The sin of adultery, in all of its various forms, has now become widespread, reaching from the highest echelons of society to the lowest on the totem pole, from presidents, to priests, Hollywood stars, clergy, bishops, and laity, to the regular man, and woman, teenager, and child. When you have a ninety-year old in in a wheelchair committing adultery, then we may be certain that the problem has metastasized out of control. In addition, the plague is a symptom of the last days, and is a sure sign that our cup of iniquity is almost full.
After The Spirit of God had strived with the human race in its infancy, it was declared that a flood had become necessary as a result of the violence, the adultery and the polygamy that had overspread the
land. Therefore, it is noteworthy, that in our current environment, the two same sins have become most prevalent and prominent, which should point us to the fact that Christ will return soon. Let’s read:
Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man.
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.
13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with
the earth.
The sin of adultery takes on many different forms, and should never be limited to mere actions, for the Bible teaches us that from the adulterous thought, springs the adulterous act, and therefore, the sin is to be reckoned, not only by external violations, but by the choices and decisions made in one’s mind. By this measure the problem is found to be much more pervasive than many people realize, and therefore, the Bible study will focus on addressing the scope of the problem, and the solutions given in scripture.
To begin with, we must identify the sin in its varied forms, so as not no sweep any variation under the rug. Adultery is manifested in sexual relations that are outside the context of one man and his female wife. This definition includes, incest, rape, groping, sexting, same-sex marriages, flirting, pornography, dressing in a provocative manner, sensualism, and chatting intimately with someone who is not one’s spouse, when such a person is married. Suggestive behaviors of all types are also included.
Furthermore, those who may dress with the specific purpose of ensnaring the opposite, or same sex, are also committing adultery, for the perpetrators, and the violators share equal responsibility for adultery. It has often been cited as an excuse, that we have freedom of expression, and that as a result men and women are at liberty to dress howsoever they may please, without regard to the effect it produces on others. Those who subscribe to this philosophy may often leave home as active agents of sin, inflaming the burning itch, that many persons are already suffering with.
Shacking up is also adultery, for although a man and his female friend may live for years under the same roof, having several kids together, and being faithful to each other, yet they are committing adultery, as far as the Bible is concerned. Thus, we conclude that any sexually intimate relationship, outside of the context of God ordained marriage, is a form of adultery. It may not be viewed as such by society, and it may be argued this way and that by pundits, and preachers alike, but God’s word rejects political correctness, and calls sin by its right name. Let’s read:
Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not
man put asunder.
Now, let’s take a good look at the problem. It is true that Eve fell for what she heard, and that Adam fell for what he saw, and ever since that day, when the father of our race, permitted Eve’s external beauty to override his judgement, men, much more so than women, have suffered with a very malignant “Eye” problem, driving many to make decisions, and take actions that they have regretted for the rest of their lives, in some cases. The scriptures put it this way, as we are seeing before our eyes currently. Let’s read:
Proverbs 6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33 A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Abraham, Judah, and Rueben fell, Samson, David, and Solomon fell too, and throughout Bible history, we observe that men of God, as well as those who didn’t know God, fell into the same, old bewitching snare. Men saw, they acted impulsively upon what they saw, and wreck after wreck was strewn along the sands of time. Thus, the phenomena we’re now witnessing is an age-old problem that has virtually become epidemic, and is scheduled to culminate in the rule of pleasure over principle. The word of God describes the extent of the problem. Let’s read:
Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so, the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Many people do not understand the seriousness, or the depth of the problem of adultery in men, and because of this some may be looked upon as being great sinners, more than anyone else. Now, while it is true that there is no excuse for sin whatsoever, it is important for us to understand that men often do very stupid things, just to satisfy the burning urge to merge.
Some men have sold their birthright, by trading the immortal inheritance for a one-night stance, others have been induced to surrender all their cash, some have lost their families, homes have been broken up with the children being alienated, and others have betrayed sacred trusts, just for that one, temporary moment of sinful pleasure. The sterling character of many have been permanently stained, and the good reputations of others, have been ruined for life. This sad fact leads us to a descriptive example of the phenomena, given in the scriptures. Let’s read:
Genesis 34:1 And Dinah the daughter of Leah, went out to see the daughters of the land.
