Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 16: 1-18.
Memory Verse: “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” Luke 16:18 (KJV).
Adultery is generally defined as “voluntary sexual relations between a married person and someone other than that person’s spouse.” However the Lord Jesus gave further insight into adultery. In Matthew 5:28 (KJV) Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” So it is not just physical act alone that leads to adultery but also imaginations! So you need to watch your thoughts. Also in Luke 16:18 )KJV), the Bible says “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” So the fact that you are married to a person does not mean you are not having an adulterous relationship with her. It is important to check that, that other person was not married to anyone before and if she did, you can only have a clean relationship with her if her husband is dead ( 1 Corinthians 7:39 ) or he was an unbeliever and had deserted the woman and all efforts to reconcile failed. ( 2 Corinthians 7:15).
The Bible has dire consequences for adultery. In the Old Testament, death was the punishment for adulterers ( Leviticus 20:10). Your spouse is allowed to divorce you on account of adultery ( Matthew 5:32). Thirdly, your offerings may no longer be accepted by God (. Malachi 2: 13-14), they may experience pre-Mature death of their children (Revelation 2:22-23). Also the adulterer will be afflicted with sicknesses and diseases. ( Revelation 2:21-22). He will lose his honour, dignity and wealth (Proverbs 5:8-10) and finally, will not inherit the kingdom of God! ( 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
It is apparent that beside the physical losses, the spiritual implications are too grievious for anyone . If you are therefore involved in adultery, you need to rededicate your life to Christ and if you have not accepted Jesus into your life, this is an opportunity to surrender to Him, repent of your sins and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. It is better to spend eternity in heaven than any momentary pleasure you may have in this world. It is time to leave adultery whether, physically, imaginatively or even by marriage. Whatever joy you seek to have the word of God shows the eternal way in Matthew 6:33 (KJV), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Action point: Quit the Adulterous relationship today by rededicating your life to Christ.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero