What is the seventh command?
The seventh command is You shall not commit adultery. (Exo 20:14) In Hebrew,
לֹא תִּנְאָֽף׃ .
What is the meaning of this verb?
The Hebrew verb נָאַף is generally used to refer to a sexual relationship with someone other than one's spouse; see here.
What is at the heart of the seventh command?
The sanctity of the sexual relationship.
Why is this relationship sacred?
Because it is the only human relationship capable of creating new life.
What has God done to protect this new life?
He has done two things:
First, He has commanded that the sexual relationship only exist between a man and a woman who are married;
Second, He has established marriage as an unbreakable bond.
What is the result of these two things which God has established?
The result is the family.
Is the family the place then were these helpless infants are raised to adulthood?
Yes, a family has a father and a mother who are committed to each other and to the new lives which they have brought into the world. They are committed to raise these children in a safe, happy, and God-honoring environment.
What are the disastrous consequences of disregarding the seventh command?
The breakdown of the family and hence the lack of a safe and happy place where children are reared to adulthood. Children are left to rear themselves.
What are the ways we sin against the seventh command?
Any sexual relationship which exists outside of the marriage relation is sin. Furthermore, Paul and Jesus both extend this command farther.
How did Jesus extend this command?
Jesus taught:
27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. (Matt 5:27-30)