2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spoke kindly unto the damsel.
There is a song by this title “What you won’t do for love” by Bobby Caldwell, that adequately describes the conundrum men often find themselves in. Here are just a few of the lyrics:
My friends wonder what is wrong with me
Well I'm in a daze from your love, you see
In my world, only you
Make me do for love what I would not do.
The words of this song amply describe the stupidity that will follow in Shechem’s trail, for just as Bobby Caldwell sings, lust, not love, will make him do for love, what he would not ordinarily do. In fact, he is now willing to have the entire nation sacrifice their national identity, he is willing to surrender houses and lands, he is willing to sign over the deeds to his own properties, he is willing to open the nation’s stock market to strangers, and finally, he is willing to have all the males, young and old, including his own dad, go through the painful, bloody process of circumcision.
That’s because, as was stated before, the sting of adultery often causes men to do very stupid things, which women may not understand, because of the nature, and depth of the problem. In fact, in the overwhelming majority of cases, currently on the news, highly gifted, and supposedly intelligent men have succumbed to the same bewitching sin. Thus, as we read Hamor’s experience, let us not indulge in spiritual pride, by thinking to ourselves that we are invulnerable, just because we believe in Christ, for the Bible cautions us, “Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall”. Let’s read:
Genesis 34:4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. (That’s a hasty, emotionally decision based on impulse, that has not been well thought out.)
8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. (That “Longing” is not born of love, but of lust.)
9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. (He is willing to sacrifice national identity.)
10 And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein. (Houses, lands, and property are irrationally, and hastily cast into the fray.)
11 And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give. (He is willing to put it all on the line, regardless of the cost. If Jacob had called for ten human heads on a platter, Hamor would have hurriedly granted the request.)
12 Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife. (A similar open-ended offer was made by king Herod, after he became infatuated with Salome’s Limbo dancing. This resulted in John the Baptist being beheaded. Adultery often causes men to do stupid things.)
14 And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised for that were a reproach unto us.
15 But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;
17 But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. (Here comes trouble.)
18 And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son. (This verse shows us plainly that the painful rite of circumcision is looked forward to with pleasure, all in the name of adultery. Something is really wrong here!)
19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honorable than all the house of his father.
20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,
21 These men are peaceable with us; therefore, let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them;
22 Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. (Notice, that not one single man in that whole city raised an objection, showing us that the problem of irrational thinking, triggered by the sin of adultery, is a very serious problem for men, in general.)
25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.
27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city.
28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field,
29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
We dare not point to Hamor, and Shechem as being “Those guys back then”, because the same problem currently plagues our own society, and is scheduled to spiral out of control if the necessary remedies are not implemented. As of today, adultery in all of its various forms afflicts very many people, especially men, from the highest echelons of society to regular persons on the street, from the political podium to the pulpit, from the clergy to the laity and beyond, as is clearly demonstrated in the next excerpt from CNN. Let’s read:
(CNN) Be extra careful of the male lawmakers who sleep in their offices -- they can be trouble. Avoid finding yourself alone with a congressman or senator in elevators, late-night meetings or events where alcohol is flowing. These are a few of the unwritten rules that some female lawmakers, staff and interns say they follow on Capitol Hill, where they say harassment and coercion is pervasive on both sides of the rotunda.
There is also the "creep list" -- an informal roster passed along by word-of-mouth, consisting of the male members most notorious for inappropriate behavior, ranging from making sexually suggestive comments or gestures to seeking physical relations with younger employees and interns. CNN spoke with more than 50 lawmakers, current and former Hill aides and political veterans who have worked in Congress.
The majority spoke anonymously to be candid and avoid potential repercussions. With few exceptions, every person said they have personally experienced sexual harassment on the Hill or know of others who have. In an environment with "so many young women," said one ex-House aide, the men "have no self-control." Sometimes, the sexual advances from members of Congress are reciprocated in the hopes of advancing one's career ------ what one political veteran bluntly referred to as "Sex trade on Capitol Hill."
So, now that we have demonstrated the depth, the seriousness, and the extent of the problem, let us now search for the solutions given in the scriptures, for whenever we realize that we cannot remedy a persistent, deep-rooted problem by ourselves, we should turn to Christ for help, if we be willing, and humble enough.
