’s Word to see what it says we should do about things and follow it. The Holy Spirit will guide us in everything we ask, but we need to be open to it and heed warnings if they are given. If we set our sights on everything that is good, we probably won’t have any problems of breaking our promises or oaths, but we have to be aware of what it is we are doing.
11. What reason did Jesus give for not swearing by anything in Matthew 5:34-36?
He says do not swear on heaven or earth because heaven is God’s throne and earth is His footstool. Jerusalem is the city of the great King.
12. When the high priest asked Jesus to swear under oath if he was the Christ, did he respond? See Matthew 26:64.
He throws it back at the high priest saying, “you have said I am…” Then He says that they would see Him come “… seated at the right hand of God.”
13. How will you respond if you face this situation and why?
I will probably succumb to the situation because it is what I am asked to do. I think Jesus would want me to. He did say we should follow the laws we are bound by I believe (”…give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s…”).
11. What reason did Jesus give for not swearing by anything in Matthew 5:34-36?
He says do not swear on heaven or earth because heaven is God’s throne and earth is His footstool. Jerusalem is the city of the great King.
12. When the high priest asked Jesus to swear under oath if he was the Christ, did he respond? See Matthew 26:64.
He throws it back at the high priest saying, “you have said I am…” Then He says that they would see Him come “… seated at the right hand of God.”
13. How will you respond if you face this situation and why?
I will probably succumb to the situation because it is what I am asked to do. I think Jesus would want me to. He did say we should follow the laws we are bound by I believe (”…give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s…”).
Thursday: Should We Refrain from Swearing on a Bible in Court?
11. What reason did Jesus give for not swearing by anything in Matthew 5:34-36? – Because everything around us, that we see or touch is His and we can’t change that. We need to follow our hearts that hopefully are following His Word. Our yes should be yes and our no should be no.
The Anabaptists refused to swear by the Bible, in a desire to obey the above. John Stott said he appreciates their heart, but also gives examples where Jesus submitted to the practices of the court.
12. When the high priest asked Jesus to swear under oath if he was the Christ, did he respond? See Matthew 26:64. – He responded by agreeing with what the high priest said and replied “Yes, it is as you say,”
John Stott said: Jesus emphasized in his teaching that honest men do not need to resort to oaths; it was not that they should refuse to take an oath if required by some external authority to do so.
13. How will you respond if you face this situation and why? – If I ever was asked by an authority figure to take an oath or put my right hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth, I would do as they ask. I believe God would want us to respect the people in those positions since in Romans 13.1-2 it says (1) “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (2) Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Good answer on 13, Julie.
Would appreciate prayer for a retreat I’m giving this weekend in Pennsylvania. My daughter Sally will be with me and Jackie Randall and Laura-Dancer are coming as well!
Dee, I will be praying for your Pennsylvania retreat this weekend!
Thanks so much, Susan!
Have a wonderful time. I’ve started praying for this weekend and for everyone to be moved by the power of God. Wish I could and have made it.
Praying Dee! And so happy you all get to be together! Praying for easy travel for all and for God to bless the techy stuff and especially that His message will pour through you as His vessel and melt hearts for Him!
Thanks so much Julie and Lizzy. It was wonderful to meet Jackie — she’s the best. And Laura amazes me. What energy! I also would be lost technically if she had not come — so that is a real blessing.
I think you are a pretty energetic person Dee! I took a quick lesson from the tech guy here; I can’t take all the credit…we’ll see how it goes today 😉.
14. Share your notes or comments. – Thank you Dee for this study. It broke it down so nicely and to the point it’s understandable. We have to be IN God’s Word all the time and realize everything thing we see or touch is His. We cannot and should not have to swear an oath on anything if people know our word is true. I believe we do have to obey authority as Jesus tells us to, but this study this week brought out the small details that I have easily passed by before.
11. What reason did Jesus give for not swearing by anything in Matthew 5:34-36?
Jesus says don’t swear by heaven because it is God’s throne, or by the earth, because it’s His footstool, or by Jerusalem because it’s the city of the Great King, or even by your own head….He seems to be saying that anything you swear by doesn’t belong to you, so don’t use it as “collateral”.
12. When the high priest asked Jesus to swear under oath if He was the Christ, did He respond? See Matthew 26:64.
Yes, Jesus responded, saying, “Yes, it is as you say.”
13. How will you respond if you face this situation and why?
I hope I never end up in court, but if I ever do, I guess I don’t have a problem with taking an oath to tell the truth. I don’t think I’d argue with the judge and say I’m not doing it. It’s the judge’s courtroom and I am to comply with his rules.
3. Read Matthew 5:33-37.
A. What was said to the people long ago, according to verse 33?basically they were told to keep their promises and not make empty promises.
B. Is it true we should keep any vows or oaths we made before God? Yes it is true that we should keep our vows. As I read I think of many people who make promises to gain for selfishness. They try to think of something they can give to someone in order to manipulate the outcome they desire. People still do this today with each other and also with God.
C. But what does Jesus tell us is at the heart of this command? I think he is saying just be sincere and honest. Back to the people who try to manipulate many are swearing buy things they do not own or have control over but they desire the outcome and so they try to make grand promises to sway the other party. To simply be honest and only do what you intend to do and say so is a heart that cares for people as much as yourself.
4. what vows have you made before God? My marriage vows were before God. I think that my salvation prayer was also a vow before God. There was also a time that I responded at a music concert when the singer asked if we would be willing to go on a mission and to stand if we were then they took those that stood downstairs to learn about going on a mission trip with YWAM. I never went on the trip because the application scared me asking spiritual questions that I thought I would “fail“. I don’t know if that was a vow that I failed to fulfill or not.
5. where have you given your word to help with a ministry? We have given our word to help financially with a couple ministry missionaries. I also have committed to volunteer with my children’s private Christian school. I used to do a lot with church but we just moved and haven’t found a place to “be” yet.
John Stott was a good listen! Here are my take aways…
The drive to the retreat was a beauty yesterday an I got to listen to Stott twice (I thought I had a disagreement with him but when I listened the second time couldn’t resolve it!) Jackie and I had a beautiful two hour hike in the mountains and SO enjoyed each other’s company. So sweet! I’ll post pictures on the FB page.
We should be honest people with integrity, therefore no need for making promises or oaths.
Swearing on a Bible? Some have taken this literally (this is what I disagreed with him about; I just remembered!). Stott says that he agreed with the way the secular British were leaning by making a promise before they testified in court. Should we be using what secularists declare if we are Christians? Or, is it better to go the way of the literal Christians, knowing that Christ allows the oath in certain situations (see below)?
Jesus does make an oath; when the high priest asks him if He is the Messiah.
God intended for us to not make promises or swear because we are humans who can’t be trusted to always fulfill them.
Wouldn’t it be great if Christians were known for their honesty? My word is my bond.
I love his phrase “…an unadorned yes and no should be sufficient.” Yes is yes and no is no!