Oaths, Love, and Retaliation

Text: Matthew 5:33-48

1. The Law in 3 Parts

• Ceremonial Law
• Civil Law
• Moral Law

2.  Contemporary Contexts and Universal Principal

• Much of Jesus' teachings here reveal how the Pharisees often failed to consider the context of Scripture, which led to their failure to focus on the deeper moral and universal principles of the Law. We must seek to avoid committing the same mistake.

3.  Greater Righteousness Confronts Lying

• Surface Issue: False Oaths
• Root Issue: Honesty and Integrity

• We should strive to live a life marked by full fidelity to words we speak. Simple truth is the surest way to meet that aim.

• Matthew 12:35-37
• Matthew 21:28-32

4. Greater Righteousness Confronts Unforgiveness

• Surface Issue: Retaliation
• Root Issue: Unforgiveness

• If grace is how we are saved, should we not extend grace as it has been extended to us?

• Romans 12:17-21
• 1 Peter 1:23

   5.  Greater Righteousness Confronts Hatred

• Surface Issue: Enemies
• Root Issue: Hatred

• Love, a commanded verb, is our hallmark as disciples of Jesus Christ.

• 1 John 4: 7-11

   6. Success is Faithfulness

• Do we trust God…

• To accomplish His will when we speak simple truth, even when we are doubted?
• To trust that God will enact righteous justice and mercy in a way and at a time that is far more perfect than our minds can fathom?
• To affirm our obedience to love, even in the face of hatred, with confidence
• in a proper reward at the end of time?