The Sermon on the MountSample

Adultery and lust

Traditional teaching concentrated on the act of adultery as opposed to the internal reasons for it. Jesus, on the other hand, explains that looking at others lustfully and dwelling on this is a precursor to immorality. The Old Testament already speaks of the heart in this context (Proverbs 6:25). Peter takes up this theme by speaking of false teachers whose behavior is a denial of Christian doctrine (2 Peter 2:14). We should not limit the application of this passage only to adultery in the strict sense (marital infidelity) because Jesus speaks of anyone who looks at a woman lustfully and therefore the principle applies even before marriage.

Look: this word translates βλέπω (blepō): "To aim, to observe, to look within, to direct one's attention to". It is not a passing glance. The same word is used in Acts 1:9 (NIV) - the following verse shows that "they were looking intently up into the sky as he was going." We could translate "looking in view of desiring".

The course of action that Jesus recommends is to stop this chain from the beginning, even taking drastic measures (but not with mutilation!) to avoid the onset of desire (eye) and moving on to action (hand). It's important to have the right perspective - eternal life instead of the short-term. Moses made this choice (Hebrews 11:25,26).

In today's world, we are surrounded by images and videos that portray actions that are contrary to God's Word and are not good for us or others. Pornography is a well-organized and aggressive industry. Believers must be careful about what they see, not only what they do.

• Are you careful about what you watch and how you look at others?
• If you encounter problems in this area, seek the assistance of the Lord and mature believers as soon as you can.