The 7th Commandment

The Words of a Covenant

Part 8 - The Seventh Commandment
May 10, 1998

Exodus 20:14

14 "You shall not commit adultery. NKJV

Review and Introduction

There are few topics which are spoken of more frequently in the Scriptures than sexual immorality. Obviously every culture and age of people that have existed have lived with the issues surrounding sexuality and history mostly records the errant, perversions of each culture. Rarely do we read of a culture who remained sexually pure and were admired for such. But each culture thinks that it has more wisdom than the previous cultures who weren’t as enlightened as those of the modern age. Currently we live in a world that is consumed with sexuality and we can see that its wisdom has not been shaped by the Word of God.

Definitions

Generally speaking, the term adultery refers to a sexual activity which is in violation of some existing marriage covenant. Fornication is sexual activity which does not violate a marriage covenant. Both are an abomination to the Lord and notice that the difference between them is the presence or absence of a covenant. In many cases however, both terms are used to refer to a broad range of sexual immorality.

The Basis for the Commandment

With simple words, God has made His will know to us; we are to abstain from sexual immorality. But as His revelation has been made more apparent we are blessed with an greater understanding of the implications of violating such a commandment. Initially, God made it clear in Leviticus 18:20 where we see His wrath poured out upon those who violate His commands. However, later we see in Ephesians 5:32 we learn that the relationship between a husband and wife is a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church. Not only is sexual immorality an abomination to Him it is telling lies about Him.

The Many Faces of Adultery

The first and most obvious manner of adultery is the consummation of sexual activity between one or more people in violation of a marriage covenant. Such behavior was deserving of death and carried the death penalty. Leviticus 20:10
When we worship other Gods and offer our worship which belongs to Him to those which are not God then we have participated in harlotry and this too carried the death penalty. Ezekiel 23:36-37
When we look upon another with lust in our hearts it is to God equal to committing adultery. Matthew 5:28

The Fruit of Adultery

Eternal Destruction - Proverbs 5:1-6

Complete Ruin - Proverbs 6:20-26

Destruction of Reputation - Proverbs 6:32-33

Life Destroyed - Proverbs 7:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

God’s Judgement - Proverbs 22:14, Romans 1:22-32

Fearing Discovery - Job 24:15-17

Is Like a Brute Beast - Proverbs 7:22-23

God is a Witness, A Swift Witness - Jeremiah 29:23; Malachi 3:5

The Temple of the Holy Spirit is Defiled - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

God’s Law Versus Family Values

Unfortunately, the church seems to have bought in to the nonsense about restoring traditional family values. The answer to our condition is not returning to some era where these sins were less obvious. If we stand up for the establishment of some set of values without them being obedience to the law of God and in the context of confession and repentance, then we simply have whitewashed sinners being more careful about their sin.

Marriage is To Be Honored and Kept Pure

It is not enough for us to say that we think that marriage is a good thing. Instead, the way we think about our own marriages and those of our neighbors should reflect a deep reverence and honor for the covenant that God established at the creation. We should take steps not to tempt ourselves and others to violate these covenants and there should not even be the hint of immorality in our midst. (Ephesians 5:3)
We must be careful to demonstrate honor for marriage and to keep the bed undefiled. (Hebrews 13:4) This is done by loving, faithful rendering by each wife to husband and husband to wife of the affections and blessings of the covenant. Doing so is a great protection for both and for those in the body. We must not defile marriage with our speech through course talk, vulgarity or flippancy.