What Does It Really Mean to Avoid Adultery?
Ever thought about what it really means to live out God’s commands in your day-to-day life?
It’s easy to focus on the big, obvious things, but when Jesus gave His famous Sermon on the Mount, He took it deeper. It wasn’t just about what you do with your hands—it was about what’s going on in your heart.
That’s where the real battle happens.
Look at the seventh commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.” But here’s the thing—it’s about so much more than just staying faithful physically.
Jesus flips the script in Matthew 5:27-28, saying, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Let’s break that down. Jesus isn’t just saying, “Don’t cheat on your spouse.” He’s saying that even our thoughts matter.
How often do we skim over that? We live in a world that bombards us with images and messages designed to stir up lust, and Jesus is telling us that it’s not just what we do but what we think that can break this commandment.
God’s Design for Marriage
From the very beginning, God set up marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman.
It’s supposed to be this beautiful, intimate bond that reflects His love and commitment to us. That’s why God takes it seriously.
But here’s the thing—marriage isn’t something God forces on anyone. It’s a gift, not a requirement.
Some people stay single and live fully for God. But if you’re married, God’s design for that relationship is for it to be a reflection of His love—pure, committed, and faithful.
The Pharisees, the religious leaders back in Jesus’ time, had this narrow view of the seventh commandment. To them, as long as you didn’t physically cheat, you were good.
Jesus blows that thinking wide open. He tells us it’s not just about whether you act on it—it’s about what’s going on in your heart.
The Heart of the Matter
Lust isn’t just some passing feeling. Jesus calls it out because it’s a heart issue.
It’s where sin starts, even if you never actually commit the physical act. When we let lust take root in our minds, it grows and leads to things that pull us away from God.
That’s why Jesus emphasizes the heart. Think about it—sin starts with a thought, a desire, something small that grows if we don’t deal with it.
It’s easy to brush off because no one else sees what’s going on inside your head. But Jesus sees it, and He’s saying, “Let’s deal with this before it becomes something bigger.”
Desire Isn’t the Problem
Now, don’t get me wrong—desire isn’t the enemy here. God created sexual desire, and within the boundaries of marriage, it’s a beautiful thing.
But the world has twisted that. Instead of seeing it as a gift meant for a husband and wife, it’s become something to satisfy our own pleasures outside of God’s plan.
It’s easy to get caught up in the messages our culture throws at us. You can’t go far without seeing ads, TV shows, or even just conversations that stir up those feelings.
And with things like pornography being just a click away, it’s a struggle that’s real for so many people.
Jesus knew that, even back then. That’s why He went straight to the heart of the matter. He didn’t just say, “Don’t commit adultery.” He said, “Hey, watch what’s happening in your mind and your heart too.”
The Reality of Struggle
Here’s the good news, though—Jesus knows we’re going to struggle. None of us are perfect.
We all mess up. The Bible makes it clear that not a single person has lived out this commandment perfectly. And that’s where grace comes in.
We don’t have to carry the weight of our failures. When we stumble, we can come to Jesus, confess, and ask for His help to get our hearts back on track.
This isn’t about living in fear or shame—it’s about letting God shape us and guide us.
We can’t fix our hearts on our own. But with Jesus, there’s hope. He’s calling us to purity—not because He wants to restrict us, but because He knows that living with a pure heart leads to freedom.
It leads to deeper intimacy in our relationships and a closer connection with Him.
Moving Forward
So, how do we live this out? It starts with being honest—with God and with ourselves. We’ve got to admit when our thoughts aren’t aligned with what He wants for us.
That’s where prayer comes in. Ask God to help you guard your heart and your mind. Be intentional about what you let in. Surround yourself with things that point you back to Jesus, not things that pull you away.
And don’t forget—this isn’t a journey you have to walk alone. Find someone you trust who can pray for you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. We’re all in this together.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about following a set of rules—it’s about letting God transform our hearts. When we do that, everything else falls into place.
Pastor Rich is a dedicated minister and experienced business owner. I received my Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and my Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Spurgeon College. With over eight years of experience in the ministry, I currently serve as the Outreach and Evangelism Pastor at First Baptist Church Springfield, MO.
Image by Rich Bitterman
What a powerful and important message! So very much truth and (EVERY) man faces a world to lead him astray…. Visual impact alone is there every day from TV to the way many young women dress. The lust is stired from the external but the seed is internal… We each must rebuke and pray. Very good artical! God bless you.