Week 7-Football, Rest, and Confessions-6th Commandment-LC

"You shall not commit adultery"

This commandment is known for me as the "don't get your freak on" outside of your spouse commandment. It strikes to the heart that one should not shack up with some gal down the street in a immoral relationship without the other spouse knowing. Of course, this is a very narrow view of this command, but it keeps us all from having to think about ways that we might actually break this commandment on a daily basis.

First off, Luther makes a direct connection to the uplifting of marriage and the 6th commandment. Most of us do not make that connection. We usually think about how this just tones down the desires of the individual.

"Married life is therefore no jest or presumption; but it is an excellent thing and a matter of divine seriousness. For it is of the highest importance to Him that persons be raised who may serve the world and promote the knowledge of God, godly living, and all virtues, to fight against wickedness and the devil"

Luther makes a practical analogy of marriage that goes way beyond sexuality. He points to the reality that as couples get married, it leads to the promotion of the world's spiritual lives, better morals, better ethics, and curbs the temptations of the devil. That as God makes marriage to be a glimpse of Christ's love for His Church (Ephesians 5), marriage extends out into the world and promotes love for one's neighbor.

While reading this it gave me a thought, "The Evangelicals are right." Your typical Evangelical will promote marriage not only through Scripture, but also the "secular" benefits of uplifting marriage. They will speak about the stability of our society, the health of people, and the improvement of education (and the list goes on). The battle has grown increasingly hostile with gay marriage being "normalized" and the definition of marriage being threatened.

So what can we do as a church to uplift marriage in our churches not only due to Scripture but also for the love our neighbors in society? How are we failing since there is a 50% divorce rate and most marriage occur in churches? How can we uplift the chaste life outside of marriage in a "get your freak on" culture?

Homework: 7th commandment