2005-10-16 Communion Dedication – Baldwin Christian Church 

Matthew 5:27-28 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.

Jesus is admonishing the men here, but some words are also here for the ladies. 

Jesus is reminding us that our heavenly Father sees everything.  He doesn’t just see my outward actions; He sees even the very thoughts and intentions of my heart. On one hand, this can be very frightening, but on the other, it can be very comforting.

It frightens me because He sees the passions and murders I’ve committed in my mind, in my thoughts.  He sees the anger and covetousness in my heart, and for these things I desperately need to repent, and for Him to forgive me and cleanse me, just the same as if I’d actually gone out and physically done them. 

Sometimes it comforts me that God knows my heart, because we have secrets together.  There have been situations in my life when I knew I was right, but it seemed like nobody else thought so.  I’ve learned that I don’t have to complain when I’ve been wronged.  If I can keep it a secret, just between the Lord and me, He usually works things out great. 

In these scriptures, Jesus is giving us warnings about our thought life.  If I covet something long enough, my thoughts will eventually turn into actions.  It’s in our best interest to be happy with what we have, and not dwell on the things we don’t have (Philippians 4:11-12).  In the context of verse 28, the man who looks with lust has indeed committed adultery in his heart, but sometimes this sword has two edges.  When the woman has purposely invited the gaze of men by her inviting appearance, the Lord may judge her partly responsible for their fall. 

The man who looks on a woman to lust after her isn’t happy with what he has, and he isn’t content with what the Lord has given him. The woman who dresses to invite looks from men isn’t happy with what she has, and she isn’t content with what the Lord has given her. 

Hebrews 13:5 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

If we’re not content with the things we have, then we’re not content with Him, and that qualifies as disbelief, a dangerous state to be in. 

God is Love (1 John 4:8,16), and love is the key to fulfilling the commandments (Mark 12:39-31).  If I love you, I won't say things to put you down.  If I love you, I won't see you as an object to covet.  If I love you, I won't purpose in my heart to flaunt myself as an object to be coveted. 

Love is the reason we partake of this communion.  Love is the reason we have this opportunity to gather together in heavenly hope. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.