This exposition of Exodus 20:14 by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, March 31, 2019.
Intro:
We live in a very hedonistic society. A society dominated by the philosophy of hedonism. Now most can’t spell it, let alone define it. It is a philosophy that says the highest goal in life is the pursuit of pleasure.
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Thus pleasure is the ultimate aim or goal in life. If you dare advocate a Christian ethic in such a culture you are considered a narrow-minded, old fashion bigot! Things have changed significantly over the past generation. In 1963 it was a scandal when Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor began their affair during the filming of the epic Cleopatra. Even Hollywood condemned Liz for stealing Burton from his wife. In 1987, Gary Hart withdrew from the Democratic primary because of his affair with Donna Rice. All of that being a far cry from the circus surrounding “Monica gate” during the Clinton years. Now we have the celebration of same sex relationships - the sexual revolution seems to have won the day. Add to that the high profile infidelities within the church and you have to conclude – things have changed.
Christianity Today ran an article detailing a poll in which 23% of the respondents admitted to having had extramarital intercourse. 45% had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior. 1 in 4 had been unfaithful to their spouse. That’s staggering, in and of it self, then you have to add one other fact, the survey was among clergy! This morning we come to deal with the 7th commandment. Our text is the 14th verse of Exodus 20.
Text: Exodus 20:14
God is thundering his commands from the smoke and fire of Sinai.
This is the life I expect from my followers.
This is the life I expect of those who bear my name.
When you boil it down it comes to this: love God and love your neighbor.
The life we are called to is just that – a life – not cold, abstract, detached truths.
It is truth lived out in relationship with God and with others.
As we explore this commandment the message is fairly straight forward:
Thesis: The seventh word thundered through the smoke and fire of Sinai demands a life of genuine purity.
Purity, now there’s an old fashioned idea! It sounds awfully “Victorian” don’t you think? Most often in our culture it is a “putdown.” But it is essential that we rediscover the biblical notion of purity in particularly as related to marriage. This command teaches the sanctity of marriage understanding that marriage is not an accidental but rather a purposeful, essential element of creation. Marriage is a divine institution providing the cornerstone of civil society. Marriage is God’s idea!
I want to say a couple of things about purity and marriage stemming from this commandment.
- God forbids adultery because of its devastating consequences related to His glory and our well-being. (Exodus 20:14)The principle stated in the 7th Commandment seems simple enough. “You shall not commit adultery.” But why? What’s the big deal? What is so awful about it? To understand that we must understand marriage.
Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis 2:20-24Adultery shatters that.
Adultery says, “I don’t care about any of that.” - Because this is such a serious matter, it demands constant vigilance and a determined commitment. (Matthew 5:29-30)Our Lord is not demanding that you mutilate your body but that you take extreme measure to guard your purity.
Conclusion:
Now, for those who have failed or who are failing in this area. There is grace, forgiveness and cleansing. The law of God serves as a mirror revealing your condition but then it takes you by the hand and leads you to Christ.
Come to Christ and then sing with H.G. Spafford:
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought,
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, oh my soul!
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