What are we to think of those matters which are neither commanded nor forbidden in God´s word?

There are matters which God has neither commanded nor forbidden, which are also called adiaphora. God has given us the freedom to deal with these matters according to our discretion. In matters such as these, however, the government, our parents, our employers and supervisors, each in their own sphere of responsibility, may give commands, which we are conscience-bound to obey because of the Fourth Commandment.

We are also to remember that we must not offend those weak Chrisitans, who consider certain matters of free choice to be sin, because they do not understand true Christian freedom. Brotherly love demands that in cases of this type, we refrain from exercising our Christian freedom, in order that no one will become confused and be in danger of acting contrary to his weak conscience. In cases like these we are to be willing to conform in a spirit of unselfishness, and at the same time to teach the weak what true Christian freedom is.

Assignment: Read 1 Cor. 8 and Rom. 14:13-23. Discuss: What are some matters of this type, that are related to our lives?

If legalistically inclined sects or individuals demand that we avoid and consider as sin, matters that are free according to God’s Word, we must not even for a moment submit to their demands, but must rather hold fast to our freedom, as a matter of confession of faith, and defend the truth of the Gospel.

Assignment: Read Gal. 2:45 and 5:1, also Col. 2:16.

If we are not certain as to whether or not something is sinful, we are first to study the matter in the light of God’s Word, and only then are we to act, for “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23).

What things help us to lead a morally clean and proper life?

The use of God’s Word, prayer, the worship services and activities of our congregation, being in the company of fellow Christians, work, study, and good hobbies, help us to think, speak and do that which is right.

Phil. 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever thing 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 of these things.

Mark 14:38: Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

What sort of things must a Christian avoid in order to remain on the right road?

1. Bad company: the type that spends time idling, engages in improper talk, blasphemes God or other people, and incites oneself or others to commit sin.
   
   

   Ps. 1:1: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
   
   1 Cor. 15:33: Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
   
   1 Tim. 5:13: And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

   
   
   Being idle is not wise, because idleness does not inspire good incentives or thoughts, but induces us to dwell on the evil thoughts and temptations that arise from our hearts and our surroundings.



2. Using drugs and alchohol to satisfy lust or to induce a state of intoxication. When we are faced with difficulties, we must not seek refuge in such things, but rather trust in God and ask Him for help; for He helps us in the right way at the right time according to His good will.
   
   Note: Even a little experimentation with drugs may be detrimental, because it may lead to addiction and a person’s ruin.
   
   

   Prov. 23:32: Look not upon the wine when it is red.
   
   Eph. 5:18: Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess.
   
   1 Cor. 6:10: Drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
   




3. Dancing of the type that involves sexually arousing movement and music, improper words, and company that tempts one to engage in sin.
   
   

   Rom. 13:13-14: Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision of the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.




4. The wrong type of spirituality and all other fleshly pursuits.



5. We are also to beware that we do not use our eyes to view, our ears to hear, or our imagination to follow and approve films, programs or other forms of entertainment and life styles that glorify crime, immorality, unfaithfulness and other types of sinful living.
   
   Assignment: Discuss: Where will we possibly be confronted with such forms of entertainment, and when so confronted, what should we do?
   
   Note: Everything that God has created also has its right use. It is used properly when its use is in accordance with God’s Commandments.

Can sins against the Sixth Commandment be forgiven

God gladly forgives those who have sinned against the Sixth Commandment and all the other Commandments, for Christ’s sake, because Christ has atoned for all sins. We can penitently confess our sins to God, trust in His grace, and began, as it were, our life anew.

Rom. 5:20: Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

What punishment results from breaking the Sixth Commandment?

When a person sins against the Sixth Commandment he may already suffer in many ways while here on earth. But the person who remains impenitent and does not flee to the refuge of God’s grace, will suffer eternal damnation.

Heb. 13:4: Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Eph. 5:5: For this ye know, that no whoremonger nor unclean person... hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

When is a divorce permissible?

It is to be remembered, that the break-up of a home and marriage is never the will of God, for God wants every marriage and every home to remain intact. But if the marriage has actually already been broken by the unfaithfulness of a spouse, God’s Word gives the innocent spouse permission to obtain a legal divorce and to marry again. Nevertheless, if possible, efforts should be made to restore the broken marriage. God’s Word also grants permission for a new marriage, when an unbelieving spouse deserts a believing spouse because of his or her faith. In that case the believer has the right to remarry. (Other marriage-related facts: see Matt. 19:10-12).

Matt.19:9: Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery.

1 Cor. 7:5: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God hath called us to peace.

The Lutheran Confessions: “Unjust also is the tradition which forbids an innocent person to marry after the divorce.” (Of the Power and Jurisdiction of Bishops, 78).

Note: Society approves of divorce on a much broader basis, because it includes not only Christians but also unbelievers.

What is the purpose of marriage?

The purpose of marriage is the intimate life together of a husband and wife, who, faithful to each other, share the joys and sorrows of life during both festive and ordinary times. Through such a union God wants to richly bless both husband and wife.

Marriage is also the basis of organized society.

