Almost Everyone Has Heard of the 7th Commandment about Adultery – But Does It Include You?
Exodus 20:14 gives us the 7th commandment.
We’ll examine the Old Testament words along with New Testament thoughts from Christ.
To start out on the same page, here’s a question for you. Have you ever looked at someone and had other than pure thoughts about them?
This 7th commandment from Exodus is not speaking of just a passing look at a pretty girl (or handsome man).
Also, it can mean intent to commit adultery according to Christ.
Let’s examine this commandment number seven from Exodus.
Commandment Seven from The Bible
“You shall not commit adultery” – Exodus 20:14 NASB
What Does the 7th Commandment Mean?
Here again, in the Jewish community of old, adultery upset or destroyed the family. And, it could be cause for divorce – or even death.
As stated in a previous commentary, the Israelites livelihood depended upon a strong family unit.
What Does Adultery Mean?
The dictionary describes adultery as:
“Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a partner other than the lawful spouse.“
Although this is an accurate and logical world view of adultery, the Biblical view is not quite the same.
According to Scripture, adultery first happens in the mind.
When we look at another human being with a wanting for them, we have sinned in our minds.
What Did Jimmy Carter Say about the 7th Commandment?
When running for election to become a US president, Jimmy Carter said in an interview;
“I’ve only lusted in my mind.“
.. And Jimmy was thought of as a “good Christian man“.
Where It Concerns Commandment Number Seven, We’re All Guilty!
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”1617957410″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/41ewlqN32xL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”160″]We are all people with feelings and thoughts (sometimes not so clean thoughts).
God realized this which is why He sent Christ to atone for our sinful nature.
If you live long enough, you will have thoughts of adultery from time to time just as I do. So, when this happens, ask God to forgive you.
And, ask Him to make you stronger when these thoughts occur.
God will help you to resist the temptation of ever acting on these thoughts.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to know how to accept the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, the verse from John 3:16 provides the first building block.
==> Please read John 3:16 and take the first steps here..
I hope this Old Testament Bible study lesson about the 7th commandment helps you understand more about sin, and how to avoid it. Remember, God is there for you and me. The ten commandments were put in place by God to help you and I live better lives. He understands what we go through and His Holy Spirit will help keep us aware.