Sermon Notes For 2025
Please see "Archived Wednesday Sermon Notes" for previous topics - Thank you!
For 1-22-25 Part 1. For The Gospel Of Matthew 5: Vs. 31 & 32, For This Is Our 6th Unique Separate Challenging Topic That Can Be Life-Changing, But You It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus, The Messiah King Really Is!
Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, today with God’s help lets continue with this important section here in The Gospel of Matthew 5: Vs. 31 & 32 and this will be our 6th Unique Separate Challenging Topic That Can Be Life-Changing, Which Will Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus, The Messiah King Really Is!
Now, let’s notice Matthew 5: 31 Furthermore it has been said whoever divorces his wife, let them give her a certificate of divorce. 32 But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife or spouse for any reason, except for sexual immorality causes him or her to commit adultery; and whoever marries them who is divorced commits adultery. (Stop here)
Now, today with God’s help, let’s begin to address this important matter challenging section here in The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5, verses 31&32, which also connects us back to Matthew Chapter 5 and verses 27&28 regarding the matter of adultery.
Remember Matthew 5: 27 Our Lord Jesus is speaking, You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery. 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Now, let’s notice again Matthew 5:31. Furthermore it has been said whoever divorces his wife, let them give her a certificate of divorce. (Stop here)
First, What is a Certificate? A Certificate is an official or legal document that provides proof that something is true. Or that provides proof that someone has done something. Or that provides proof that someone has change something.
Here are some examples of different types of certificates. •Birth certificates, Death certificates, and Marriage certificates.•Educational certificates: Documents that certify that a person has completed a course or training program. •Stock certificates: Documents that verify ownership of a company's stock.•Certificates of incorporation: Documents that certify that a company has been registered. •Professional certificates: Documents that certify that a person has completed a professional training program. •Divorce Certificate. A divorce certificate is an official document that provides basic information about a divorce such as the names of the parties involved and the date and location of the divorce and it is issued by a State's vital records office.
What's included in a divorce certificate? Full names of both parties, including any former names. Date and location of the divorce. Official government seal to ensure authenticity
What's a divorce certificate used for? Changing your name. Remarrying. Legal documentation and proof of divorce for settling legal or financial matters.
Now, here are some things that we should know that the Bible teaches regarding the matter of divorce.
Now, see Leviticus 21:7. They (the Priest) shall not take a wife who is a harlot. Or a defiled woman. Nor shall they the Priest take a woman divorced from her husband. For or because the Priest is holy unto his God.
Now, see Malachi 2: 11 Judah has dealt treacherously and an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned The Lord's Holy institution which He loves. Judah has married the daughter of a foreign god. 14. Yet, you say for what reason? Because The Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth with whom you have dealt treacherously. Yet, she, the wife of your youth is your companion and your wife by Covenant. 16 For The Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce. For it covers one's garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. Therefore, take heed to your spirit that you do not deal treacherously.
Now, see Matthew 1: 18 Now, the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed engaged to Joseph, and before they came together to consummate their marriage. Mary was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her engaged husband, being a just man, and he not wanting to make her a public example. Joseph was mindful to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream saying, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
(Note) The Gospel of John 8:41. Jesus is speaking you do the deeds of your father! (Note vs. 44) Then they the Pharisees said unto Jesus, We were not born of fornication; we have one Father God!
Now, see The Gospel of John 4:6 Now Jacob's well was there, so being wearied from His journey Jesus sat thus by the well, it was about the sixth hour or noontime. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water and our Lord Jesus said unto her, Give Me a drink. 15 The woman said unto Jesus, Sir give me this water that I may not thirst, Nor come here to draw water again.
16 But Jesus said unto her Go and call your husband and return here. 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. And Our Lord Jesus said unto her You have well said or said correctly, truthfully, I have no husband! 18 for you have had five husbands, Which implies the many times that she divorced and remarried again! Then our Lord Jesus said unto her, and the one whom you are now with is-not your husband, (Note) instead they were cohabitating! 28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"
Now, see 1 Corinthians 7: 7 *For I would that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Now, see Philippians 3: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Now, see 1 Corinthians 9: 1 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord,and Cephas?
Now, see 1st Corinthians 7: 10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. 12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.
