EXPOSITIONS OF THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT-XVI
“Yes or No”
Matthew 5:33-37                                               September 23, 2007

INTRODUCTION
Once again we read an illustration of Matthew 5:20, that the righteousness of the Christian must exceed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees.  We saw how our Lord applied this in reference to murder, anger, character assassination and the exceeding sinfulness of sin, holiness of life.  Today, we look at the same theme in relationship to oath taking and vow making.
I.  THE SITUATION IN THE LORD JESUS’ DAY
Why is the Lord Jesus so concerned about this matter?  Because one of the most potent means of evangelism is our lifestyle.  We are being watched and everything we do is of tremendous importance.  God’s Word speaks to the smallest areas of our lives.  In Jesus’ day, the practice of “oath taking” was weakening the cause of Truth.  Our Lord is concerned here with telling the truth.
                A)            Frivolous oath taking.
                B)            Evasive swearing.
The truth is important at all times.  Always tell the truth…tell the truth always!
II. TRUTH IS SACRED
I Cor. 14:20.  Our Lord wants us to speak without duplicity and without embellishment.  “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no’.”   Is your “yes” really “yes?”  Is your word reliable?  Do we do what we say we will do?  Can people trust you as a model of integrity?  The Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of Truth.  If the truth is profaned, God’s Name is profaned.  The whole system devised by the Pharisees is based on deceptiveness and dishonesty.  Truth has no shades or degrees.  Psalm 51:6, 119:163, 58:3-4.  Proverbs 6:16-17, 12:12. Jeremiah 9:3.  Revelation 21:8.   God’s ABSOLUTE UNCHANGING standard is truth and sincerity in everything. 
III. EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE
II Cor. 5:10.  “The heart of the [person] who really trusts the Lord will express itself in words that are truthful and edifying.”  Dr. Frank Gabelein. 
Are your words truthful?  Are your words honest?  Do you tell the truth all the time?  Do you always tell the truth?

SOME OF THE RESOURCES USED FOR THIS STUDY:
Dr. Frank Gabelein STUDIES IN JAMES
Willam Barclay Commentary on Matthew’s Gospel.
Sinclair B. Ferguson KINGDOM LIFE IN A FALLEN WORLD
James M. Boice STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
William Hendickson Commentary on Matthew’s Gospel.
John Calvin Commentary on Matthew’s Gospel.

Bishop J.C. Ryle EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON MATTHEW’S GOSPEL