Following the Call
Kingdom Commands
Truthfulness
Pages 123-128
Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 (NIV) When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore, fear God.
Matthew 23:16-22 (NIV) “Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gift on the altar is bound by that oath.’ You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, anyone who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And anyone who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And anyone who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.”
Ephesians 4:25 (NIV) Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
James 5:12 (NIV) Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise, you will be condemned.
Does Jesus’ teaching against swearing oaths apply to Christians today?
When you speak, do you always mean what you say and say what you mean? Is it ever OK not to?
Can people trust you? What establishes and builds trust?