Short Sermons on the Ten Commandments by W. A. MCCUTCHEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

Short Sermons on the Ten Commandments

By W. A. MCCUTCHEN

The Seventh Commandment

W. A. MCCUTCHEN

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Ex. 20: 14. The Saviour’s comment on this commandment corroborates what was said of the preceding one. How broad and far-reaching these commandments are in their meaning! He says, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 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: 27, 28.

From this we see again that by a thought God’s law may be violated, and it does not have to go to the length of the actual deed or overt act for man’s course to constitute a violation, and he be guilty of the sin—so pure and broad are God’s commandments. John says, “Sin is the transgression of the law;” so whenever one conceives and harbors in the mind, with a desire to carry into effect the overt act of transgression, he commits sin, for “sin is the transgression of the law,” either in thought, word, or act, and we can not get away from this fact.

Thus we see with reference to this command, that it enjoins chastity and purity in thought as well as in deed. In fact, whenever there is a transgression in deed, it is because it was first in the thoughts, the mind, the heart. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” Mark 7: 21, 22. In this connection it is well to consider the language of James: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God can not be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” James 1: 13, 14. Even to be tempted is not a sin; the sin is in cherishing the desire and yielding to the temptation. Temptations to do wrong may come into the mind, but so long as they are not entertained, but resisted, it is not sin to the individual. Paul tells us that Christ himself “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4: 15. The sin is in yielding to the temptation. James puts it thus: “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” This accords with what has already been stated, that as soon as the evil thought is conceived in the mind with a cherished desire to carry it out, which is the lusting here spoken of, it is sin, or “it bringeth forth sin.” It has been said that we can not prevent the birds from flying over our heads, but we can prevent them from building their

nests in our hair. So we may not always prevent temptations from presenting themselves, but we can, by God’s grace, prevent them from taking hold of us. We may banish temptations and evil thoughts by putting something better in their place. “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12: 21. “Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10: 5. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil. 4: 8. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5: 23.

Keene, Tex.