What does "You shall not commit adultery" teach about marital faithfulness? The Command in Context “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) • One of the Ten Commandments, given by God to safeguard the holiness of marriage and the stability of society. • Expressed in the negative to forbid all sexual intimacy outside the covenant bond of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Defining Adultery • Any physical or emotional sexual union in which at least one participant is married to someone else (Leviticus 20:10). • Includes secret flirtations, pornography, and lustful fantasies—Jesus identifies these heart-level sins as adultery’s root (Matthew 5:27-28). God’s Design for Marriage • Marriage is a lifelong, exclusive covenant reflecting Christ’s union with His church (Ephesians 5:31-32). • It is founded on: – Covenant loyalty (Malachi 2:14) – One-flesh intimacy (Genesis 2:24) – Mutual love and honor (1 Peter 3:7). • Faithfulness preserves a couple’s testimony and nurtures children in security (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Heart-Level Faithfulness • Jesus pierces beyond outward actions to inward desires (Matthew 5:28). • The command calls believers to guard: – Eyes (Job 31:1) – Thoughts (Philippians 4:8) – Affections (Colossians 3:2). • Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); He empowers genuine purity, not mere rule-keeping. Protecting the Covenant • Nurture oneness through regular communication, forgiveness, and shared worship (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). • Rejoice in God-given intimacy within marriage (Proverbs 5:18-19). • Set practical boundaries: – Transparent technology use – Accountability friendships – Avoidance of tempting situations (1 Corinthians 6:18). Consequences of Adultery • Spiritual: Fellowship with God disrupted (Isaiah 59:2). • Relational: Trust shattered, families wounded (Proverbs 6:32-33). • Social: Community testimony damaged (2 Samuel 12:14). • Eternal: Unrepentant adulterers exclude themselves from God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10), though sincere repentance receives full pardon (1 John 1:9). Living Out Faithfulness Today • Cherish God’s Word as your standard (Psalm 119:9). • Cultivate gratitude for your spouse (Ephesians 5:20). • Pray together, inviting God to be the center of your union (Ecclesiastes 4:12). • Remember that marriage pictures the gospel—Christ will never betray His bride (Hebrews 13:5). Scriptures for Further Meditation • Psalm 51 |
    |