Blessed are the Truthful: The Power of Words

Series: God’s Plan for a Blessed Life (Sermon 6)

Bible Passage: Matthew 5:33–37

Summary: In this passage, Jesus expounds on the ninth commandment of the Ten Commandments, “You shall not lie.” Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of honesty and integrity in speech, emphasizing that our words should be straightforward and truthful without the need for oaths. People must take oaths because people lie and deceive daily. Nothing is higher than the Truth, and can stand on its own, so we need not swear. Jesus is the ultimate truth. He told his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). When we do not tell the truth, or when we take an oath, we are denying the ultimate truth we have in Jesus Christ. Telling the truth and living the truth daily will bring us a blessed life.

Big Idea: Christ calls us to speak the truth in love and live by the truth that comes through a relationship with the Father through Christ.

1. Speak Sincerely: The Foundation of Truth

Matthew 5:33

Explanation: Jesus addresses the prevalent Jewish practice of swearing oaths and he ties it to the commandment against lying. The Jewish leaders had different levels of oath-taking, as if there are different levels of honesty.

Application: Our truthfulness and integrity should not rely on the external circumstances or people’s affirmations, but should flow naturally from our Christ-like integrity. God calls on us to be truth-bearers, where every word is true and constructive.

2. Stop Swearing: Purify Your Speech

Matthew 5:34-35

Explanation: Jesus explains that we should not swear on anything in heaven or earth, because they will all pass away. Consequently, Jesus is urging us to avoid manipulative speech and twisting the truth to our advantage. Swearing on earthly objects reflects a double-minded heart, whereas Jesus desires in us an undivided allegiance and purity in communication.

Application: Reflect seriously on your own speech patterns. Self-evaluate how you can purify your language so that your 'yes' is 'yes' and 'no' is 'no.' Trust in truth’s authority to endure and weigh your words more carefully.

3. Surrender to God’s Sovereignty: Trust in Christ as the Truth

Matthew 5:36

Explanation: Jesus instructs us not to swear the hairs on your head, because it has no power or control. To base the truth on personal power or control is denying the sovereignty or control of God. Our limitations point us to Christ's sufficiency. We must rely on God to protect us and prove us correct.

Application: We must recognize that God alone can empowers our words with integrity. Acknowledge your dependency on Christ, and align your words with Christ’s divine truth. That will foster power in your words, case people to trust you, and increase your credibility.

4. Simplify Your Speech: Stop Talking so Much

Matthew 5:37

Explanation: Consider concluding with Jesus' command to let 'yes' be 'yes' and 'no' be 'no,' reiterating the power of simple, truthful communication. This point serves as a challenge for believers to practice integrity in every conversation, knowing it's a reflection of Christ's character.

English Standard Version Chapter 10

When words are many, transgression is not lacking,

but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Application: Encourage the audience to be known for honesty, thus making their lives a testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel. This resolution empowers Christians to be agents of truth in a society plagued by deceit and confusion.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation (

English Standard Version Chapter 29

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man?

Challenge: Your words have weight, either to build things up or tear things down. Even more, the words you speak will reflect the condition of your heart. So uphold the truth daily, speak less and listen more, and foster truth and communication in your relationships. Are you a person of integrity? Do you speak the truth in love. Does your audience know you as an honest person?

Teaching: This sermon teaches that God wants us to be people of integrity. Our words must be reliable and binding . We represent Christ every time we open our mouths to speak the truth. We should reflect Christ in our words and moral character in a world filled with lies and untruths.

This passage points to Christ: Jesus embodies the ultimate truth (John 14:6). His emphasis on integrity and truthfulness echoes God’s character. Jesus fulfills obligations of the law and the prophets by bringing to us a deeper understanding of what it means to live truthfully and authentically.