Carefully Think
- Read Matthew 5:33-37. Summarize in one sentence what Jesus’ main point is.
- How does this passage relate to what Jesus said in 5:17-20?
- What are the similarities and differences between this passage and the previous sections (anger: 5:21-26; lust: 5:27-30; divorce: 5:31-32)?
- Read through the following OT passages: Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23. What background to the give to what Jesus says in Matthew 5:33-37?
- In what ways does Jesus define “do not take an oath at all” in 5:34-36? What does this suggest about the nature of an oath or what is involved in the kind of oath Jesus is referring to?
- Why does Jesus indicate that one should not take an oath and call heaven, hearth, Jerusalem, or your own head to account for the oath? What is Jesus’ point in bringing up these examples?
- Instead of taking an oath, what is the primary focus of a righteous person?
Prayerfully Meditate
- Why does Jesus attack giving oaths? Does this include taking an oath in a court room or for those who serve political office? Why or why not?
- In the course of daily living, why would an oath be necessary?
- What are the greatest challenges to honesty? When are you most tempted to lie? Why are we often tempted to hedge the truth in what we say we will do?
- What would it take for you to be able to live in such a way that your “yes” or “no,” is believably sufficient?
Intentionally Act
- As you think about the way you approach your own personal commitments, what needs to change in your speech and in your heart so that 5:37 is the primary characteristic of your life?
- Do you need to correct any situations in which you have created an untruthful atmosphere? With whom? How can you begin to pray about that/those situation(s)? How should you approach changing it?
- Are you misrepresenting truth in anyway with anyone at work, in your financial life, with neighbors, or family members? Why? How could you pursue what is honest? What would it cost you? What would keep you from pursuing truthfulness?
- Pray for those leading the service this Sunday: Dawson Bryant, music; Sam Karl, Elder’s prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching. Pray all who are involved in serving will be edifying.
- Pray for those who do not know Christ, that their hearts will be convicted of sin and see the magnificence of Christ in salvation.
- Meditate on the songs we will be singing on Sunday and pray through them and how they will encourage us in greater affection for Christ.
Sunday’s Songs
Sing to the King
