God’s Word speaks clearly of the deep joy and satisfaction of sex in marriage. It also warns of the shame and emptiness of sex outside of marriage. A cartoon offered an insightful commentary on our times: Moses had returned from Sinai where he received the commandments. He said to the people, “I’ve got good news and bad news. First, the good news…. I talked Him down from 20 to 10. The bad news is He won’t budge on number 7 [you shall not commit adultery].”
God limits the gift of sex to marriage for our benefit. But our 21st century culture has difficulty with His limits. In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, “We grow up surrounded by propaganda in favor of unchastity. There are people who want to keep our sex instinct inflamed in order to make money out of us. Because, of course, a man with an obsession is a man who has very little sales resistance.” But there are some very good reasons that breaking the 7th commandment constitutes sin….
Adultery is a sin because it defies God. After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, he recognized his failure. Restored to his senses, he confessed to God, “Against you, and you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” [Psalm 51:4] When Joseph refused to be seduced by Potiphar’s wife, he said, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” [Genesis 39:9]
Adultery destroys families. God designed the family – He is committed to it. Adultery destroys the unique and sacred quality that is the basis for the family
Adultery defiles the marriage. God established the standard for marriage. “Male and female He created them” and ordained that “a man leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh.” This love relationship represents a oneness that is more than sexual. It is the physical expression of a spiritual and emotional union. Adultery defiles that union. Sex outside of marriage is never right, nor can God bless it. The Bible says, “A man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. But blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away.” [Proverbs 6: 32-33]
Pray with me…. Father, You are the Creator. You are Sovereign in all the universe and on earth. We have seen, both in the past and in the present, that Your Word is true and that it works when applied to life. Life in the Son is life indeed, life abundant, life eternal. We trust and have experience that your way is narrow and straight, but that it leads to eternal peace and joy that actually begin on earth when we are wise enough to conform our lives to your truth. In the name of Him who is the Truth…. Jesus…. we pray, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
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