|
…We live in a day of unbridled adultery. Dr. Boice writes, “never in the
history of the Western world since the death of Greek and Roman paganism has
fidelity in marriage been so threatened either from within or without, or an
unbridled indulgence of free sexual passions been so __encouraged__ or so
praised.”
…People propagate, __promote__, and exploit adultery through the media. It has
become our society’s entertainment theme. It is never presented as sinful,
but rather as __exciting__ and truly fulfilling. This is a lie!!!
…Jesus continues unpacking the true meaning of the Law with His second
contrasting illustration teaching the meaning of the 7th
Commandment.
The 6th Commandment protected the sanctity of life.
The 7th Commandment protected the sanctity of
__marriage__.
TWO PARTS OF JESUS’ ILLUSTRATION ENCOURAGING US TO LIVE SEXUALLY PURE
LIVES…for the
__lust__
that leads to adultery also leads to Hell.
I.
Jesus Teaches Us The Real Meaning Of The Commandment Prohibiting Adultery.
(vv27-28) “not only the deed, but also the
__desire__.”
A. Jesus
contrasted His teaching with the traditions of the religious leaders of the
day.
1.
The Pharisees
had almost nullified the 7th Commandment by
__reducing__ it to only the
physical act. This Commandment did not otherwise speak to them. Innocent!
2.
Jesus, claiming
final authority, “But I say to you…,” gives the original meaning of this.
3.
__Adultery__ is committed
when sex occurs between a man and a woman when one of them, or both, are
married to someone else.
B. Jesus
tells us that sin is not merely a matter of actions and deeds, rather it is a
__heart__ matter.
1.
God’s Law
demands
__purity__ and integrity in our hearts and thoughts about others.
2.
Jesus reveals
that when a man
__gazes__ upon a woman with strong desire to have sex her, he has
already committed the sin in his heart. It is also true for women…
3.
Our trouble is
__deep__ within our hearts. Everything we do is but the expression of our
hearts. God’s Law shows us, “the exceedingly sinfulness of sin.” The
__sins__ we
do are the symptoms of indwelling sin.
C. Jesus
calls us to recognize the subtlety of sin…for it deludes and fools you. We
tend to be happy if we have not committed the act, with
__little__ thought about
our inner self.
D. In
the Old Testament,
__death__ was the penalty for adultery. (Lev 20:10)
Rightfully understood, it would appear that most, if not all of us, are
__guilty__ of breaking this Commandment.
II. Jesus Points Us To
The Only Solution: Sin Must Be Radically Dealt With By Us.
(vv29-30) “immediate and
__total__
disassociation with sin, even if it
is painful.”
A.
Now it sounds like
Jesus is contradicting His earlier words, for He had pointed at the heart.
Now He is talking about
__body__ parts, the right eye and hand.
B. Jesus
is
__not__ calling for us to mutilate our bodies. He is using a figure of speech,
hyperbole…which is an intended exaggeration used for
__emphasis__.
1.
The right eye
and the right hand were considered the most precious body parts.
2.
Therefore, He
is telling us to be willing to give up whatever is necessary, even very
cherished things, if it will help us to live a
__pure__ life.
3.
The godly heart
plans to
__avoid__ sexual temptation whenever possible. Flee!
C. The
solution is to act decisively, even if it is painful. This drastic remedy
reminds us of the
__great__ danger of sin. One has said about adultery, “few
things bring more
__pain__ to more people in today’s society.” What is a pure and
truly beautiful relationship between marriage partners is
__ugly__ and repulsive
to God when shared between a man and woman if either or both are married to
someone else.
D. How
can we live a pure life?
1.
“__Guard__ your heart…”
Proverbs
4:23… Recognize your tendency to sin, and commitment yourself to staying
__within__ the boundaries of God’s Word.
2.
Know that
__Hell__ is the direction in which all sin leads. Where are you headed?
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
1. God's
law demands that you are to be pure in heart with your thoughts about others.
2. Plan to
avoid anything that will tempt you to commit adultery in your heart or the
act.
3. It might
mean that some here must break off some friendships, even if it's painful.
4. If
you've sinned in this matter, there is forgiveness found in Christ.
5. If
you're here and don't know Christ. You must receive Christ as your Lord
and Savior.
|