CHRIST’ EXPOSITION OF THE LAW
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
PART IV OATH TAKING
Matthew 5:33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them
of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt
perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
5:34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for
it is God’s throne:5:35Nor by the earth; for it is
his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is
the city of the great King.
5:36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head,
because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
5:37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for
whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
I MOSAIC COVENANT LAW = OUTWARD DEMAND
Matthew 5:33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them
of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt
perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
A. IRREVERENCE FOR GOD’ NAME FORBIDDEN
EX. 20:7;
B. OATH TAKING PERMITTED
LEV.19:7; ISA. 45:23; 2CO. 1:23
C. PENALTY FOR FALSE SWEARING
DEUT. 5:11; 23:21 ZECH. 5:3-4; MAL.3:5
D. EXAMPLES OF RASH OATH TAKING
JU. 11:29-40; MK.6:23-26
II MESSIANIC COVENANT LAW = INWARD INTENTION
Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all;
A. SWEARING OATHS UNREALISTIC
1. NOT BY HEAVEN
Matthew 5:34 …..neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Rev. 4:2
2. NOT BY EARTH
Matthew 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool Ps.24:4
3. NOT BY JERUSALEM
…….neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King PS. 46:4; 48:4
4. NOT BY OUR HEAD
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou
canst not make one hair white or black. GE. 2:7
B. OATHS WERE USED TO CIRCUMVENT THE LAW
MK.7:10-11; MT.23:16-22
C. A CHRISTIANS SPEECH IS TRUTH
Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay:
for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil Ephes.
4:25; Col. 3:9; Col. 4:6; James 5:12;