2.  American society is schizophrenic about adultery: ~80% “believe extramarital sex is always wrong.  Two-thirds of couples (2012) lived together more than two years before marrying.  In 2012 48% of women cohabited, only 40% eventually marry.  Cohabitation rate increased ~900% since 1965.  In 2012, 7.8 million couples cohabited in U.S. 2

3.  American society is schizophrenic about adultery: ~80% “believe extramarital sex is always wrong.”  Cohabitation increasing: since mid-1990s rate has more than doubled (only 27% disapprove!).  4 in 10 new marriages in U.S. one partner previously married; 2 in 10 both previously married.  42 million adults in U.S. married more than once, tripled since 1960.  In U.S. 8% of newly married have been married 3 or more times. 3

4.  Situation affecting America’s children:  40.6% of children born are born to unwed mothers (72.2% among African-Americans).  46% of kids under 18 are living in a home with two married heterosexual parents in their first marriage (73% in 1960).  34% of children are living with an unmarried parent. 4 Yet 80% of Americans believe sexual relations with someone other than their spouse is always wrong?

5.  God’s word not schizophrenic about adultery:  “For this [adultery] is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.” Job 31:11  Despite America’s attitudes and behaviors, adultery remains a “heinous crime” !  Adultery is a crime because it is an offense against both God and man.  By the age of 40, 50-65% of husbands and 45-55% of wives will engage in at least one adulterous relationship. 5

7.  Cruelty is the intentional infliction of pain and grief to another: Heb. 13:4  Adultery produces jealousy and anger that cannot be assuaged: Prov. 6:34-35  Adultery destroys hopes and dreams and brings untold suffering to everyone involved: Eph. 5:25 7 Adultery, It’s a Crime!

8.  The wise man said: “So he that goeth in to his neighbor’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.” Prov. 6:29  Adultery causes another to sin and robs them of their virtue simply to satisfy one’s own selfish lusts: Matt. 18:6-7  Is it any wonder David said his “sin” was “ever before” him? Psa. 51:3 8 Adultery, It’s a Crime!

9.  Adultery is a stain on one’s character: “A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.” Prov. 6:33  Why does adultery produce this result? Because adulterers “give thine honour unto others” : Prov. 5:9  Adultery brings shame on oneself, family, friends, and the church: 1 Cor. 5:1; 2 Pet. 2:2 9 Adultery, It’s a Crime!

10.  Adultery destroys our moral qualities  Flatterer and liar: Prov. 7:21; 2:16  Loud and rebellious: Prov. 7:11  Covenant breaker: Prov. 2:16  One who takes advantage: Job 31:9  One who is a “sneak”: Job 24:15  Don’t be deceived, adultery destroys! Prov. 7:26 10 Adultery, It’s a Crime!

11.  “For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.” Prov. 6:26  “But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.” Prov. 29:3  Many have paid a high price! Lost family, wealth, jobs, good name, peace of mind, etc.  Ultimately will lose one’s soul: Prov. 6:32 11 Adultery, It’s a Crime!

12.  Despite the stat (recall 80%); our society condones, glorifies, encourages and ignores adultery’s destructive power.  Our society is increasingly filled with more and more opportunities to commit adultery.  Why resort to shameful lust when God’s way blesses us with lawful, honorable and fulfilling love? Prov. 5:15-23; Heb. 13:4  Don’t be fooled by adultery it is a “heinous crime” Prov. 6:27 12