Matthew 5:33-37
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Big Idea: Jesus calls his followers to keep their promises.

Exodus 20:7
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

Misusing the name of God happens when we ascribe God’s glory to something undeserving.

Misusing the name of God happens when we make promises to God and don’t keep them.

Deuteronomy 32:21-23
“If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.”

Vows were voluntary commitments that were made to help people be more devoted to the Lord.

We have the option to enter a vow, but once we commit it is no longer optional.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
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.

Our commitments matter.

We do not have the authority to make any kind of vows on things that don’t belong to us.

Matthew 5:34-37
“But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

A vow is a weak substitute for integrity.

Followers of Jesus should be the most reliable people.

Sometimes we have to say no to good things, so we can say yes to the best thing.

Next Step: I will practice saying no.
Next Step: I will keep my commitments.
Next Step: Start following Jesus
Next Step: Memorize Matthew 5:37

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