From the Mouth of the Master- Part 7- Matthew 5:27-30

Introduction

The passage that we will be looking at today is a difficult passage because of the redefinition of marriage that has taken place in our society. Marriage is believed by many to be nothing more than an institution of the state which can be resolved at the slightest inconvenience or difficulty, but we must remember that marriage is actually an institution which originated with God.

This means that God is the one who defines marriage and who sets the bounds for its practice. There are many in this congregation today who have experienced divorce and remarriage and I want you to know that what is said today is not a personal attack against you but is a simple exposition of the Word of God.

The Word of God speaks clearly on this issue and the fact that it contradicts the cultural opinions of our day does not mean that we have the right to compromise this truth.

Again we must remember the authority with which Jesus speaks regarding these commandments. He speaks authoritatively on each of the subjects which He deals.

Matthew 7:28–29 KJV 1900

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Now let us examine the statements that He makes regarding adultery.

Again we first see...

The Letter of the Law (Vs. 27)

It is apparent that the religious teachers of the day had narrowly interpreted this command forbidding adultery.

First we must understand what adultery means. Adultery occurs when someone who is married engages in a physical relationship with someone who is not their spouse.

This was the narrow definition which the religious leaders would have applied. So long as a person had not engaged in a physically intimate relationship with another they were not considered to be guilty of adultery.

This is still often the definition that we find today. There are many husbands and wives who would argue that they have not committed adultery because they have not committed the actual physical act.

Many husbands and wives excuse their unfaithfulness to their spouse by this same token supposing that they have not committed adultery if the relationship with another has not involved physical intimacy.

It does not take much to imagine the abuses such a narrow interpretation of the law would give rise to. We can see these same abuses in our society today.

Undoubtedly there are many husbands and wives alike who would happily congratulate themselves that they have done nothing wrong and that they have not been unfaithful because they have not committed the physical act of adultery.

Now Jesus gives his listeners...

A Fresh Interpretation (Vs. 28)

Jesus broadens the interpretation of this particular law substantially to once again address the root cause of the sin of adultery which is lust.

The fact is that adultery does not generally begin with a physical act but in the mind and heart of a husband or wife. The thought then may or may not develop into an action.

Jesus here equates the lustful desires of the heart with the actual physical act of committing adultery just as formerly He equates baseless anger and insult with murder.

This means that it is not only the physical act of adultery that is sin but unfaithfulness in the mind and heart.

It becomes clear that adultery is a matter of the heart and that refraining from the physical act of adultery alone is not enough to declare that you have been faithful to your spouse.

We must avoid not only the physical act of adultery but also the lust which may be present in the heart. Adultery can be a physical act, but it can also be a sinful desire of the heart.

This means that to be faithful to our spouse, we must not even so much as look upon another with lust in our hearts.

It is an unfortunate reality that a great many husbands and wives have allowed themselves the liberty to lust in their mind even though they may have never entertained the idea of committing the physical act of adultery.

Again Jesus shows that God is not concerned merely with the outward expression of the law, but also with the inward attitudes of the heart and mind.

The disciple of Christ will keep the letter of the law, but also recognizes the need to guard his heart and mind from sinful desires as well.

The expansion given by Jesus is not to be restricted only to the lustful desires of the heart, but also to any thought or action toward another that may ultimately lead to unfaithfulness, including flirting, inappropriate advances, conversations, etc...

Finally once again Jesus gives the...

Practical Implications (Vs. 29-30)

Many in our modern day would say that Jesus has lifted the bar so high as to make it utterly unattainable, but this is not so for those who will yield themselves to the Spirit of God’s control.

We do live in a society where lust and sensuality are rampant and immodesty and vulgarity are celebrated and promoted.

It is true that this has unfortunately affected the hearts of even many believers who though they have not committed the physical act of adultery, have long ago yielded their heart and mind to lust.

Images which would provoke lust are not only easier to access than ever but are now placed in prominent positions in advertising everywhere that you look.

Even the current trends of dress for men and women are more immodest than ever, presenting yet another serious problem for those who would keep themselves pure.

Yet Jesus never instructs us to do something that He will not enable us to obey though it may be difficult, it is not impossible to avoid even this broader interpretation of adultery.

It does mean that you will have to take some drastic action to remain faithful to your spouse. You will have to take some extreme measures to guard yourself from that which would provoke lust in your heart.

This is exactly what Jesus instructs in these two verses. These are not to be interpreted as though Jesus is suggesting that we mutilate our bodies to prevent sin, but rather that He is instructing us to take whatever extreme measures may be necessary to remain faithful to our spouse.

The word which is translated “offend” here literally means to ensnare or to trap or cause to sin. This word is the same root which is used to describe the trigger mechanism on a trap set to ensnare wild game.

What practical steps might a husband or wife need to take to avoid unfaithfulness in this present age.

Learn to Look Away- immodesty and vulgarity have become so rampant that you may not be able to avoid seeing someone dressed immodestly, but you certainly have control over your response. It ought to be an immediate response to look away and fix your attention elsewhere. This is something that we should even now begin to teach our children.

1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV 1900

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Put Safeguards in Place- all of your devices should have some type of filter that restricts access to adult content- this includes your smartphone, your laptop, your tablet, and yes even your television.

Give Access to Your Spouse- your spouse should be able to immediately access your phone, computer, tablet, and even your social media accounts and you should invite access for the sake of accountability. Don’t get upset if your spouse would like to check your internet history or would like to see your text messages, etc...

Avoid Places Where Immodesty is Likely to Be Found- for example you know that the magazine racks at the grocery store are likely to be filled with inappropriate imagery so fix your gaze in another direction. You know that television ads are likely to include immodesty and sexuality, find a way to avoid these or to skip past them. Don’t watch television shows or movies that include immodesty and sexuality. Use a filter to remove immodest content where available.

Psalm 101:3 KJV 1900

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Fill Your Mind With The Right Things- a mind that is filled with the Word of God and the right thoughts is much less likely to succumb to the temptation to lust.

Philippians 4:8 KJV 1900

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Conclusion

We who follow Christ must determine to remain faithful to our spouse. We must hold ourselves to this high standard that our marriages may be the testimony that they should be to the world around us.

May we be willing to take extreme measures to prevent unfaithfulness and lust from destroying our marriages.

After all our marriage is intended to be a picture of Christ’s love for the church.

Ephesians 5:31–32 KJV 1900

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.