Sermon Notes For 2-5-25 Part 3 For The Gospel Of Matthew 5: Vs. 31 & 32, For This Is Our 6th Unique Separate Challenging Topic That Can Be Life-Changing, But It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus, The Messiah King Really Is!
Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5. Now today, with God’s help let’s continue with this most important section revealed here in The Gospel Of Matthew 5: Vs. 31&32 Which Is Also Our (6th) Unique Separate Challenging Topic That Can Be Life-Changing, Which Will Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus, The Messiah King Really Is!
Now, let’s notice Matthew 5: 31 Furthermore it has been said whoever divorces his wife, let them give her a certificate of divorce. 32 But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife or spouse for any reason, Except for sexual immorality causes him or her to commit adultery; and whoever marries them who is divorced commits adultery. (Stop here)
Now, let’s notice again Matthew 5:32. But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife or spouse for any reason, except for sexual immorality causes him or her to commit adultery; and whoever marries them who is divorced commits adultery. (Stop here)
But is Adultery according to the Bible? According To The Bible Adultery Is, Unfaithfulness Or Infidelity. According To The Bible Is Adultery Is the breaking of a covenant. Or Being uncommitted Or easily to stray, no loyalty. And in some cases, Adultery is a form of Idolatry, The placing of someone or something as a replacement for another to whom you are supposed to be committed unto.
Now, let’s see Matthew 19: 3 The Pharisees also came unto Jesus testing Him, and saying unto Him, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, the Pharisees Have you not read, that He (God) who made them human beings at the beginning, made them male and female, (Genesis 1: 26&27.) 5 And God said for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate. 7 Then the Pharisees said unto Jesus, Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce and to put her away? (Stop here)
Now See Lets Deuteronomy 24:1 When a man takes a wife and marries her, but then it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, (Stop here)The word ‘uncleanness’ can mean, the nakedness of a thing, indecency, or improper behavior.
There were 2 major schools of thought regarding divorce around the Gospel and New Testament Periods.
One well known Rabbi named Hillel believed that divorce was permitted for any reason whatsoever including finding another woman more attractive than his own wife! Or for any frivolous matters that displeases him, She served him a bad meal. Or She walked around in public without her head being covered.
However, another well- known Rabbi named (Bet Shammai. He Believed that Deuteronomy 24: 1-4 was intended to limit a husband's right to divorce his wife only for a matter of immorality or infidelity.
Now, let’s see again Deuteronomy 24: 1 When a man takes a wife and marries her, but then it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, and puts it into her hand and he sends her out of his house, 2 and when she has departed from his house and she goes and becomes another man's wife! 3 But then her new husband also detests her, now he writes her another certificate of divorce, puts it into her hands and sends her out of his house! Or if this second husband dies who had taken her as his wife. 4 Then she returns back to her first husband who had originally divorced her, but he must not take her back to be his wife again! Because she has been defiled, for that is an abomination before The Lord. And you shall not bring sin upon the land which The Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.
Now, let’s notice again Matthew 19: 7 Then the Pharisees said unto Jesus. Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away? 8 And our Lord Jesus said unto the Pharisees, because of the hardness of your hearts, Moses permitted not commanded you to divorce your wives. But from the beginning it was not so, or to be this way! 9 For I say unto you whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.
Remember Matthew 5: 32. But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife or spouse for any reason, except for sexual immorality causes him or her to commit adultery; and whoever marries them who is divorced commits adultery. (Stop Here)
Now, this would be known as, Wrongful Divorce Adultery! And Wrongful Divorce adultery is when someone wrongfully divorces their spouse in most cases to pursue another relationship with a different person.
Sermon Notes For 2-12-25 Part 4 For The Gospel Of Matthew 5: Vs. 31 & 32, For This Is Our (6th) Unique Separate Challenging Topic That Can Be Life-Changing, (But) It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus, The Messiah King Really Is!
Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, today with God’s help, lets finish up with this most important section revealed here in The Gospel of Matthew 5: Vs. 31&32 which is also our 6th Unique Separate Challenging Topic That Can Be Life-Changing, Which Will Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus, The Messiah King Really Is!
Now, let’s notice Matthew 5:
31 Furthermore it has been said whoever divorces his wife, let them give her a certificate of divorce.
32 But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife or spouse for any reason, except for sexual immorality causes him or her to commit adultery; and whoever marries them who is divorced commits adultery. (Stop here)
Now, notice the phrase, “Except for Sexual Immorality or Fornication.”
