20 August 2023 (am) – Matthew 5:33-37
 | Andy Bruins preaching from Matthew on Sunday 20th August 2023. |
Continuing His application of the Law, Jesus moves on to the issue of truthfulness. He takes on the teaching of the day, (gleaned from the books of Moses) regarding the making of oaths. The Rabbis of Jesus day argued back and forth about when an oath was binding and when it was not! Jesus will not allow such games to be played in His Kingdom!
Q What are some of the “white lies” that people think are not that serious?
Q Read v33-36. Was there anything wrong with what they had heard (v33)? What do you think Jesus means when He tells them not to swear at all (v34)?
Q Do you think the first disciples thought this was an absolute prohibition? (look up Hebrews 6:13, Acts 18:18 and Romans 1:9-10).
Q What was wrong with the way that the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law were using oaths? Read Matthew 23:16-22 and compare it with v34-36 here.
Q What is the true purpose of an oath? See Hebrews 6:13-20.
Q Read v37. What is the principle that disciples are to live by? Why is this a very serious issue?
Q What kind of situations tempt us to lie? How can we guard our hearts against deceit?
