Bible passages: Exodus 20:14 & Matthew 5:27-30

14 ‘You shall not commit adultery‘

27 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Key OT/NT passages on how this commandment fit within the Bible story as a whole

Behind this commandment is the Biblical teaching on marriage which is set out in Genesis 2:18-24. More broadly the marriage of a man and woman is designed to be a picture of the relationship between Christ and the church or God and his people (Hosea, Jesus as the bridegroom etc). This is why adultery is such a violation of God’s good design. “If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife – with the wife of his neighbour – both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.” (Lev 20:10) In the NT the command broadens as Jesus correctly interoperates it adding that anyone who looks at a women lustfully has committed adultery with her in his heart (Matt 5:27).

Brief note on context/key themes of series

The LORD gathers his people at the foot of Mount Sinai in Exodus 20. He has already saved them in the events of the Exodus, and “carried them on eagles’ wings” and brought them to himself (Exodus 19:4). The covenant he forms with them, built on the 10 commandments, leads them into a binding agreement with him. Although the law was good (Rom 7:12), it is in itself unable to save. What is needed is a saviour, born under to law, to save us from the curse of the law – Jesus Christ (Gal 4:4-5). However, for those saved under this new covenant, a response of radical obedience is entirely appropriate (Matt 5:18-48). That is why Bible passages such as Colossians 3 and Ephesians 4-6 seem to pick up on the 10 commandments so strongly. In essence, the 10 commandments, as re-emphasised in the New Testament, become wisdom for the believer, teaching him or her how to love (Romans 13:10) and how to live.

Structure of the sermon:

1) Honour Marriage: No to adultery

The 7th commandment is rooted in the presumption of marriage and its importance. Marriage is designed by God and is the only legitimate place for sexual intimacy. Marriage is also designed by God to be a picture of the relationship between Christ and the church (His bride). Adultery is a serious violation of the marriage covenant and has a plethora of damaging consequences.

2) Guard your heart: No to lust

As with other commandments the narrow commandment to stay faithful within the walls of marriage is broadened by Jesus in the NT. Not only does he add that adultery and sexual immorality come from our hearts, but he adds that anyone who looks at a women lustfully has committed adultery with her in his heart (Matt 5:27). Lust is not simply attraction to someone who you are not married to but a deliberate mental step towards adultery. This could vary from lingering eyes, pornography to flirting. Jesus again raises the bar in a way that is challenging and confronting, not simply does he call for restraint from sex outside marriage but also purity in thought.

> Flee sexual immorality

Jesus’ warning urges us to flee from situations or people that might lead to lust or adultery. We are to “cut off and gouge out” which means being ruthless with sin.

> Expose the sin

Sin thrives in the dark but can’t stand the light, that’s why it is wise to talk to one or two trusted friends about these issues. It might also mean confessing sexual sin to our spouse.

> Receive forgiveness

As with the other commandments each of us fail to keep this commandment perfectly and we need the righteousness of Christ, who never looked lustfully at another woman and who honoured marriage. He is the one who was tempted in every way as we are yet remained without sin. We are to come as we are to him to receive the grace and forgiveness we so desperately need.

Summary of author’s main point: Marriage is to be honoured in our thoughts and actions

Aim/purpose for original audience: Abstain from adultery and all sexual immorality honouring God’s good design of marriage

Aim/purpose for us today: Abstain from adultery and all sexual immorality honouring God’s good design of marriage

Key area of application: Married couples are to only have eyes for one another within the walls of the marriage covenant that has been made before God, this means that marriages need work and honest conversations. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 show that this command is not just for married people but also unmarried, we are to be ruthless with sexual sin, fleeing it, keeping each accountable and running to Christ on a regular basis.