Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 7/27/2006

Question
My friend is not having adultery ,but he is always thinking about it. Is it sinful just to think about it? And I don't understand the 7th commandment. Please explain.

Thanks,
Annelson

Answer
Hi Annelson,
    The Bible addresses the progress of how temptation comes into our lives and causes us to sin.

     "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot 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 1:12-14)

       Note  the last sentence.   We are tempted by things we see which appeals to our carnal or sinful nature.  That means every man is born a sinner and with a nature that leads him to sin.   Proof of this is that children do not need to be taught to do wrong...they do wrong automatically. We all have to be taught to do right.   And so does all men.
        
       Temptation is not sin, but it can led to sin.  So the when the temptation comes...and it comes to all men/women, we put it out of our minds and refuse to let it go any further.   In other words we nip it in the bug, before it leads us to sin.   However, if a man thinks on something sinful and begins to lust,  this is sinful and will lead to the very act of sin.

       Jesus said "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)

        For the Christian God has made provision to overcome temptation so we do not have to lust or commit the act of sin.

        "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

        God says that we all are tempted, but for the Christian,  God intervenes and provides a means or way to escape so that we do not have to sin.

        The best thing to do when temptation comes it so turn away from it.   Stop looking as a woman, turn off the TV, not not read the book or look at it...do not allow one's self to be put in the place where we will be tempted.   That my mean changing the people we associate with and aviod those who cause us to be tempted.

         A Christian should make it a matter of constant prayer for the Lord to help us overcome sin.     However, if we sin God has made provision for us in that too.    God says:

      "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10)

       So if we sin, we confess it to the Lord immediately and He helps to cleanse us from the sin and helps us to overcome doing it again.   Every time we sin....a Christians should confess whatever it is to the Lord.   
     
         I hope this helps...if you have further questions or comments please write.

Cooper P Abrams III
Romans 12:1-2
Bible-truth.org
" Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity"  (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 )

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