February 1, 2024 

Today's Reading: 10 Commandments, 6th Commandment

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 11:4-17; 2 Timothy 4:1-18

You shall not commit adultery. (The Sixth Commandment)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Adultery is such a rare word that it can be hard to understand.  One dictionary defines adultery like this: “voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than that person's current spouse or partner.” That’s fine for the English language, but God’s definition of adultery goes beyond that.  God condemns any kind of sexual relationship outside of marriage. While the English definition would say that you can’t commit adultery if you and your partner aren’t married, God declares that a sexual relationship or encounter outside of marriage is sinful.

God doesn’t stop there, either. Jesus went on to say, “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 lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) The Lord doesn’t only judge the sin of adultery, but He includes every kind of unchastity, including lust. This is not only a sin for the married or the young, but a sin that plagues every sinner with a pulse.  

The Catechism helpfully points out the opposite of adultery, and that is chastity manifested in a sexually pure and decent life. Living in holiness includes sex and sexuality. Scripture calls Christians to flee from lust and to abstain from sex outside of marriage. Scripture also teaches that marriage is a gift and God has established it for good.  

What does that mean in the midst of a world full of temptation? Live as a Christian, striving to live in God’s holiness and keeping yourself from engaging in sexual sin, including lust. When you find that you have fallen into sin (sexual or otherwise), flee to Jesus Christ. His precious death brings forgiveness for your sin. You don’t sin so that God’s grace can abound, but you receive His forgiveness for all your sin. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Be faithful to your marriage vow; No lust or impure thoughts allow. Keep all your conduct free from sin  By self-controlled discipline. Have mercy, Lord!  (LSB 581:7)

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.