Matthew 5:33-37 What Jesus Said About Swearing

 

Introduction:  In explaining His attitude toward the Law Jesus said that he had not come to destroy the Law, but rather to fulfill it.  The implication is that He had come to fulfill it without any change.  But, in fulfilling the Law Jesus fulfilled the spirit of the Law, which was more strict than the letter of the Law.

 

I.  The definition of the word, swear.  (Three definitions)

            A.  It means to call upon God to attest to the truth of a statement.

                        1.  Example: “I swear by the God of heaven this is so.”

                        2.  In reality one is calling upon God to severely punish him if he tells not the truth.

                        3.  Example: “I swear to God and hope to die.”

                        4.  If he does not die, this is supposed to give evidence that he told the truth.

            B.  Another meaning is to call upon God to attest the truth of a vow to do a certain thing.

            C.  A third is to curse or use profanity.

 

II.  The Biblical use of the word, swear.  (Two definitions)

            A.  The word is never used in the sense of profanity.

            B.  The Law never authorized swearing in general conversation, but only in certain legal and

                        religious situations.

                        1.  (Legal) Where there was no witness or proof, the defendant was to swear to the

                                    truth and the court was to accept this as the truth, Exodus 22:10-11

                        2.  The individual was to vow certain services to God. Numbers 30:2

            C.  In either case he was not to swear falsely, Leviticus 19:12.

 

III.  Jesus’ explanation of the spirit of the Law.

            A.  Jesus explained that the letter of the Law did permit swearing, but forbid false swearing, verse 33.

            B.  But Jesus explained that the Christian should not swear at all, verse 34a.

            C.  He condemned the practice of the Pharisees, verses 34-36.

                        1.  The Pharisees believed that to swear by anything other than God gave them a loophole

                                    and did not obligate them to tell the truth or keep the vow.

                        2.  Jesus pointed out that to swear by heaven, etc. is the same as swearing by the Lord Himself.

            D.  The Christian is to simply either affirm or deny without swearing, verse 37.

                        (He is to so practice telling the truth that he will not need to swear in order to convince others

                        that he speaks the truth).

 

IV.  Lessons from the Law on swearing.

            A.  God holds men responsible for telling the truth.

                        1.  This is so in legal matters, religious matter, in personal and private matters, and in

                                    ordinary conversation.

                        2.  One does not have to appeal to God to punish him for not telling the truth. 

                                    (God punishes for all sin including the lie).

            B.  God listens in on all that is said and sees all that is done.

                        1.  Men shall give account for every idle word.

                        2.  They shall give account for every deed done.

            C.  God holds men responsible even for what they fail to do.

                        1.  God holds them responsible for doing the things they have promised men and God.

                        2.  But even if they had not promised, if it is something they should do, He holds them

                                    responsible.  (Church attendance, Bible study, etc.).

            D.  God looks at the heart.  (Men are dependent on what they see you do or hear you say,

                        but God tries the thoughts and intents of the heart).

 

 

Conclusion:       1.  Get your heart right with God.

                        2.  Get your church life in line with God’s will.

                        3.  Get your conversation in line with His will.

                        4.  Keep your promises and fulfill your obligations to God and man.

                        5.  Do not swear at all, just tell the truth.  Tell the truth habitually.

 

Preached at Pleasant Hill 6-27-82 A.M.