3rd April 2025

3rd April 2025


Pray (ACts)


Read (Exodus 20v14)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


The seventh commandment states that we are not to commit adultery but what duties does it require from us? “The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behavior; and the preservation of it in ourselves and others; watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses; temperance, keeping of chaste company, modesty in apparel; marriage by those that have not the gift of continency, conjugal love, and cohabitation; diligent labor in all our callings; shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.”


As usual the commandments do not allow us to rest on our laurels. In response to the Gospel, we honour Christ by being chaste in body, mind, affections, words and behaviour. What is it to be chaste? Simply to seek purity. Practically this means that the married man will not cheat on his wife but it also means that we will refuse to engage in inappropriate behaviour, we will keep a watch over our minds and we will strive to speak in a Christ honouring fashion.


This is not only demanded personally but it should also be our goal to preserve the purity of others. What does this look like? It is not good to flirt with someone at the office party nor is it wise to speak in a sexually charged fashion with our friends and it is certainly not helpful to dress or act inappropriately around others. We should do all that can to honour Christ in our keeping of the seventh commandment and that includes helping others do the same.


Additionally, The seventh commandment urges us to take marriage seriously and to do all that can to uphold the vows we have made. Marriage is not for everyone and the single life is not the “lesser” option. Even so, if we are married then we should do all that we can to protect our hearts and marriages. Furthermore, we are to shun all opportunities for “uncleanness” and temptation. What does this look like in practice? There is no wisdom in a young unmarried couple heading away together on holiday, it is not a good choice for the married woman to seek opportunities to spend time with a man she feels attracted to and it is foolish for any of us to put ourselves in the path of temptation.


Brothers and sisters, none of us are immune from the seductions of this world and we would do well to recognise that the enemy prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5v8). May we meditate upon the seventh commandment and close any avenues which may lead us to destruction.  


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q48 What are we specially taught by these words, before me,” in the first commandment? These words, before me,” in the first commandment teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.
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