Matthew 5:33
Jesus teaches that we should not swear oaths, but rather speak the truth always, and that a legalistic attitude towards oaths can lead to trouble and dishonesty.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of our speech and the proper understanding of oaths in light of Christ's teachings. He contrasts the legalistic interpretations of the Pharisees with the true spirit of the law, highlighting how they manipulated oaths to create loopholes while neglecting the essence of honesty and integrity. Smith points out that while oaths were once necessary, Jesus calls for a higher standard of truthfulness in our everyday conversations, urging believers to speak truthfully without the need for oaths. He warns against the chaos that arises from dishonesty and the trivialization of oaths in modern society, advocating for a return to genuine communication rooted in faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls for Christians to embody truthfulness in all aspects of life, reflecting the character of Christ.
Text
"TAKING OATHS"
Intro: Is it profitable for us in this modern world with its vast problems to be concerned
with our speech? To Christian everything is important because of what he is. Various
details of life laid down in epistles. Eph., "Lie not one to another, speak the truth
always."
I. CONTRAST OF INTERPRETATION OF MOSAIC LAW WITH CHRIST. TEACHING.
A. "Thou hast heard that it hath been said by them of old time," "Thou shalt not
forswear thyself but shalt perform unto the Lord thy oaths."
1. Exact words not found in Old Testament.
2. Implied in 3rd commandment, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord Thy
God in vain."
a. Deut. 6:13.
b. Lev. 19:12.
II. WHAT THE LAW TAUGHT.
A. Place bridle on man's proneness to lie.
1. Life becoming chaotic, could not rely on people's word.
B. Restrict oath, taking too serious and important matters.
1. Taking oaths on trivial and unimportant matters.
2. Normal conversations.
III. TEACHING OF PHARISEES AND SCRIBES.
A. Attitude legalistic - more interested in letter than Spirit.
B. So term and phrase law as to leave many loopholes.
1. Their only interest was in the committing of perjury.
C. Legalism still with us.
1. Attitude of Roman church on divorce.
a. Not really married of God.
b. No real marriage had taken place.
D. We isolate certain things and say, "to do that is sin and as long as you are not
doing it, all is well."
1. Modern view of holiness.
2. To go to a show is worldly, as long as you don't do this you're all right.
a. Watch on T.V. OK.
b. Nothing at all about pride, lust of flesh, lust of eye, etc.,
criticism, back-biting, isolate and confine to one matter only.
E. Pharisees reduced whole great issue to one phase only, perjury.
1. You could swear or take oath at any time.
2. Some oaths binding, some not.
a. Temple - no.
b. Gold in Temple - yes.
c. Altar - no.
d. Gift on altar - yes.
Ill. CHRIST TEACHING (READ).
A. Neg. situation such as Quakers refuse to take oath in court. Pledge to flag.
1. In Old Testament, God laid down laws as to how and when oaths should be
taken.
a. Abraham extracted oath from servant.
b. Jacob from Joseph, Joseph from brethren.
2. Matthew 26:63, Jesus on trial, "held His peace."
a. High Priest, "I adjure by the living God.
b. Jesus then spoke.
3. Practice of Apostles.
a. Romans 1, "I call God is my witness."
b. Il Cor. 1:23.
c. Heb. 6:16, God swore by himself.
B. Positive.
1. Using sacred titles in cursing.
2. Should swear by name of God Himself.
a. What is heaven or earth or creatures?
3. Should not use oaths in ordinary conversations.
4. Look at world today, much trouble from this.
a. Treaties are worthless.
b. Increase of divorce and infidelity.
Sermon Outline
- Contrast of Interpretation of Mosaic Law with Christ's Teaching
- II points: - What the Law Taught - Restrict Oath, Taking Too Serious and Important Matters
- III points: - Teaching of Pharisees and Scribes - Legalism Still with Us
Key Quotes
“Thou shalt not forswear thyself but shalt perform unto the Lord thy oaths.” — Chuck Smith
“Using sacred titles in cursing is not right, we should swear by the name of God Himself.” — Chuck Smith
“We isolate certain things and say, 'to do that is sin and as long as you are not doing it, all is well.'” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should strive to speak the truth always, rather than relying on oaths to guarantee our honesty.
- A legalistic attitude towards oaths can lead to trouble and dishonesty, and we should avoid isolating certain things as 'sin' while ignoring other issues.
- We should be mindful of how we use sacred titles and language, and avoid using them in a way that is not respectful or reverent.