Women of Grace 2007/2008

The Sermon on the Mount: Being Women of the Kingdom
Homework for Lesson Ten
Vows

Read & memorize Matthew 5:33-37

1. (a) What requirements are given in the Law regarding vows or oaths?
Leviticus 19:12

Numbers 30:2

Deuteronomy 23:21-23

(b) What are the common sins in these verses?

2. (a) According to Matthew 5:34-36 and 23:16-22, how had the scribes and Pharisees changed the Law?

(b) How did these changes give them license to lie?

3. (a) Why were vows and oaths taken, according to Hebrews 6:16?

(b) Who gave the vows in the following verses, and what was the purpose of each?
Genesis 24:1-9

I Samuel 20:12-17

Matthew 26:62-64

4. (a) What, and to whom, has God vowed?

Genesis 22:16-18

Psalm 89:3-4

Jeremiah 11:3-5

James 1:12

I John 2:25

(b) Why can we rely on the truth of God's promises to us?
I Kings 8:56

Titus 1:2

Hebrews 6:17-18

5. What does God expect of His children in regard to their speech?
Psalm 24:3-4

Psalm 51:6

Zechariah 8:16-17

Ephesians 4:25

(b) In what ways are oaths and promises disregarded in our age and culture?

(c) Do Jesus' words in Matthew 5:34-37 mean that we should never take an oath? In what circumstances would an oath be appropriate? (See also James 5:12)

6. What characteristic(s) of a kingdom citizen found in the Beatitudes would result in truthful speech?

7. In what situations do you find it easy to compromise being a woman of your word?

8. How truthful are you? How have you been challenged this week? Pray with your partner about specific changes you want to make.