Words To Live by
What Jesus Says About Integrity
Matthew 5:33-37
Words to Live By
What Jesus says about Integrity
Matthew 5:33-37
“You have heard it said…But I say to you, do not…”
(1) Do Not … does not mean, you cannot
(See v33) (See 2 Corinthians 1:18, Galatians 1:20, Matthew 26:63)
Deuteronomy 23:21, “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin.”
Takeaway: Passionately Pursue Authenticity
(2) Do Not … means ‘be not’ (deceitful)
(See v34) (All words matter: See Colossians 3:8, James 3:10, Ephesians 5:4, Exodus 20:7)
Matthew 12:36 (ESV), Jesus said… “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak…”
Psalm 141:3, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.”
Psalm 39:1, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth…”
Takeaway: Ruthlessly Eradicate Duplicity
(3) Do Not … means Be Different
Matthew 12:34 “…whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
Takeaway: Every day, Live with Integrity
See 1 Peter 3:8-12
Series Information
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus announces his purpose regarding the Law. He did not come to erase or minimize the law of Moses, but rather to fulfill it. He then makes a series of “you have heard” statements. He addresses the common teaching around anger, integrity, and love in these statements, but then shows how each of these should be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ words are to be the foundation of how we live as believers. In our world, the common understanding of anger, integrity, and love are centered around what is best for “self.” What would it be like if believers lived according to Jesus words? “But I say…” These are words to live by.