Integrity Matters

Sermon by Pastor Steve Hopkins for the service of September 11, 2016

 


Scripture: 33″Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made’. 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5: 33-37, NIV)

  1. Dishonesty as a Violation of the Law
    • Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth. (Deuteronomy 23:23, NIV)
    • You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7, NIV)
    • The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalm 24:1, NLT)
    • But above all, my brothers, do no swear, either by heaven or by earth by any oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. (James 5:12, NASB)
  2. The Conflict – Integrity v. Control
    • Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! (Proverbs 12:20, NLT)
    • Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good. (Titus 1:15-16, NLT)
    • A Case Study – Acts 5:1-11
  3. Jesus is Truth
    • Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 4:16, NRSV)
    • Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. (Psalm 15:1-2, NLT)
    • Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8, NIV)
  4. A Word of Grace
    1. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NIV)
    2. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast from me your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. (Psalm 51:10-12, NLT)
  5. Transformation Questions
    1. How do I understand dishonesty and oath-taking to violate God’s Holy Law?
    2. How can I best live out this Kingdom reality everyday? Do I understand why it is important?

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