(Question) are there biblical exceptions that one may have to consider when it comes to divorce?
Well, notice again, the phrase in Matthew 5: 32, “Except for Sexual Immorality Or Fornication.”
Now, let’s see Leviticus 20:
10 The man who commits adultery with another man's wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.
11 The man who lies with his father's wife has uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.
12 If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death. They have committed perversion. Their blood shall be upon them.
13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.
14 If a man marries a woman and her mother, it is wickedness. They shall be burned with fire, both he and they, that there may be no wickedness among you.
15 If a man mates with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal.
16 If a woman approaches any animal and mates with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood is upon them.
17 If a man takes his sister, his father's daughter or his mother's daughter, and sees her nakedness and she sees his nakedness, it is a wicked thing. And they shall be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered his sister's nakedness. He shall bear his guilt.
18 If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has exposed her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from their people.
19 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister nor of your father's sister, for that would uncover his near of kin. They shall bear their guilt.
20 If a man lies with his uncle's wife, he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness. They shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
21 If a man takes his brother's wife it is an unclean thing. He has uncovered his brother's nakedness. They shall be childless.
Now, let’s go back to Matthew 5:32. But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife or spouse for any reason, except for sexual immorality causes him or her to commit adultery; and whoever marries them who is divorced commits adultery. (Stop here)
(Question) are there any other biblical exceptions that one may have to consider when it comes to divorce?
Yes, see 1st Corinthians 7:
10 Now, to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: **A wife is not to depart (divorce from) her husband. (See Vs.11C)
11 However, if she or he departs they initiate the divorce or they abandon the relationship with their spouse. Let him or her remain unmarried or Let him or her be reconciled unto their spouse. (Note) Unless that spouse has moved on and remarried. **And a husband is not to divorce his wife.
15 But if the Unbeliever departs, divorces their spouse, then let him or her depart or initiate
the divorce. But a brother or a sister in Christ they are not under bondage or under an obligation to keep the marriage together in such a case. But God has called us to peace.
12 But unto the rest I say not the Lord, If any brother has a wife who does not believe, but she is willing to live with him, then let him not divorce her.
13 And if a woman who has a husband who does not believe, but he is willing to live with her, then let her not divorce him. (WHY)
14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, And the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean but now they are holy. (Stop here)
Now, let’s go back to Matthew 5:32. But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife
or spouse for any reason, except for sexual immorality causes him or her to commit adultery;
and whoever marries them who is divorced commits adultery. (Stop here)
(Question) are there any other biblical exceptions that one may have to consider when it comes to divorce?
Well, this next area is controversial and questionable among many believers within the body of Christ, because the Scriptures really don’t say specifically what to do in this case. And that is when it comes to the matter of “Domestic Abuse.” •Physical Abuse. •Sexual Abuse. •Psychological Abuse.
Now, let’s go back to Matthew 5:
31 Furthermore, it has been said whoever divorces his wife, let them give her a certificate of divorce.
32 But I say unto you, that whoever divorces his wife or spouse for any reason, Except for sexual immorality causes him or her to commit adultery; and whoever marries them who is divorced commits adultery. (Stop here)
(Question) Is divorce a sin according to the bible? Yes, in most cases.
However, remember, there are a couple of exceptions where it may be necessary to initiating a divorce and according to the Bible and that person has not sinned. But, in most cases divorce a sin according to the Bible and here is why?
Let’s see Ecclesiastes 5:
4 When you make a vow unto God, do not delay to pay or perform it! For The Lord has no pleasure in fools, pay or perform what you have vowed!
5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay or perform it.
6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin! Nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error or mistake.
Why then should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?
Quote James 4:17. Therefore, to him or her who knows to do good or what is right, but they do not do it, to them it is sin!
And finally, can the sin of an Unbiblical divorce be forgiven by God?
Only when a person or persons were involved in initiating and finalizing an unbiblical divorce,
are willing to confess or agree with God what He says about this type of sin they have committed. And have repented had a change in their attitude, their mind or thinking even their direction about such matters.
See 1st John 1:
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Sermon Notes For 2-19-25 Part 1 Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, here in The Gospel of Matthew The Gospel of Matthew 5 will be considering another important section revealed here in vs. 33 thru 37, is our 7th Unique Separate Challenging
Topic That Can Be Life-Changing, But It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus, The Messiah King Really Is!