[1] We begin with what God can do, if we ask. An acknowledgement of the sin in particular, and our utter inability to save ourselves from it, then sets the stage for God to engage His omnipotent, and restraining power in us, so that we can be kept by His power through faith, whilst at the same time He cleanses us from cultivated, or inherited tendencies to adultery. We are not able to keep own ourselves from this bewitching sin, and therefore we must ask Christ for His grace on a continuum. Let’s read:
1st John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 460] The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is building his house upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms of temptation it will surely be overthrown.
David's prayer should be the petition of every soul: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And having become partakers of the heavenly gift, we are to go on unto perfection, being “kept by the power of God through faith.” 1 Peter 1:5.
[2] What men must do:
As in all things, cooperation with God is absolutely essential to victorious living, and for that reason, it’s important for men to put certain guiding principles into action. Married men should not flirt with other women. Inappropriate advances should be met with firm rebuffs, so as not to give the impression of any wavering. Single men should not violate principle, even when dating, because, until one seals the deal through marriage, the prospective spouse is free to become another’s.
The habit of test driving several women, before making a “purchase” should be firmly avoided. Instead, the maxim adopted by Volkswagen, “Sign then drive” should be the mantra governing every couple seeking to tie the knot. In this way a person’s emotional and physical attachments can be guarded from hurt and disappointment, if things do not work out as expected.
Wherever possible, men should also avoid those situations, that may tend to fan latent, adulterous tendencies into life. Pornography of all kinds, and venues such as clubs, where predators of all stripes are known to be on the prowl, should be avoided. It is imperative, that while praying for divine help with this malignant sin, that we do not unnecessarily expose ourselves to temptation, for our choices, and actions determine to a large extent, whether the power of God will be engaged in our behalf.
Men who are prone to falter on the sin of adultery, must pray without ceasing, for God will give us the victory, if we seek His face relentlessly. However, it is important to remember that satan’s temptations are often sudden and unprovoked, and therefore, a victory today will not atone for a failure tomorrow. The instruction of Christ is to “Watch and pray”, on a continual basis, lest we enter into temptation. Let us take a few practical passages that will help us in gaining the victory:
1st Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly.
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
1st Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
[3] What women must do:
Women can play a very major role in not aiding and abetting in the sin of adultery. All inappropriate, or suggestive physical contact should be avoided. The longing stare, the extended embrace, lasting for several minutes, can conjure up thoughts that were not previously there. But some folks may not know what is being referred to, so here are two examples for your consideration:
This is what the Bible has to say of such extended, and intimate hugging, between a married person, and someone of the opposite sex. Let’s read:
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light;
24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
Proverbs 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Women should not dress in a manner, as to tempt men. Freedom of expression is not a license to be an agent in the downfall of man. Lustful thoughts and passions are often fanned into life by what men see, and therefore, godly women will dress in such a manner, so as not to tease, excite, or induce sensual thoughts and desires; but on the contrary, they will deter all such sentiments by decency.
Married women should do whatsoever they can to make their husbands happy, and contented, once such actions do not lead her to sin. This will call for sacrifice in certain instances, and reciprocation on the part of the husband will also help. However, as a general rule of thumb, a man who is well pleased with his wife, will be a much more difficult target for temptation, than one who is unhappy, and not pleased with her.
We are living in an age where men and women are often more concerned with their own rights, than with the happiness, and stability of the marriage. But God is much more practical in His instructions, and solutions than many people realize, and thus, the choice, and the privilege is ours, to make our marriages as bulletproof as possible. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
In closing, there is a pertinent instruction, given us by God, which, if implemented, will go a long way in saving us from the moral pollution with which we are surrounded. As spiritual darkness envelops the land, and as skeletons are coming out of the closets in ever increasing numbers, may all Christians shine as lights in the world, for nothing dispels darkness, as the light radiating from Christ, through everyone who is called by His name. Let’s read:
[Evangelism pp 680] Men who are doing God's work, and who have Christ abiding in their hearts, will not lower the standard of morality, but will ever seek to elevate it. They will not find pleasure in the flattery of women, or in being petted by them. Let both young and married men say, Hands off! I will not give the least occasion to have my good evil spoken of.
God bless!