Geoff Hohneck
The Ten Commandments
Pursuing Sexual Purity
Exodus 20:14
9 April 2017

The seventh commandment prohibits adultery, because it breaks the marriage bond God has created. If our relationship with God is not right, our morality will change to suit our sexual preferences. This is especially true in our worldly culture.

This commandment prohibits adultery, but the word used is comprehensive for all sexual sin and lustful thought. It is evil because it breaks God's design for marriage as "one flesh." God has intended for a man and woman to have oneness between themselves, and unity in the home. But adultery produces heartbreak for all partners and children involved.

This commandment honours marriage. If the commandment is "do not commit adultery," the positive implication is to honour marriage (Heb. 13:8). It is a great relationship, instituted by God Himself. He has designed it to endure, and be much deeper than other relationships can. As such, it is a commitment and not a contract. It is also a relationship that requires work (1 Tim. 4:7, Prov. 5).

The commandment requires practical input to be obeyed. We must be on guard constantly because of the flesh that is still part of our nature. This means saying no to anything unchaste such as explicit films and music, pornography, and flirtatious behaviour. Instead, we are to be sanctified in truth, and God's Word is truth (Jn. 17:17).