As Christians, there are many things that we should not do; but we also read in the Bible of some things that Christians cannot do. In this article, we will notice four such things that Jesus mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus showed the type of character one must have to be a part of His kingdom. As we go through these, keep in mind that these are things Jesus said we cannot do. Let us not think that we might be the exception or that there is a loophole. Paul said, “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).
We Cannot Be Hidden
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Light dispels darkness. One light can be seen from a great distance. Cities set on hilltops also can be seen from a great distance and were often the first to come under attack in times of war. Jesus said that His followers will stand out.
We are called to be different. This is inherent in our claim of being a Christian. We are to “come out from their midst and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Because we are different – not “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2) – we will stand out. People will be able to “see [our] good works” (Matthew 5:16). Of course, if we engage in sin, that will stand out as well. Many people look for ways they can point out hypocrisy in the lives of Christians. We “cannot be hidden,” so we must demonstrate the life of Christian in all that we do so that we might be able to say, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
We Cannot Change Those Things Which Are Out of Our Control
Jesus said we “cannot make one hair [on our head] white or black” (Matthew 5:36) or “add a single hour to [our] life” (Matthew 6:27). Many things are simply out of our control. So what should we do? Jesus mentioned two things in connection with these verses.
First, we must watch what we say. Jesus condemned making an oath, even swearing “by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black” (Matthew 5:36). Instead, if we mean yes, we should say yes. If we mean no, we should say no. “Anything beyond these is of evil” (Matthew 5:37). Why should we not make an oath? It is because we cannot guarantee our promises. James said we must recognize that our plans will only be carried out “if the Lord wills” (James 4:15). Many things could change our plans. We must not be so arrogant to think we can guarantee anything. Most of the things which impact our lives are out of our control.
Jesus also said, “Do not worry about tomorrow… Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). God has promised to take care of us (Matthew 6:25-33), so “do not be worried about your life” (Matthew 6:25). Jesus said that God provides for the birds of the air. “Are you not worth much more than they?” He showed the futility of worrying about things that are out of our control when He asked, “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27). The answer is that no one can. Therefore, leave those things in the hands of God and focus on the things He has called us to do (earthly responsibilities, spiritual obligations).
We Cannot Serve Two Masters
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). In this verse, Jesus was specifically talking about material possessions. But the principle extends beyond that. God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5). He expects and demands complete devotion and allegiance. We cannot pursue both spiritual and carnal interests.
Despite this warning, some divide their loyalty. They claim allegiance to Christ but try to be loyal to another, just as the brethren in Corinth were saying, “‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ’” (1 Corinthians 1:12). We see this divided loyalty sometimes with colleges and publications run by brethren, as well as with preachers and family members. For a while one may be able to divide his loyalty between Christ and another and it not be evident if that other is in agreement with the word of God. But when conflict arises, it will become evident. Are we loyal to Christ or men? We cannot allow personal relationships to hinder our service to Christ (cf. Matthew 10:34-37; Galatians 2:11-14).
We Cannot Produce Different Fruit
“So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.” “So then, you will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:17-18, 20). Good trees produce good fruit. Bad trees produce bad fruit. They cannot do otherwise.
In this context, Jesus was referring specifically to false teachers (Matthew 7:15-20). If you start with a good seed (the word of God, cf. Luke 8:11), it will yield good fruit. If you start with bad seed (false teaching), it will bring forth bad fruit. If we want to produce Christians and growth among God’s people, we must preach the gospel. We cannot preach a different or perverted gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). We cannot teach the opinions and wisdom of men (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). To do so will produce something other than Christians. We must sow the seed of the gospel.
The principle also extends to our lives as Christians. If we want to do good, we need to have the right seed planted in our hearts. That seed is the word of God (James 1:21). We cannot be obedient to God if we do not know what He wants us to do (Romans 10:13-17). We cannot do right if we do not have the right standard. John wrote, “The one who practices righteousness is righteous” (1 John 3:7). It is in the gospel that “the righteousness of God is revealed” (Romans 1:17). So we must “receive the word implanted” (James 1:21) and allow it to guide our lives.
Conclusion
If would be nice if this list also included “we cannot sin” or “we cannot be lost.” But that is not what the Bible teaches. A Christian can sin and fall from grace (Hebrews 3:12-13; Galatians 5:4). So we must be diligent to remain faithful. Peter did say, “You will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10); but this was a conditional statement dependent upon us practicing “these things,” which are enumerated in the preceding verses – faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love (2 Peter 1:5-7). So let these qualities be “yours and…increasing” (2 Peter 1:8) so that “the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you” (2 Peter 1:11).
