The Need for Protection

List the warning given in the passages below.

  • Proverbs 5:1-13
  • Proverbs 6:20-26
  • Proverbs 7:1-23
  • Matthew 5:27-28
  • 1 Corinthians 10:8-12

The temptation of sexual infidelity is powerful and ever-present! In virtually every list of sins found in the Bible, adultery and fornication top the list.

God’s Help

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13).

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation … ” (Mark 14:38)

Primary Observations

  • No one thinks they need protection until it is too late.
  • If you take care of how things look, you take care of how things are.
  • Protection may seem prudish, yet wonderful things happen in a relationship where they exist.
  • If you still think protection is not important, you are headed for trouble in your marriage.

Some Suggestions

  • Avoid absolutely all forms of pornography
  • Avoid flirtation and suggestive conversation with those of the opposite sex
  • Pray for your own spiritual strength and fidelity
  • Pray for your spouse’s spiritual strength and fidelity
  • Grow your marriage — make it all it can and should be
  • Be very careful about touching those of the opposite sex
  • Avoid all possible contact with someone who makes your spouse nervous or jealous
  • Make your anniversary a special event (also birthdays and holidays)
  • Remind your spouse often that you love / respect them
  • When work makes you travel, bring photos of family and call nightly
  • Arrange regular “date nights” for the two of you
  • Take a class, read a book, or attend a marriage seminar to keep the flame burning brightly
  • Consider the ramifications on the family if you were to wander
  • Sincerely compliment your spouse often
  • Tell “your story” to your kids and others.

Conclusion

One of the major causes of marital unhappiness and break-up is the failure of many couples to build protective fences around their marriage. Maybe a newlywed couple thinks, “We’re too much in love; we would never cheat.” Yet, too often that ideal gives way to sin which leads to heartache and extreme emotional pain.

By erecting these protective fences in your marriage, you admit the possibility of falling into sin and you take the necessary measures to prevent it. Great things happen in marriages where both the husband and the wife feel confident about their spouse’s love and fidelity.