Integrity and Speech

The Sermon on the Mount would certainly be one of the most familiar teachings of Jesus. It is often referred to in various literary writings and political speeches, and those who embrace religions other than Christianity frequently quote it. I would even assume that that when an unbeliever decides to read his Bible, he probably turns to Matthew’s Gospel, and before too long he is reading the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount opens with the “beatitudes” which give the key to understanding the sermon. These beatitudes describe the very likeness of Jesus Christ Himself as the necessary qualities required of all who are members of the Kingdom of God. These qualities do not cause salvation, but are the evidence of salvation once accomplished.
We are again examining the words of Jesus when he says, “You have heard it said… but I say unto you...” We previously examined anger and murder, lust and adultery, and divorce and remarriage. Tonight we examine the topic of integrity and speech. Society today suffers generally, and profoundly, due to its cavalier attitude towards honesty in speech and commitment to promises and vows. Indeed, the church itself is not immune to this failure. We must listen carefully to the words of Jesus, and heed them, if we desire not to be embarrassed at our appearance before Him.
A course notebook for this series is available at a nominal charge, on request.