“THE LAW AND OATHS”

Sermon Application Questions

1. We see in our text that as with anger (5:21-26), lust (5:27-30), and divorce (5:31-32), the scribes and Pharisees once again distort the holy teaching of the Mosaic law regarding oaths and vows as a cloak to cover their sin.  How did their oath-taking give them cover for deceit and falsehood?
2. Does Jesus prohibit all forms of oath taking in (5:34)?
3. Look up the following verses and list those who made oaths or who swore by an oath under the New Covenant:

Matt. 26:63-64     ____________________________________

2 Cor. 1:23            ____________________________________

Heb. 6:13-14,17 ____________________________________

4. Since oath-taking is proper and good under certain situations what is the main point Jesus is seeking to make when He says, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’”? 
5. Why is lying and deception such a serious offense to God? Consider the following verses in your answer: (Gen. 3:1-5; 1 Tim. 2:14; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8).
6. In Pastor Flip’s book, Five Half-Truths: Addressing The Most Common Misconceptions of Christianity he writes, “Today’s dishonesty is delivered in an assortment of shapes and sizes.” Using the 5 "shapes and sizes" of lies provided in his book, discuss specific ways in which we may lie…

- Truth Stretched! (Exaggeration)

- A Promise Broken!

- Plagiarism!

- A Fib! (A little white lie)

- A Bold-Faced Lie!