2019 Nov 25-Nov 26 Seventh (Adultery) of the Ten, 1John 5
J. Mark A. Campbell-Elanemy • November 25, 2019
2019 Nov 25-Nov 26 Seventh (Adultery) of the Ten, 1John 5
Welcome, wishing you well this day! Let's continue with the Ten Commandments, this time the seventh regarding adultery. Then, we may consider thoughts from 1John 5.
Let’s consider Exodus 20:14: “You must not commit adultery.”
MURDERING RELATIONSHIPS, STEALING HEARTS.
Being the Seventh Commandment, coming after the serious commandment against murder, this violation is just as detrimental, affecting more than just one person. The one initiating the adultery may have slandered one's spouse, seeking to destroy their relationship--how hateful! This also comes just before the commandment against stealing, and what leads up to committing adultery may be just that—a stealing of the heart of another person from their marriage partner. In some way the unfaithful mate has likely been persuaded to develop affection for someone other than his or her marriage mate. Jehovah God had words to say to the priests of Israel in Malachi’s day, regarding serious violations of His word and law, including concerning marriage. Notice His disgust, recorded at Malachi 2:13-16:
“13 “And there is another thing that you do, which results in covering the altar of Jehovah with tears and with weeping and sighing, so that he no longer pays attention to your gift offering or looks favorably on anything from your hand. 14 And you say, ‘For what reason?’ It is because Jehovah has acted as a witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously, although she is your partner and your wife by covenant. 15 But there was one who did not do it, for he had what remained of the spirit. And what was that one seeking? The offspring of God. So guard yourselves respecting your spirit, and do not deal treacherously with the wife of your youth. 16 For I hate divorce,” says Jehovah the God of Israel, “and the one who covers his garment with violence,” says Jehovah of armies. “And guard yourselves respecting your spirit, and you must not deal treacherously.”
TREACHERY.
Dealing treacherously with one’s wife would certainly include the serious sin of adultery, which was even punishable by death according to the Mosaic Law, unless mercy was extended. Kings David sadly committed this sin, and while forgiven, this caused him many troubles in his household for years afterward. His treachery against a faithful man is recorded in God’s word.
Proverbs 6 also shows the seriousness of adultery, in verses 32-35. Notice how God’s word addresses the matter here, looking at some consequences:
“32 Anyone committing adultery with a woman is lacking good sense; The one who does so brings ruin on himself. 33 He will get only wounds and dishonor, And his disgrace will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy makes a husband furious; He will show no compassion when he takes revenge. 35 He will accept no compensation; He will not be appeased, no matter how large you make the gift.”
FAITHFULNESS.
The arrangement of marriage should be honored and highly respected by all. (Hebre 13:4). God's word speaks of those with "eyes full of adultery." (2Peter 2:14). The world is still full of single, marriageable people--there is no reason to cross the line of lusting after someone else's spouse! This is one of the list of sins that God's word reveals can bar willing participants from eternal life in God's new world! (1Cori 6:9-11). If such a person claims to have love for another, would they engage that one in a practice that threatens that one's eternal happiness? Is that true love??? Proverbs 20:6 says this: "Many men proclaim their loyal love, But who can find a faithful man?" It is faithfulness to God that makes one's love genuine, true. The very next verse says this: "The righteous one is walking in his integrity. Happy are his children who come after him." Jesus thus stated, at Matthew 5:27-29: "“You heard that it was said: ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If, now, your right eye is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be pitched into Ge·henʹna (symbol of eternal destruction)." May we never ignore the consequences of such a selfish, disloyal practice as adultery!
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1John 5:2-4 highlights our love for God and others. It reads: "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and carry out his commandments. 3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome, 4 because everyone who has been born from God conquers the world. And this is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith." As we ponder God's love for us, evident in "every good gift and perfect present" from Him that we enjoy daily, we have good reason to love Him in return, by learning and keeping God's commandments, given out of love for us, and leading to genuine peace among those who would be true Christians. As we reject unclean practices by our faith in God and our love for Him, we begin to conquer the ungodly world, with its pressures and temptations to become disobedient. Relying upon God can give us the strength we need to overcome such things, for the joy set before us, the reward of eternal life, while we set an example for others to gain and maintain the hope that we have.
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
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