Adultery

Biblical Church Worship: A Study of the Ten Commandments 

Exodus 20:14
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The Seventh Commandment: You Shall Not Commit Adultery
Reading: Romans 13:8-10; John 8:2-11

You Shall Not Commit Adultery
Our present-day society increasingly dismisses the topic of adultery. More people, both without and within the Church, seemingly accept this behavior as acceptable to God. But we must understand that adultery is never acceptable to God.

Adultery is a breaking of faithfulness. Normally associated with marital infidelity, adultery also occurs when we are faithless to God (Jeremiah 3:6, 8, 9; Isaiah 1:21).

God clearly states His thoughts of faithlessness in His word. He calls it foolish (Proverbs 6:32) and unloving (Romans 13:9). Adultery is a sin (Genesis 39:9; I Corinthians 6:9,10; Hebrews 13:4). But although adultery is abhorrent to God, it is forgivable (John 8:10, 11; I Corinthians 6:9-11).

Jesus tells us that adultery begins within the heart (Matthew 5:27, 28). This is why believers must be careful to guard their hearts against it. We commit unfaithfulness in our hearts when we desire what is unlawful to God and set our hearts upon getting what we should not possess. It begins with a look, which, if not denied, leads to a want. If the desire is not rejected, we develop an intent to get that which God has forbidden. According to Jesus, when we get to this point, we have committed adultery within our heart. If the heart remains unrepentant, logical progression is acting upon that which we desire.

Implication
The battle against unfaithfulness can be won only through Christ. Believers must seek godly things rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:2). Ask the Father to give you a desire for His ways. When your mind takes a turn toward sin, give your thoughts to Christ. Immediately denying your mind to go in the wrong direction keeps you from sin.

If you experience a failure to be faithful to God’s law, change your direction. Confess your failure as sin and turn from it. God, through His Son, forgives and gives mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Do my desires align with God’s desires?
2. Upon what things do I set my heart? ​