RCCG Sunday School Student’s Manual 6th March 2022 – Lesson 30 – ADULTERY AND FORNICATION .
TOPIC: ADULTERY AND FORNICATION
MEMORY VERSE: Corinthians 3:17
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 (KJV)
15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
INTRODUCTION:
Sexual immorality is any habit or act that contradicts God’s laid down plan, principle and practice concerning sexual behaviour. Adultery and fornication are forms of sexual immorality. Other forms of sexual immorality are homosexuality, lesbianism, bestialism, incest, rape, masturbation, pornography, lustful desires and immoral thoughts.
Adultery and fornication are not just sins against God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) but also against one’s soul (1 Peter 2:11) and body (1 Corinthians 6:18). In this lesson, we shall attempt to understand the meaning and causes of adultery and fornication, consider their inherent dangers as well as the antidotes or remedies.
LESSON OUTLINES
DESCRIPTION AND CAUSES
DANGERS AND ANTIDOTES
1. DESCRIPTION AND CAUSES
Adultery can simply be described as marital infidelity. Adultery is any illicit sexual relationship between a married person and other persons apart from his or her spouse. Also, adultery could mean sexual relationship between a married person and someone that is betrothed (engaged). Adultery and fornication are listed among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19). “Thou shall not commit adultery” is among the first ten commandments given to Israel (Exodus 20:14). Adultery was regarded as a serious sin punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10; John 8:4-5). Adultery starts from the heart and the lust of the eyes (Matthew 5:27-28; 2 Peter 2:14).
Sexual immorality or intercourse between unmarried couples is called ‘fornication’. Fornication has gone viral among youth (even in the church) like never before (1 Corinthians 5:1). The temptation to commit fornication or adultery is common to all, but you do not have to fall for it (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).
Some of the likely causes of adultery are: untamed lustful desires (James 1:13-14); covetousness (Exodus 20:17); lack of contentment or satisfaction of a party (1Corinthians 7:2-5). Separation, divorce and remarriage are gateway to adultery (Matthew 19:9; Romans 7:2-3). Also, undefined relationship (1Corinthians 7:2) and unnecessarily prolonged courtship (1Corinthians 7:9).
2. DANGERS AND ANTIDOTES
Some of the dangers inherent in engaging in fornication and adultery are: loss of dignity and honour (Proverbs 6:32-33) exposure to and transfer of curse and affliction (Genesis 49:3-4); exposure to deadly diseases and unwanted pregnancies; untimely death as well as eternal destruction and separation from God (1 Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 13:4b).
To be free from the bondage of fornication and adultery, the believer should have a consciousness of sin and fear God (Genesis 39:9; Romans 6:12-14); abstain from all appearances or resemblance of sexual immorality 1Thessalonians 5:22; 1Corinthians 6:18; Genesis 39:10-12); get married as soon as you are matured to do so (1Corinthians 7:2; Hebrews 13:4a); married couples should strive to mutually satisfy each other in all things and guard against infiltration of strange women and men (1Corinthians 7:35; Proverbs 5:18-20); always meditate on the word of god and depend on the strength of the Holy Spirit to exercise self-control (Philippians 4:8,13).
CONCLUSION
Sex before or outside marriage is totally forbidden by God (Ephesians 5:3). Saint must abstain from fornication (Acts 15:20, 29). Adultery as well as fornication kills.
QUESTION
Describe adultery and fornication.
Mention the likely causes of adultery and fornication.
FURTHER READINGS:
Monday: 1 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV)
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Tuesday: Exodus 20:14 (KJV)
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Thursday: Hebrews 13:4 (KJV)
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Friday: Proverbs 5:19 (KJV)
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
Saturday: Colossians 3:5 (KJV)
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Sunday: 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) benefits of fleeing from fornication and adultery.
RCCG Sunday School manual is used in Sunday School Classes in the RCCG.
The RCCG Sunday school manual is written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye and is available online for easy access. See the previous RCCG Sunday school Manual for 2022 here