Husband and wife are especially blessed, when God permits them to become fathers and mothers, and to raise their children in the home they provide for them.

A God-fearing Christian home is a precious gift of God, and is a great blessing to the occupants of the home. It is also a good example to others and a blessing to them.

Gen. 2:24: Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.

Gen. 1:28: Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

Ps. 127:3: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

What order has God established for the marriage relationship?

God, who is a God of order, in His love, has established a certain order that is to prevail in the marriage relationship. In this relationship the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the Head of the Church. God wants this order to prevail in a spirit of mutual, self-sacrificing love, so that the marriage will be a happy one.

Gen. 2:18: It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

1 Cor. 14:33: For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

Eph. 5:22-25, 33: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church, and He is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it... Nevertheless, let everyone of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

What is marriage?

Marriage, which was instituted by God, is a life-union of a man and a woman. It is entered into by engagement in the form of a promise, but only when the marriage ceremony takes place, does God give the man and the woman to each other.

Christians want to sanctify their marriage with a marriage ceremony in which God’s Word and prayer are used, and to receive God’s blessing for their life together.

Marriage lasts until death separates husband and wife from each other.

Gen. 5:2: Male and female created he Them, and blessed them.

Matt. 19:5-6: For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.

Assignment: Read Gen. 2:18-24: The institution of marriage.Read Rom.7:3-3, I Cor. 7:39

How is an engaged couple to live?

An engaged couple does not have the right to live in the marriage relationship before the marriage takes place, because God has not as yet given them to each other. They are therefore not to begin living together before the marriage ceremony, but, faithful to each other, they are separately, in a humble way, to prepare for their future life together.

Is engagement binding?

The Bible calls those who are engaged, husband and wife. In this way it indicates that couples have entered into matrimony by promise already when the promise to marry was given. If an engagement is a valid engagement, it is binding on the conscience. For this reason Christians must seriously consider the matter before becoming engaged, for the matter in question is a life-long matter.

Assignment: Read Matt. 1:20-24: The angel calls Mary, Joseph’s wife although they were only engaged to be married and didn’t live together.

What does a valid engagement include?

A rightful and valid engagement includes the following:

1. Both of the engaged persons are suitable for marrige and have the right to marry.


2. They have the permission of their parents or the civil authorities.


3. They give their promise to marry voluntarily, without any coercion from anyone, and do not conceal anything relevant to the matter.

Assignment: Read Gen. 24:48-58: Rebekah’s engagement. Consider: What matters cannot be concealed when becoming engaged?

What is engagement?

When a man and a woman have agreed that they will marry, they are engaged.

Engagement is therefore a promise to marry and to live together as man and wife until death ends the marriage.

Those who have become engaged are promised to each other, but have not yet been given to each other. The purpose of the engagement announcement is to make public the intention to marry.

Assignment: Consider: What benefits are there from an engagement announcement?

How are youth and others, who are not married, to observe the Sixth Commandment?

When you keep company with a member of the opposite sex, remember that you are in the presence of God, and pray to Him for strength to preserve your own and your companion’s chastity.

When you seek a spouse for yourself, pray for God’s guidance. Ask Him for a mate who is a believer, and trust that God will hear your prayer.

You have the right to seek as your spouse, only someone who is eligible for marrige; in other words, such a one who is not already married or promised to somone else. See also: When is a divorce permissible?

1 Thess. 4:3-5: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication, that everyone of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor, not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.

Prov. 18:22: Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.

Ps. 6:9: The Lord hath heard my supplication.

Assignment: Consider: Why is it important that your spouse has the same faith as you have? Read Gen. 6:1-8, where the term, “sons of God”, refers to men who are not believers, and the term, “daughters of men”, refers to unbelieving women.

What is adultery?

Adultery includes the following:

1. The sinful sexual lust of the heart.
   
   

   Matt. 15:19: Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications.
   
   Col. 3:5-6: Mortify, therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry, for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.




2. Covetous or seductive looks and gestures:
   
   

   Matt. 5:27-28: Jesus said: 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.
   
   2 Pet. 2:14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin... cursed children.




3. Improper talk and double-entendres:
   
   

   Eph. 5:3-4: But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks.




4. All other forms of sexual immorality such as sexual relationships outside of marriage, adultery, group sex, rape, seduction, homosexuality, bestiality, etc.
   
   

   Heb. 13:4: Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

   
   
   Note: The word ´marriage´, as it is used here, is the translation of the Greek word ´gamos´, which means nuptials or the marriage feast. God therefore wants Christians to honor the marriage ceremony.
   
   

   1 Cor. 5:1: It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
   
   Rom. 1:26-27: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
   
   Lev. 18:23: Neither shalt thou lie with any beast.

What Does God want to protect in the Sixth Commandment?

Thou shalt not commit adultery. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may lead a chaste and decent life in word and deed, and each love and honor his spouse.

In the Sixth Commandment God wants to protect everyone’s moral character and the sanctity of marriage, which He has instituted, by exhorting us to lead chaste and decent lives and to keep marriage holy.

Prov. 4:23: Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life.