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MATTHEW 5:33-37

TAKING OATHS

With complex problems of modern day is study on oaths worthwhile.

Many of the problems of the day caused by the fact a man's word cannot be trusted.

I. WHAT PHARISEES TAUGHT - "THOU SHALT NOT FORSWEAR THYSELF."
        A. Obvious reference to third commandment, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
           thy God in vain."
                1. Deut. "Thou shalt fear the Lord they God and serve Him, and shalt swear by
                   His name."
        B. The main thing is not to commit perjury.
                1. Take many oaths, but don't be guilty of perjury.
                2. Swear by the temple (not binding..
                        Swear by the gold in the temple (binding..
                3. Swear by the altar (not binding..
                        Swear by the gift on altar (binding..

II. WHAT THE LORD TAUGHT.
        A. First what He didn't teach.
                1. Never to take oath "Swear not at all."
                        a. Friends refuse.
                2. High priest to Christ "I adjure thee by the Living God."
                3. Paul "God as my witness."
                4. God could swear by no higher. (Heb.
        B. Oaths are for solemn occasions.
                1. Not to be given lightly.
                2. Not to swear by any creature or created being.
                3. If we are to take an oath it is before God.
                        a. God is guardian of all truth.
                        b. God is revenger of all lies.
        C. Our words should always be good.
                1. We are not to lie.
                2. We are not to make false promises.
                        a. Let your yea be yea.
                                Let your nay be nay.