Jesus People it’s about…

what if there was a life available to us that looks much different than what most of us experience, but is exactly what God made us for, and exactly what our hearts long for? what if this life is not a life that constrains and restricts, but a life that is itself truly life – life outside the box

the high call of the new covenant “I can guarantee that unless you live a life that has God’s approval [righteousness] and do it more faithfully than the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20, GW)

essence of true righteousness God never intended us to just “obey the rules;” He wanted us to be like him. He intended us to value what He values.

THE LIFE-GIVING POWER OF A PROMISE life outside the box

top ten things we say that we don’t really mean…

i’d love to 10

anytime 9

i’ll get back with you 8

i’ve been meaning to call you 7

how’s it goin’? 6

that’s interesting 5

i don’t care 4

i’ve always wanted to… 3

whatever u pick is fine 2

I don’t care where we eat 1

THINK TWICE, COMMIT ONCE The Life-Giving Power of a Promise

Matthew 5:33, (NLT) ““You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the L ORD.’”

Deuteronomy 23:21, (NLT) ““When you make a vow to the L ORD your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the L ORD your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin.”

Vows/Oaths in Scripture Abraham with His Servant, (Gn 24:2) God with Israel, (Dt. 29:10) Nazirite Vow, (Nu. 6:1ff) David – an Act of Worship, (Ps. 65:1) Paul, (Rom. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:23)

Power of Our Vows Establish Lasting Relationship Create Trust Provide Safety Encourage Follow Through Reveal Character

God Takes Your Vows Seriously “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5, NLT)

CLOSE THE LOOPHOLES The Life-Giving Power of a Promise

Matthew 5:34–36, (NLT) “But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.”

Oath Breaking Chokes Out Life “They spout empty words and make covenants they don’t intend to keep. So injustice springs up among them like poisonous weeds in a farmer’s field.” (Hosea 10:4, NLT)

Malachi 2:13–14, (NLT) “Here is another thing you do. You cover the L ORD ’s altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn’t accept them with pleasure. You cry out, “Why doesn’t the L ORD accept my worship?”

Malachi 2:13–14, (NLT) “I’ll tell you why! Because the L ORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.”

Jesus’ Context Invoking God’s Name = God is Witness Mishnah, Shevuot – Swearing “by” Jerusalem or “toward”

James 5:12, (NLT) “But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.”

Applying the Third Command ““You must not misuse the name of the L ORD your God. The L ORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.” (Exodus 20:7, NLT)

Practical Application Embrace the Spirit of the Command Stop Playing Word Games Close the Loopholes in Your Character Don’t Pull the “God Told Me” Card

KEEP IT SIMPLE The Life-Giving Power of a Promise

Matthew 5:37, (NLT) “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”

no fellowship without truth “There is no truth towards Jesus without truth towards man. Untruthfulness destroys fellowship, but truth cuts false fellowship to pieces and establishes genuine brotherhood.” (The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (Proverbs 10:19, NLT)

Practical Steps Don’t Fall into the “Justify Trap” Don’t Defend Yourself Learn to Say Nothing Be Okay Hearing “Yes” and “No”