S in is a heart matter - our own hearts. We cannot blame our circumstances or our conditioning. We cannot blame the other person or society, and we cannot blame God. Our genes did not cause us to be predisposed to some of the most egregious sins as we often hear claimed today. The act of adultery was as common in the days of Paul as it is in ours. The influence of pagan culture and practice, and the liberal interpretation and distortion of the Hebrew Scriptures had made room for adultery to proliferate among the Jews [Matthew 19:8-9]. The Lord Jesus, who knew man’s heart, confronted this head-on and shone His searchlight into its dark recesses. “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” [Matthew 5:28]. The lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh has been the downfall of presidents and pastors. We are to guard our hearts because it is deceitful and desperately wicked [Jeremiah 17:9]. James warns “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” [James 1:14-15]. What does this warn against? Never presume we are so strong we will not fall. Never think because our wicked deeds cannot be seen, it is alright doing as we please. Our hearts are vulnerable, and Satan attacks it constantly and unrelentingly. Let God’s Word guard our hearts and minds. Resort always to the Spirit’s help. He is God in us, a very present help in trouble, our refuge and strength in the day of temptation [Psalm 46:1].
LESSON
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?
THOUGHT
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. – Proverbs 4:23
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