Adultery And Fornication: Description And Causes

 

Memory Verse: “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart”– Matt. 5:28.

 

Bible Passage: 1 Cor. 6:15-20. 

Introduction 

Sexual immorality is a grievous sin that God hates. It is, therefore, alarming that it exists even among the members of the church (1 Cor. 5:1-2; Eph. 5:3). Sexual immorality is any habit or act that contradicts God’s laid down plan, principles and practice concerning sexual behaviour. Adultery and fornication are forms of sexual immorality.

 

Other forms of sexual immorality and homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, incest, rape, masturbation, pornography, lustful desires and immoral thoughts. Although all unrighteousness is sin, sexual immorality is considered grave and great sin before God. (1 Cor. 3:16-17).

 

LESSON OUTLINES 

1. Adultery and fornication described. 
2. Causes of Idolatry and fornication.

ADULTERY AND FORNICATION DESCRIBED 

Adultery can simply be described as marital infidelity. Adultery is any illicit sexual relationship between a married person and other persons apart from his or her spouse. Also, adultery could mean a sexual relationship between a married person and someone that is betrothed (engaged).

Adultery and fornication are listed among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19). Not to commit adultery is among the first ten commandments given to Isreal (Exodus 20:14). Adultery was regarded as a serious sin punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10; John 8:4-5). It is regarded as foolishness and eternal reproach (Proverbs 6:22-23). Adultery starts from the heart and the lust of the eyes (Matt. 5:27-28; 2 Peter 2:14). Polygamy and Polyandry also constitute adultery.

 

Sexual immorality or intercourse between unmarried couples is fornication. Fornication has gone viral among youths in the church like never before  (1 Cor. 5:1). The temptation to commit fornication or adultery is common to all but you do not have to fall for it (1 Cor. 10:12-13). 

 

CAUSES OF ADULTERY AND FORNICATION 

Some of the likely causes of adultery are:

1. Untamed lustful desire (James 1:13-14). 
2. Covetousness (Ex. 20:17).
3. Lack of contentment or satisfaction of a party (1 Cor. 7:2-5).
4. Separation, divorce and remarriage are gateways to adultery (Matt. 19:9; Romans 7:2-3).
5. Hardship or unforeseen circumstances. 

In addition, the following can lead to fornication:

1. Curiosity (Gen. 3:1-5).
2. Youthful lust (2 Timothy 2:22). 
3. Peer Pressure (Ex. 23:2).
4. Undefined relationship (1 Cor. 7:2).
5. Unnecessarily/prolonged courtship (1 Cor. 7:9). 

 

CONCLUSION 

Sex before or outside marriage is totally forbidden by God (Eph. 5:3). Saints must abstain from fornication (Acts 15: 20,29). Christian must consciously put to death fornication being a deed of the flesh (Col. 3:5). 

 

QUESTIONS

1. Describe adultery and fornication. 
2. Mention the likely causes of adultery and fornication 

Action Point
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