How does "You shall not commit adultery" apply to modern Christian marriages today? Setting the Word in Context - Exodus 20:14: “You shall not commit adultery.” - Spoken by God at Sinai, this command is as binding today as when first engraved in stone. - Adultery violates the covenant relationship established by God between husband and wife and assaults His holy character, for marriage mirrors His faithful love (Ephesians 5:25-32). God’s Design for Marriage - Genesis 2:24: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” - One man, one woman, one lifetime—marriage is created as an exclusive, lifelong, one-flesh union. - Hebrews 13:4 underscores the honor God gives this covenant: “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” What Counts as Adultery Today? - Physical sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse. - Emotional affairs—deep, intimate sharing meant for a spouse that crosses the line of healthy friendship. - Pornography and lustful viewing: Jesus raises the bar in Matthew 5:27-28: “Anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” - Digital infidelity: sexting, secret messaging, romantic social-media connections. - Covert financial or personal alliances that undermine marital trust. Guarding the Covenant in Daily Life - Flee Temptation (1 Corinthians 6:18): “Flee from sexual immorality.” • Avoid compromising environments. • Set electronic safeguards and transparent passwords. - Invest Intentionally • Schedule regular, distraction-free time together. • Cultivate shared worship, prayer, and Scripture reading. - Speak Openly • Confess struggles before they grow roots. • Maintain honest communication about expectations and needs. - Cherish Exclusively • Proverbs 5:18: “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.” • Celebrate anniversaries, affirm affection, guard healthy intimacy. Faithfulness Beyond the Bedroom - Covenant Loyalty (Malachi 2:14-15): God Himself is “witness” to the vows—so betrayal is never private. - Financial Integrity • Joint stewardship reflects the unity of “one flesh.” - Spiritual Unity • Pray for and with each other; worship side by side. - Public Respect • Speak well of your spouse in every setting; never entertain ridicule or flirtation. Healing and Restoration - Confession and Repentance • Psalm 51 models genuine sorrow; forgiveness begins with owning sin. - Forgiveness and Grace • Colossians 3:13: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” - Accountability • Trusted mentors or counselors help rebuild trust. - Ongoing Renewal • Ephesians 5:26-27 describes Christ washing His Bride with the word—couples grow stronger when they immerse their marriage in Scripture and mutual service. |
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