Topic: Only The Truth [DCLM Daily Manna 30 August 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES by Pastor Kumuyi

Text: Matthew 5:33-37 (KJV)

33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Key Verse: “But let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37).

MESSAGE:

Lying and swearing are twin brothers. Some people are habitual liars and in an attempt to press their point home, they swear profusely even when no one contests what they are saying. There are some people in the neighbourhood or in the office who when they say “good morning”, you may need to check the time whether it is morning indeed as they are known never to say the truth. They are habitual deceivers. They go to the extent of swearing with the name of God and even cursing. This is a characteristic of the unregenerate.

Also Read: Open Heaven 30 August 2019 – The Power of the Tongue

The text of today deals with two distinct matters; the basic concept about oath and the broadened connotation of oath. The opening verse says that “You must carry out the vows you have made to the Lord” while Jesus in the concluding verse says, “don’t swear”. Simple “yes” or “no” should suffice. One of the characteristics of a child of God is the love to always say the truth. Christ admonishes the New Testament believers not to swear at all with anything on earth or in heaven. We should simply say the truth. If you tell the truth, there is no point swearing.

A child of God may however make pledges to give God something or do something for Him. The important guiding principle is that such a believer should ensure he or she carries out the pledges. Else, it becomes a sin.

The point being stressed in this passage is that believers should not tell lies directly or indirectly. Neither should any attempt be made to cover any lies with swearing. If you are a profuse or instinctive liar, then you need to visit Calvary for regeneration by confessing your sins and making Christ your Lord and Saviour and you will be delivered.

Thought For The Day: Swearing increases the penalty for lying.

The Bible In One Year: Psalm 61–67

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.