Day Four Matthew 5:27-28
27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:27-28 (NLT)
Learn From the Word
Jesus moves on to His second “you have heard it said, but I say” statement, now addressing the command to not commit adultery. Once again, Jesus moves beyond outward action to inward thoughts and motivations. As He will continue to do with each of His six statements in this chapter, Jesus broadens and deepens the meaning of the law. We can’t be tempted to check the box of never committing adultery if adultery includes the kind of lust we all experience – lust that doesn’t trust God to provide His absolute best.
Put It Into Practice
Sexual sin is serious and rampant in our world. But think for a minute about anything you may lust after. James writes in his later letter to followers of Jesus that our evil desires war within us, that we want what we don’t have, and we are jealous of what others have. He goes to the extent of calling us adulterers, telling us that our friendship with the world makes us enemies of God! What in the kingdom of this world do you lust after? Financial security? Someone else’s home or possessions or life situation? Maybe your lust is sexual in nature. Turn those things over to Him now and confess to a trusted friend who can help you run away from sin and toward God.
For Families with Kids at Home
At its heart, lust is making something an idol – declaring in our hearts that something is more valuable than God. This week, have a conversation with your kids about something that they value. Point out that God gave us good things to be enjoyed, but sometimes we can make the mistake of taking a good thing God has given us and putting it on the same level of importance as our relationship with God. God wants what’s best for us, and the best thing for us is a relationship with Him!