But first, let’s notice again Matthew 5:
20 For I say unto you, that unless your righteousness exceeds, goes beyond the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees. Or, the Council Members of the Sanhedrin. Or, the group known as the Sadducees (Matt. 16: 1) and finally, and that of the two High Priest, Caiaphas and Annas.
Unless your righteousness exceeds their self-righteousness, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Now, from this point our Lord Jesus exposes the hypocrisy and a spiritual credibility gap that was in existence throughout the Religious Jewish Leadership of that time.
For example, one of the first spiritual credibility gap that our Lord Jesus exposes began here in,
*21 You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.
22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, You fool! shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
Now, the next Spiritual Credibility Gap that our Lord Jesus exposes is here in,
*27 You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery.
28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
Still another spiritual credibility gap that our Lord Jesus exposes is here in,
*31 Furthermore, it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.
32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
And starting today, here is another spiritual credibility gap that our Lord Jesus exposes which begins here in,
*33 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.
34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne;
35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.
37 But let your yes be yes, and your no, no. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. (Stop Here)
So again, our Lord Jesus exposes the hypocrisy and a spiritual credibility gap that was in existence throughout the Religious Jewish Leadership of that day. But what do I mean when I say that there was then and there is now among God’s people, a credibility gap!
So, what does the word “Credibility” mean?
“Credibility” is the fact that someone or something can be believed or trusted.
“Credibility” can mean, that the quality that somebody or something has that which helps people to believe or trust them. Like, truthfulness, Integrity, reliability, sincerity, authenticity.
On the other hand, a credibility gap implies that something is missing or has been left out, there is a gap! A credibility gap implies there is a lack of trust.
There is a lack of believability. In other words, There are situations in which the things that someone says are-not believed or trusted because of the difference between what is said, and what seems to be true!
Now, see Matthew 23:
15 Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, And when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
16 Woe unto you blind guides who say Whoever swears by the temple, It is nothing, not Binding. However, you say whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it!
17 You fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
18 Now you also say, whoever swears by The Altar it is nothing, not Binding.
However you say, whoever swears by The Gift that is upon The altar, he is obliged to perform it!
19 You Fools and blind leaders, For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift.
20 Therefore, he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things upon it.
21 And He who swears by the temple, swears by the temple and by (Him) God who dwells in it.
22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who Sits upon it.
Now, notice the words swears by, this was normally done by take an oath or by make a vow!
(Note) There is a distinct difference, however, between an oath and a vow!
A vow is merely a personal promise, whereas an oath is a promise made before some institutional authority.
In taking an oath, a person not only assumes an obligation but also becomes liable to prosecution; the state and society have an interest in his act.
Oaths serve as objective guarantees of what is promised. Swearing to tell the truth, one guarantees that what one says is true. The difference between an oath and a vow is somewhat technical.
Vows refer to an object a person prohibits something to themselves for example wine or sex.
The vow refers to the thing. But an oath refers to the person, a person swears an oath to perform an action or swears that something is true. The oath pertains to the person.
Here is a very good article to consider.
Vows and oaths are solemn promises or commitments made before God or others, often invoking divine witness. In biblical terms, a vow is a voluntary promise made to God, while
an oath is a solemn declaration, often made in the presence of others, affirming the truth of a statement or the fulfillment of a promise.
Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, vows and oaths are significant aspects of religious and social life. They are seen as binding and sacred, requiring careful consideration before being made.
Numbers 30:2 states, If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised."
This underscores the seriousness with which vows and oaths were regarded.
The Nazarite vow, as described in Numbers 6, is a notable example of a vow involving a commitment to abstain from wine, avoid contact with the dead, and not cut one's hair, all as acts of dedication to God.
Similarly, Hannah's vow in 1 Samuel 1:11, where she promises to dedicate her son to the Lord if He grants her a child, illustrates the personal and heartfelt nature of vows.
Oaths, on the other hand, were often used to affirm truthfulness or commitment in legal and personal matters. Leviticus 19:12 warns You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
This highlights the importance of integrity and the divine witness invoked in oaths.
New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of vows and oaths in the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:33-37 records His teaching: Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.
But I tell you not to swear 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. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one."
