24 Oct 2011 10 Comments

Free from the Stronghold of Adultery

Adultery is a serious stronghold that deserves death. So why are we [Christians and pre-Christians alike] taking it so lightly?

Luke 20:35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.

Luke 20:35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.

According to the dictionary adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. In other words sex with another partner other than the spouse of our youth. Divorce seems to be the remedy for this sin.

But Jesus said, “Any man who divorces his wife to marry another woman is committing adultery. The man who marries a woman divorced in this way is committing adultery.” The only exception [the only allowable divorce] is if the divorce is done because of infidelity.

Jesus also said, “I can guarantee that whoever looks at a woman and desires her has already committed adultery in his heart.”  Lust or covetousness toward another.

Adultery today is rampant. Men and woman change spouses as if they are changing clothes. Premarital sex is the way of the world.

But the way of God is clear: “Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”

What’s so hard about understanding these verses? Who gives us the selfish right to think God will not deal with our sins? When adultery becomes a stronghold in our life we ignore these verses. We lightly repent and return back to our sins. We try to explain away the consequences and justify our reasoning.

There is no justification for adultery. Turn away now! Permanently!

Adultery hurts everyone involved.

5 Biblical tips for overcoming adultery:

1. Abstain from sexual intimacy for life if this is possible. If it is not possible, marry.

1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.

1 Corinthians 7:38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.

1 Timothy 5:14 So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them.

Luke 20:35 (NLT)35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.

2. Determine today that you will not carry on with adultery. This includes divorce. Repent [sincerely with anguished grief for what you have caused] of your involvement in [sin] divorce if you can’t stop the divorce or go back.

James 4:8-9 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].

9[As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins].

3. Marriage is for life. Don’t take the gift of sex in marriage for granted. Do not marry unless you are sure you will do everything in your power to stay married–loving your wife/husband for better or worse.

Matthew 19:4-6  (NLT) 4 “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’ 5 And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ 6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

4. Husbands LOVE your wife. Wives SUBMIT to your husband. SUBMIT TO EACH OTHER, too. The Bible has been misquoted so much in order to justify our wants and desires [power and control] above God.

Ergo, if a husband is loving, [to a woman who is not a shrew] submission is easy. If a wife is submissive,  [to a husband who is non violent or abusive] love is easy.

Ephesians 5:28 (NLT) In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.

Ephesians 5:22 (NLT) For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:21 (NLT) And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. [Spirit-Guided Relationships: Wives and Husbands

5. Above all submit to God and His will.

James 4:10Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Have you received your free copy of Biblical Solutions for Cultural and Social Issues in the World Today study guide? [written by Pola Muzyka]

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by Pola in Addiction, Adultery, Bible, Christian Authors, Love, Lust, Stronghold Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,