“If a man commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death…” Leviticus 20:10-14

Introduction

In today’s sermon I want to address the sin of adultery and why Christians must refrain from it. First let me explain what is adultery?

This is a sin against the marriage of a fellow citizen – it destroys the home. The Law distinguished between adultery (which had a death penalty) and sexual contact with a young woman (which carried a monetary fine and usually marriage if the father was willing). So it distinguished fornication and adultery. Both were sins, but the significance of each was different. In the ancient world this sin is often referred to as “the great sin.” (source: www.bible.org)

I can give you social, ethical, hygienic, biblical and lawful reasons why people must refrain from adultery. But I want to give you a different reason. Adultery destroys family/home and the church also.

How does adultery effects the family…?

1. Family is the core component of God’s plan

i. It was so from the beginning itself, (Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:21-24).
ii. Every individual is shaped by his family. (Deuteronomy 6:7, Proverbs 22:6, Genesis 18:19).

2. The family is Satan’s mission critical target

i. Christians cannot be defeated by persecution.
ii. But can be slowed down through compromise.
iii. Adultery is Satan’s best weapon against the Christian family.

How does adultery effects the church…?

3. Adultery tarnishes the testimony of the church

i. Secret sin is a hindrance to Church (Joshua 7:1-12)
ii. I feel sorry to see that certain Christians in leadership role of the church today are actually adulterers.
iii. This is contrary to the standard given in scriptures. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect. Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households.” (1 Timothy 3:8-11)

Conclusion and application

i. God will judge the adulterer. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God. Some of you once lived this way. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
ii. You cannot play with God’s grace: Jude 4, Romans 6:1-2; 6:15
iii. Discipline Christians whose walk is sexually immoral: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
iv. Repent and stop sinning: “The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
v. Alter call…