THE GOSPEL: Watch Our Mouth, and Responses!

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronony 5:11)

"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool [Isaiah 66:1-2]; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King [Psalm 48:2]. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black [Matthew 10:30]. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. [James 5:12] (Matthew 5:33-37)  Many of us do this or hear other people do it, and don't even realize how wrong it is because it's so common in our society that we've become desensitized to it.  But "when you know better, do better"!

From this day forward, let's remove the following phrases from our vocabulary, and by our example, hopefully others will be convicted to do the same: "God dxxx!"; "I swear to God!"; "I swear on my mother's grave!"; "I promise you, I will do...!"; etc.  Just let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’  ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:11-12) “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. (Numbers 30:1-2) Now by this we know that we know Him [Christ Jesus], if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. (I John 2:3-5)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. [Exodus 21:21-27; Leviticus 24:19-20; Deuteronomy 19:21]’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic [shirt], let him have your cloak [coat] also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 6:29) Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. (Luke 6:30-31) Ok, Jesus doesn't expect us to allow ourselves to be taken advantage of or stand still while we're getting beat up!  If we refer to the Old Testament references, the Old Testament scripture is referencing how God instructed the children of Isreal to resolve civil disputes.  The resolutions were very harsh and very severe, so that  ...the rest of the people will hear about it and be afraid to do such an evil thing[s]. (Deuteronomy 19:20)

We must remember Christ Jesus is the New Testament, the New Covenant (see HEBREWS: The New Covenant) For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant... I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. (Hebrews 8:7-10) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (II Corinthians 3:5-6) We are to obey the laws, and if the laws of the land determine the proper punishment for a crime is as severe as the Old Testament laws defined, then Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Romans 13:1) But if we have a dispute amongst ourselves, or if someone has taken advantage of us, don't seek revenge or to get back what they have taken, for we have a Heavenly Father, Who promises, Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.’  (Deuteronomy 32:35) We are just to "let go, and let God", and then be careful to make wiser decisions in the future!

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (Matthew 5:43) “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:27-28, 32-36; Matthew 5:44-48; see Dealing With "Haters")  Throughout this lesson, Jesus is teaching us to think and behave differently.  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5) “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9)

When we became Christians, accepting Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we became ...a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (II Corinthians 5:17) Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

For in so doing you will

heap coals of fire on his head.”[Proverbs 25:21-22]

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good! (Romans 12:9-21)

 

The lessons of Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount"! Refer to the previous lessons, to study the entire sermon in context:The "Beattitudes" Lesson!; "Salt & Light" Lesson!; Importance of The Commandments!; "You Shall Not Murder" Lesson!; "You Shall Not Commit Adultery" Lesson!; 'Til Divorce Do Us Part?; Watch Our Mouth, and Responses!; Don't Be A Hypocrite, A Show-off!; God and His Kingdom First!; Don't Judge; Be An Example!; Follow The Leader!; Not Just Hearers, but Doers Also!