27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:27-28 (NASB)

You have heard it said…

Jesus continues His teaching about the Old Testament (OT) law and the proper way to interpret and apply it. Last post on this topic was v21 and following about murder and reconciliation. Today he moves to a more personal or private matter…and exposes it.

Adultery – as sin

Who remembers what OT law lays out the sin of adultery? If you guessed, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), you are right. It’s the seventh commandment. Of course this command is true and valid. God intended one man and one woman to live in a monogamous relationship until death (Genesis 2:24). No matter what society or the latest sin fad says, this is God’s design and is best for the human race and for each one individually who is in a physical relationship.

“Adultery is voluntary sexual activity between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse.” (gotquestions.org) Follow the link to more. In today’s society, the Devil has sought to spread lies about even what marriage is and unfortunately, deceived many. That’s not today’s discussion. But it should be noted that the sin of adultery is sin, just as homosexuality or any other form is. And followers of Christ should have a consistent view of each as such and, that view should be based on love of the sinner.

Adultery exposed

But you know what Jesus is doing here? He’s exposing adultery at its source…the heart. This is really teaching on all sin – for all sin comes from the heart. The evil in our hearts leads to sin. James 1:14-15 lays out the path from lust to sin quite well. And it doesn’t end with sin, the end is death. “14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death.”

What to do – pornography?

For those caught up in adultery of the mind (which in most cases is pornography), it is not an easy sinful habit to break. As with any sin, we need to first confess it and repent. To overcome it, we need to look at the source, the heart. It is almost always an idol of the heart or a stronghold lie we believe. 

RЯeflection

• Are you struggling specially with pornography? For Biblical counseling on overcoming pornography, consider this link. Feel free to contact us.
• Know that Jesus picks adultery as a “hot topic”. Do you have a different sin in your heart that maybe is never exposed to others? Only you know. And God.