The Destructive Power of Adultery

Jesus described the time in which he walked on this earth as a wicked and adulterous generation. If that was true then, how much more would it be true of our world today?

Historians looking back at our present generation will have to state that it was an age characterized by an obsession with sexuality.

"You Shall Not Commit Adultery" (Exodus 20:14)

If we simply obeyed this one commandment imagine what a different world we would see today! Many divorces would have been avoided, many families would still be together, and many fathers would still be at home to raise their children.

Consider how many lives have been devastated by the breaking of this commandment. Sadly, everyone of us knows at least one person, if not more, who have fallen into this sin.

The Fruit of Idleness

America was once characterized by its work ethic which produced a robust, productive, and overall powerful force for good. It was a shining example of faith, family and freedom.

However, our nation has followed the ways of the ancient city of Sodom. The Bible tells us, “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit” (Ezekiel 16:49-50).

Immorality is the fruit of idleness.

In a study of over eighty ancient, primitive, and modern societies, Cambridge University sociologist, J.D. Unwin, found there was an unvarying correlation between the degree of sexual restraints and the rate of social progress. He states, “Cultures that were more sexually permissive displayed less creativity, intellectual development and individualism, and a slower general cultural ascent.”

The Root of Social Ills

Given the increasingly permissive views towards sex today, researchers Gilbert Nass and Roger Libby have predicted that between one-half and two-thirds of all husbands will have an affair before they reach 40! Their studies show that 40% - 50% of all married men have had extramarital affairs and that 41% of married women have been unfaithful.

This has a direct effect on teenagers who are not finding an example of fidelity to follow. One fifth of our nation’s children have lost their virginity by the age of 13!

Is it any wonder that our society is plagued with unwanted pregnancies, abortion, AIDS, and a surging rise in venereal diseases?

Sin in the Camp

Unfortunately, statistics regarding adultery are just as bad within the church as they are in the secular world.

The magazine, Christianity Today, did a random sampling of 1000 subscribers asking if they had committed adultery or acted inappropriately:

Billy Graham said a recent poll claimed that 40% of the young people in evangelical churches are sexually active. Furthermore, 60% of single adults, including those who attend church regularly and participate in Bible studies, are not only sexually active, but half reported having sex with multiple partners!

“Immorality is as epidemic in our churches as it is in the secular world at large.”

—Billy Graham

A Pervasive and Powerful Sin

The Mosaic law portrayed adultery as one of the most serious sins, punishable by death! “Listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; numerous men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death” (Proverbs 7:24-27 NLT).

The passages concerning this sin are just as clear in the New Testament as they are in the Old. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders . . .” (1 Corinthians 6:9, see also Hebrews 13:4).

The Apostle Paul writes, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

When you cross the line of protection that God has erected around you and your spouse, you do so at your own peril. The repercussions of adultery can last months, years, and even a lifetime!

Six Reasons Not to Commit Adultery

1. You Do Incredible Damage to Your Spouse

The Apostle Paul declared that you have violated your oneness with your mate by entering into this bond with another person, “And don’t you know that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, ‘The two are united into one’” (1 Corinthians 6:16 NLT).

The factor of trust has been destroyed. This is why Jesus gave a release clause from marriage because of the seriousness of this offense.

2. You Do Incredible Damage to Yourself

Adultery is a by-product of a backslidden state. You have been rationalizing for so long that you have forgotten which way is up.

When you commit adultery a vulnerability is created and the enemy will no doubt continue to attack you in this area. It’s much easier to commit the sin the second time around. Radical measures must be taken to prevent this from happening again.

There is also the risk of contracting the AIDS virus or some other venereal disease as a result of committing adultery. King Solomon wrote, “For a prostitute will bring you to poverty, and sleeping with another man’s wife may cost you your very life. Can a man scoop fire into his lap and not be burned? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife. He who embraces her will not go unpunished...But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys his own soul. Wounds and constant disgrace are his lot. His shame will never be erased” (Proverbs 6:26-29,32-33 NLT).

3. You Do Incredible Damage to Your Children

When you commit adultery your position as spiritual leader in the home is undermined. No longer are you providing a godly example for your children to follow but rather setting the stage for them to repeat your sin.

Remember that King David’s children repeated his sins. Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar while David’s other son, Absolom, killed Amnon.

4. You Do Damage to the Church

Scripture teaches, “When one member suffers the whole body suffers . . .” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

We are all interconnected as believers. When we experience victories and defeats as an individual it effects the entire body of believers.

It was for this very reason that Paul exhorted the believers in Corinth to remove the immoral man from their midst because “A little leaven leavens the lump . . .” (1 Corinthians 5:6).

5. You Do Great Damage to Your Witness and the Cause of Christ

We need only to cite the damage that has been done by so called “Televangelists.”

Nathan said to David, “Because of this you have given the enemies of God reason to blaspheme” (2 Samuel 12:14).

6. You Sin Against the Lord

This should be the primary reason why we want to avoid sin. Joseph’s motive was correct when he said, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

Sadly, this is usually the last reason we think of when trying to resist sin.

Three Preventive Steps To Protect Yourself And Your Family

1. Walk with God

The Bible tells us, "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). If an individual is really doing this, it will give him or her the power, will, and resources to stand in the evil day. David failed to walk with God, becoming spiritually idle and vulnerable to fleshly lusts.

2. Don’t Walk in the Counsel of the Ungodly

Avoid at all costs relationships and friendships that are flirty as well as friendships that would encourage such activity.

3. Count the Cost

Remembering biblical warnings and reasoning, along with an intense love for God and your spouse, will see you through the rough waters of sexual temptation.

Perhaps you have fallen into the sin of adultery. You may be asking if there is any hope left for you. Can I be forgiven and find a second chance? Of course the answer is a resounding yes!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Part V