Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
In this passage of scripture Jesus refers to both the sinful act and the sinful thought. Christ however, focuses heavily on the thoughts of the mind, as being the place where the sin of adultery originates, for all sins begin when we dwell upon that which is suggested to our five senses, or that which is harbored and cherished in our minds. The sin of adultery is one of the main evils of our day, to which too many people have fallen prey. From those who are in the higher echelons of society, to the common folk, so many people actively practice this sin that it has almost become the norm, and in some circles and cultures, it is accepted as being an integral part of everyday life.
However, the standards of the world are to be no criteria for the Christian, and because the majority of people may sanction and approve a certain course of action, yet the word of God should always be the basis for all that we do, think, or say. The apostle James tells us how the suggestion develops first into a thought, then a decision is made, from which the sinful actions flow. Let's read:.
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
This is the sin that ill-affected David, Solomon, Samson, Abraham, Jacob, Esau, and many priests, presidents, preachers and everyday folk have succumbed to the same temptation. And now as we live in the twenty-first century, the problem has ballooned into an epidemic of epic proportions, because pornography is readily available at our very fingertips.
In order to be victorious over this ages old sin, we will need to strengthened with might in the inner man, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and we also need to cooperate with God, in not deliberately exposing ourselves to the many seductions that are out there. Men especially need to be guarded, since history has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are much more vulnerable in this area than are women, and therefore it is imperative that our minds be fed with the word of God everyday, so that evil thoughts and desires would not take root. The Bible tells us how this is done. Lets read:
Zecharia 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
As we get closer to the second coming of Christ this sin will become much more difficult to overcome, and thus it is necessary that our hearts and minds be garrisoned by the word of God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so that we can run the Christian race with a steady and even tread.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that reminds us of the grave dangers that attend the commission of the sin of adultery, and let's remember to ask God for grace to help in time of need, for He is only a prayer away. Let's read:
Proverbs 7:25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. 26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
May God grant to us His grace that these words of warning and entreaty would not fall on deaf ears, for God is more than able to keep the weakest saint from falling into the various snares of the fowler. "Good night" and God bless!