SPIRITUAL ADULTERY: A CALL TO REPENTANCE AND HOLINESS By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 3:6 – "The Lord said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? She is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot."
________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
The world today is filled with people who have abandoned God’s will and are pursuing their own desires. This disobedience has distanced them from the righteousness and morality that God requires. Many have chosen to follow their own paths, proving their spiritual foolishness. It is not only women who have fallen into this deception, but also men who promote themselves and their selfish ambitions without regard for God’s kingdom. This rebellion has led to spiritual corruption and moral decay, making many unworthy of God’s mercy.
The sin of spiritual adultery is not new. It dates back to the Garden of Eden when Eve was deceived by the serpent. By listening to Satan’s lies, she chose disobedience over God’s command, thus playing the harlot spiritually. She then enticed Adam, leading to the fall of humanity. Today, whenever people choose their own desires over God’s will, they are engaging in the same spiritual harlotry.
________________________________________
THE ROOT OF SPIRITUAL ADULTERY
Hosea 4:12 – "My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God."
Spiritual adultery stems from prioritizing worldly desires over obedience to God. People seek pleasure, wealth, and power rather than seeking righteousness. Just as Israel turned to false gods and idols, many today have replaced God with materialism, entertainment, and ungodly lifestyles.
Idolatry, in any form, is spiritual harlotry because it shifts love and devotion from God to something else. Those who abandon their covenant with God and pursue other gods or sinful pleasures are defiling themselves and distancing themselves from divine grace.
________________________________________
THE CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUAL HARLOTRY
Ezekiel 23:30 – "I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and because thou art polluted with their idols."
When people forsake God, they invite destruction upon themselves. Spiritual adultery leads to emptiness, dissatisfaction, and separation from God’s presence. Many who indulge in sin believe they will find fulfillment, but instead, they experience desolation and bondage to darkness.
Demonically inspired leadership and deceptive laws contribute to this moral decline. People are encouraged to follow man-made laws that contradict God’s commandments. While they may consider themselves "law-abiding," if they are obeying unrighteous decrees, they are in rebellion against God.
________________________________________
THE CALL TO REPENTANCE
Joel 2:12-13 – "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
God, in His infinite mercy, calls His people to repentance. He desires that all return to Him with humility and sincerity. True repentance is not just an outward expression but a transformation of the heart. Those who have strayed must renounce their sinful ways and commit themselves fully to the Lord.
________________________________________
SUMMARY
Spiritual adultery occurs when people choose sin, idolatry, and rebellion over God’s righteousness. It has dire consequences, leading to spiritual emptiness and separation from God. However, there is hope for those who repent and turn back to God.
________________________________________
CONCLUSION
The world is filled with deception, and many are being led astray by false doctrines and ungodly leadership. As believers, we must remain steadfast in God’s truth and reject the temptations of spiritual harlotry. Obedience to God’s commandments must be our priority, even when society promotes unrighteousness.
________________________________________
THE CALL TO ACTION
It is time to examine our hearts and ensure that we are not engaging in spiritual adultery. We must seek God’s will above all else and reject any influence that leads us away from Him. Commit today to walk in righteousness, obeying God’s word and upholding His truth.
________________________________________
FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
James 4:8 – "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
God is merciful and willing to forgive those who return to Him. Let us pursue holiness and righteousness, keeping ourselves pure from the corruption of the world. Victory belongs to those who choose to walk in obedience and faithfulness to the Lord.
________________________________________
PRAYER OF SALVATION
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today, acknowledging that I am a sinner. I have strayed from Your ways and followed my own desires. Lord, I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again on the third day.
Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to You. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and lead me in the path of righteousness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen me to follow You faithfully.
Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I declare that I am saved, redeemed, and a child of God. In Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen.
