Introduction

In Exodus 20:1-17, God gives us a list of ten commandments to follow in order to live a happy and fulfilling life. They are all very simply worded and seem easy enough to follow, but from human experience, we know that their simplistic wording is indeed deceptive for they are each a daily challenge not to break. In particular, the seventh commandment seems easy enough to follow: Do not commit adultery. But as we will discover through this study, there is a lot more meaning to that statement than what meets the eye.

Several Meanings

DEUTERONOMY 5:1-4 And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them. The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those who are here today, all of us who are alive. The LORD talked with you face to face on the mountain from the midst of the fire. "

EXODUS 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery."

1. In a physical sense, what is adultery? What constitutes adultery?

2. What were the punishments for committing adultery? For some answers, look in Leviticus 20:10. Is this too harsh? Other ideas are found in Revelation 2:22 and I Corinthians 6:9.

3. In Leviticus 20:10-21, God gives some other guidelines regarding this matter. What are they? Are they being broken today?

COMMENT: The Bible makes clear that adultery can be committed before marriage (specifically referred to as "fornication") as well as after marriage. Fidelity to one's mate actually is lifelong.

4. What advantages are there to abstinence before marriage? Can you think of any disadvantages?

5. Are the rewards to practicing abstinence short term or long term? Which do you think is more gratifying?

6. What should one do when faced with the temptation to violate the 7th commandment? Consider I Corinthians 6:18 and comment.

PROVERBS 6:26,32 For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. (32) Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul.

7. What does the Bible say about a man that commits adultery? Explain how a man "is reduced to a crust of bread."

8. Explain how it "destroys his own soul."

9. Why is adultery such a unique sin? Consider I Corinthians 6:18.

MATTHEW 5:27-28 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. "

10. Many today think that they have not violated the seventh commandment unless sexual intercourse is actually performed. Is it okay to do anything and everything short of actual intercourse? How do Jesus’ words in this verse apply to such thoughts?

COMMENT: God’s way is the way of truth (Psalm 119:30 ), not deceit. Lust may be disguised and professed to be love. Purity and innocence begins as a state of mind.

11. Is committing adultery more than just a physical act? Why is the mental act just as severe in God’s eyes? What harm does it do to the lustful person?

12. The breaking of one of God’s commandments can lead to the violation of another. What other sins can adultery lead to?

13. Part of retaining a healthy marriage includes being loyal to your mate. What are the rewards for remaining loyal to your mate?

14. The divorce rate in the United States has reached 50%, meaning that 50% of all marriages toady will end in divorce. How could this be connected to the outrageous breaking of the 7th commandment in today’s society?

15. Now that the 21st century is here, do you think the morals of society regarding adultery are the same as what God wants us to believe? What evidence can you cite?

Spiritual Adultery

1. Does God want us to learn something from this commandment that applies to a larger and more glorious marriage? Read Ephesians 5:31-32 and comment.

2. In Jeremiah 18:13, 31:4, Amos 5:2 and several other locations throughout the Bible, Israel is referred to as a "virgin." Why is this? To whom is Israel to be married someday? Is she to remain pure until then? II Corinthians 11:2 may help.

3. How could one commit spiritual adultery? Read James 4:4 and comment.

Summary

1. How does our society view adultery? Do your peers think infidelity is wrong even before marriage? In your opinion, how common is the practice of abstinence?

2. Sexual immorality is a sign of the end time as in the days of Noah and Sodom and Gomorrah. Why do you think it is so important for God’s people not to partake in the ways of the world, especially during this time?

3. Why is it so important to think of the long term effects of breaking God’s laws, the 7th commandment in particular?

4. After this discussion, what do you think is the reason (or reasons) God created sex and marriage?