SPIRITUAL UNFAITHFULNESS

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Spiritual adultery and physical adultery are alike in many ways, and both are dangerous. God was disappointed with his people because they had committed spiritual adultery against him, as Gomer had committed physical adultery against Hosea.

1. What are the parallels and the danger for both spiritual and physical adultery?

a) Parallels

i) Both spiritual and physical adultery are against God's law.

ii) The danger

@1. When we break God's law in full awareness of what we're doing, our hearts become hardened to the sin and our relationship with God is broken.

b) Parallels

i) Both spiritual and physical adultery begin with disappointment and dissatisfaction - either real or imagined - with an already existing relationship.

ii) The danger

@1. The feeling that God disappoints can lead you away from him. Feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction are normal and, when endured , will pass.

c) Parallels

i) Both spiritual and physical adultery begin with diverting affection from one object of devotion to another.

ii) The danger

@1. The diverting of our affection is the first step in the blinding process that leads into sin.

d) Parallels

i) Both spiritual and physical adultery involve a process of deterioration; it is not usually an impulsive decision.

ii) The danger

@1. The process is dangerous because you don't always realize it is happening until it is too late.

e) Parallels

i) Both spiritual and physical adultery involve the creation of a fantasy about what a new object of love can do for you.

ii) The danger

@1. Such fantasy creates unrealistic expectations of what a new relationship can do and leads only to disappointment in all existing and future relationships.

The End ...