Jesus emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity without the need for additional oaths, suggesting that one's word should be sufficient. This teaching reflects a shift from the Old Testament practice, focusing on the heart's sincerity rather than external affirmations.
Theological Implications: Vows and oaths in the Bible highlight the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and the seriousness of commitments made before God. They serve as reminders of the believer's accountability to God and the community. The biblical narrative encourages careful consideration before making vows or oaths, recognizing the weight of one's words and promises.
Practical Application: For believers today, the biblical teachings on vows and oaths call for a life of integrity and honesty. While formal vows and oaths may not be as prevalent, the principles of truthfulness and commitment remain central to Christian conduct. Believers are encouraged to let their words reflect their faith and to fulfill their promises, recognizing that their ultimate accountability is to God.
So, then starting today here is another spiritual credibility gap that our Lord Jesus exposes Which Begins here in, Matthew 5: 33. Again, you have heard that it was said by those of old times, You shall not swear falsely but shall perform your Oaths unto The Lord. (Stop here)
At first glance there appears that there is no problem here! The Scribes and the Pharisees at that time were saying, “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your Oaths unto The Lord! “
But remember, Matthew 23:
16 Woe unto you blind guides who say, Whoever swears by the temple, It is nothing, not Binding. However, you say whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it!
17 You fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
18 Now you also say, whoever swears by The Altar it is nothing, not Binding. However you say, whoever swears by The Gift that is upon The altar, he is obliged to perform it!
19 You Fools and blind leaders, For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift.
20 Therefore he who [swears by] the altar, swears by it and by all things upon it.
21 And He who swears by the temple, swears by the temple and by (Him) God who dwells in it.
22 And he who [swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who Sits upon it.
Listen, using the phrase, I swear to God may be right or wrong depending on the context.
In a court of law, those called to the witness stand traditionally place a hand on a Bible and swear before God to tell the truth.
In such an instance, the holiness and power of God are called as a witness to the proceedings.
The invocation of God’s Word is meant to make the one testifying soberly aware of God’s presence, as God’s honor and righteousness are held up as a standard.
However, in other cases, I swear to God” is used as a tagline or in jest, and the character of God is never even considered. This is wrong. It is similar to the flippant “Oh, my God!” that is so common today.
One of the first commandments God gave to mankind is this: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
There are many ways we take God’s name in vain. One way is to use God’s name as a swear word or for emphasis (“God, no, I won’t do that!”). Such expressions are disrespectful and indicate that the speaker has little awareness of the One whose name he uses so carelessly.
Likewise, we should not invoke God’s name at the end of outrageous statements, as though tossing God’s name into the mix makes our words trustworthy. Saying things like “It was the biggest fish in the lake! I swear to God!” is a flippant use of God’s name.
We should avoid saying I swear to God” in such contexts, as well as similar expressions such as “God’s honest truth” or “God as my witness.”
Jesus directly taught on this subject: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, do not swear 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. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No ,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:33–37).
Basically, Jesus says that if you say something, people should be able to assume that it’s true, without the addition of various oaths.
All you need to say is “yes” or “no.” Your word should be good. There’s no need to swear on this or that, and there’s certainly no reason to “swear to God” in our conversations.
There is nothing in Scripture that prohibits us from taking formal oaths, making solemn promises, or signing contracts. Using the words I swear to God in such solemnities is proper and acceptable.
We are never discouraged from making careful, thought-out promises such as wedding vows.
Let them praise your great and awesome name he is holy (Psalm 99:3).
God’s name is to be praised, not used as an exclamation or an afterthought. If we swear to God,
it should only be in the context of making a formal vow, as we treat His name with all the reverence and honor He deserves (Hebrews 12:28–29).
Now, let’s see Matthew 26:
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, You also were with Jesus of Galilee.
70 But Peter denied it before them all, saying, I do not know what you are saying.
71 And when Peter had gone out to the gate way, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.
72 But again Peter denied with an oath, I do not know this Man!
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, Surely you also are one of them for your speech betrays you.
74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, I do not know this Man! Immediately a rooster crowed.
Actually, from The Amplified Bible Matthew 26:74 says, Then Peter began to curse (that is to invoke God’s judgment upon himself) and he swear or swore an oath saying, I do not know this man! And at that moment a rooster crowed.