March 4, 2018 – James 5:12 – Pastor Zeke Mack

Calling us to be “People of our Word”, Pastor Zeke spoke this morning on how “We as Christians must be known for our integrity.”

Click here to download the MP3.

Main Points & Outline

1. Warnings from Biblical History (Matthew 5:33)
   1. Numbers 30:2
   2. Case Studies
      1. Joshua 9
      2. Judges 11:29-40
      3. 1 Samuel: Saul’s frequent misuse of “As the Lord lives”
      4. Matthew 14:6-12
2. Christ is the Source of our Integrity (Matthew 5:34-36, James 5:12)
   1. We can’t sweat by anything that God does not have authority over
3. Practical Steps to Pursue Everyday Integrity (Matthew 5:37, James 5:12)
   1. Analyze what you say
      1. Do you intend to keep those things? (e.g. I’ll pray for you)
      2. Have you thought through the promise
   2. Realize God’s power
      1. Do you have the power to keep your promise?
      2. Have you asked God to help you keep your promise?
   3. Pursue humility and forgiveness
      1. We won’t be able to live perfectly, but we can ask God to forgive us and empower us to live more upright lives.

Scripture: James 5:12

¹² 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. (ESV)