Ten

Here is a link to last week’s series, Ten.

You shall not commit adultery.

Exodus 20:14 (NASB)

Near the end of today’s study, you will see the kindness of Jesus on full display in the story of a woman whose secret was out. And yet, she had broken God’s own moral law.

Let His compassion stir your heart as we study the commandment about the sin of adultery.

God’s commands are meant to lead lost people to recognize their sin and be saved by the grace of Jesus, and they are a guide for believers to lead lives set apart from the world.

Many times, when people break God’s commands, innocent people are harmed, too. Even if the guilty person really doesn’t intend to harm innocent people, adultery does cause cruel harm to others.

The devastation of this selfish sin can have a lifelong impact, especially when young children live in the homes of the unfaithful parents. The devastation is felt by everyone who is close to the guilty people.

But as we have learned from God’s word, adultery is primarily a rejection of God’s perfect plan for men and women. Therefore, it is a rejection of God, until a person confesses their sin and turns completely away from that sin.

So, what is God’s perfect plan (Gen2:24-25). One man and one woman in a committed relationship of fidelity.

And let’s be clear about adultery. It is not just about having other sexual relationships in spite of the promise made to your husband or wife.

The Bible is clear.  

“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Matthew 5:28

Certainly, this verse is not just for men. This verse also applies to married women. You have committed adultery if you have longed for another person physically or emotionally in your heart and you are married, even if you have abstained from sexual relations outside of marriage.

When you are married and have a deeply personal relationship exclusive of your spouse, to meet an intellectual, emotional, or psychological need, it is a betrayal of trust that can lead to the temptation of adultery.

Of course that does not mean friendships with others is sinful. But those friendships should never share any measure of marital intimacy with another.

A believer can recognize wrongdoing through guilt, which is the tug of the Spirit. And yet believers aren’t called to live in guilt. We are called to walk in the freedom provided by grace. (Romans 6:1 & 2)

The difference between the sense of guilt from the Spirit is that the Spirit does not tear believers down, (2 Corinthians 7:10) like the burden of guilt imposed upon us by Satan. (Revelation 12:10; 1 Peter 5:8)

Insisting on remaining in sin and guilt is an abuse of God’s grace. If you can remain in that state without remorse, then you may have a more serious problem. You may need to verify your faith. (1 John 3:4-9)

If you have something in your past that you and the Lord need to deal with, why wait? The moment you bring that burden to Jesus He will forgive, and He is the Master who loves to restore His children. (1 John 1:9-10)

Also, remember that believers who have mercifully not fallen to the sin of adultery must guard against the hypocrisy of judgement when other professing believers are caught in this sin.

To raise a disdainful eyebrow at any other person is wicked. We all stand equally guilty at the cross. None of us have a thing to offer except empty, black hearts.

Think about the woman that the Pharisees caught in adultery. Those wicked men were ready to stone her to death. But have you ever wondered how many of them had secrets with her? Jesus knew every one of their vile hearts. Nothing was hidden from His view.

Why not click the link and read this story again. John 8:1-11

Now here is the best part of our lesson for today. There is forgiveness and redemption for anyone who would just ask.

Below are two passages that will encourage all of us.

 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”

John 14:15-16 & 21

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what the hope of His calling is, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 1:18

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.