23rd November 2024

23rd November 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (James 5v12)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


What is the most important part of James? Perhaps his teaching on faith and works? Maybe his challenge to the unsaved rich? Is it perchance his call to live for today? Did you know that James says “above all” we are not to swear an oath by heaven or by earth (v12)? Is the most important part of James a refusal to swear any oaths but to let our yes be yes and no be no? Well, no, not quite.


James does indeed use the words “above all” but they should not be seen as the most vital part of his letter but rather a culmination of his teaching on the need for patient endurance as we wait for Christ’s return. To paraphrase the Lord’s brother I might suggest the following “Brothers and sisters, Christ is coming soon so make sure you keep going. Don’t be filled with grumbles but instead set your hope on Christ and finally, whatever else you do, let your words be truthful and straightforward.”


The teaching in verse twelve isn’t the most important point James makes but it should nevertheless be taken incredibly seriously. James says that we are not to swear or take any oath. The Lord Jesus said something very similar in Matthew’s Gospel “Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5v34-37). 


So are all oaths and vows prohibited by Scripture? Not quite. An oath is made when we call upon the Lord to act as a witness to our words. A vow is a promise that we personally make to God. Christ and James outlaw flippant, ill thought out and unserious oaths. For example, some in Christ’s day believed that if you swore without using God’s name then you were under no obligation to keep your promise. In our own day we have heard about wedding vows which were driven by money with no intention to have a long and happy life. Indeed, there have been recent government scandals with our elected representatives proved to be less than trustworthy in their vows.


On the other hand, the Christian’s Words should always be true and their promises should always be serious. If a follower of Christ says “yes” then the promise should be kept. We must flee from sneaky, underhand and duplicitous dealings. If you tell your neighbour that you will do something then make sure you do it.


There will be moments in your life that vows and oaths will be entirely appropriate. We see this in Acts 18v18 where we are told that Paul was under a vow. In the same way when you become a member of your local church you will be asked to make various promises, when you stand on your wedding day you will be asked to make various promises and when you address a court room you will be asked to make various promises. On each occasion let your yes be yes and your no be no. Speak truthfully always. If you call upon God to witness the truth of your words, then let your words be true. If you vow to God that you will do a certain thing, then do it.


I argue that although this teaching isn’t the “above all” of the entire book of James it does flow from the main thrust which is to be doers of the Word. The Gospel transforms our very words and so dear brothers and sisters, let your yes be yes and your no be no.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q43 What is the preface to the ten commandments? The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
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