Podcast Summary: "Jesus’ View of Adultery"

Podcast: Renewing Your Mind
Host: Ligonier Ministries (Message by R.C. Sproul)
Episode Date: September 28, 2025

Main Theme

This episode delves into Jesus’ teachings on adultery from the Sermon on the Mount, as outlined in Matthew 5:27–30. R.C. Sproul explores how Jesus radically redefined the sin of adultery, emphasizing not merely physical acts, but the intentions and desires of the heart. The episode encourages Christians to examine their lives in light of Christ’s high moral standard and discusses practical steps for pursuing personal sanctity in a permissive culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Contrast Between Jesus’ Teaching and Tradition

• Textual Foundation (01:41):
  R.C. Sproul begins by reading Matthew 5:27–30, where Jesus expands the commandment against adultery to include even lustful thoughts.

  “You have heard that it was said… you shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” — R.C. Sproul (01:41)

• Jesus refutes the traditional, outward interpretation of the law and asserts his divine authority to pronounce its true meaning:

  “The pronouncement that Jesus makes here in Matthew 5 is nothing less than the pronouncement of God himself.” — R.C. Sproul (04:17)

2. Cultural Shift and the 'Moral Revolution'

• Sproul draws parallels between the sexual revolution of the 1960s and today’s “virtually godless society,” noting how past inhibitions—shame, fear of disease, unwanted pregnancy—have largely vanished.

  “What is left to keep you from being freely active in premarital sex? …The only thing I can think of is that it is an offense against the holiness of God.” — R.C. Sproul (07:41)

• He critiques the contemporary dismissal of God’s authority in favor of cultural trends:

  “God does not rule by referendum. He doesn't care what the social inclinations are in your culture. His word is law.” — R.C. Sproul (10:46)

3. Pervasiveness of Temptation and Pornography

• Sproul highlights the unique challenges of the modern era, particularly the barrage of erotic stimuli and the epidemic of pornography—even within the church:

  “I don't think there's ever been a time in the history of Western culture when people have been more radically bombarded with erotic stimuli than they have in this generation.” — R.C. Sproul (12:04)

• He emphasizes the need for radical solutions to radical problems, referencing Jesus’ instructions to pluck out the offending eye or cut off the offending hand (Matthew 5:29–30).

4. Radical Metaphors and Practical Holiness

• Jesus’ language is hyperbolic, not literal (“pluck it out and cast it from you”), but it underscores the need for drastic action in pursuing chastity.

  “To preserve your chastity is so important that we must do whatever it takes to accomplish it.” — R.C. Sproul (17:11)

• Sproul urges listeners addicted to pornography to take tangible, even drastic steps, like removing computers if necessary:

  “What's more important, your soul or your computer? Your sanctity or your erotica? Because you can't have both.” — R.C. Sproul (18:36)

• The metaphors of Odysseus tying himself to the mast (16:58) and Luther’s warning about “birds nesting in your hair” (21:50) drive home the personal responsibility to combat lustful thoughts.

5. Personal Stories and Cultural Jadedness

• Sproul recounts his experiences speaking at Christian colleges, observing apathy and spiritual numbness regarding matters of sexuality:

  “I said, well, speaking of sexual intercourse, every single head in that chapel snapped to attention… We're jaded, folks. We're really jaded. Our consciences have been seared.” — R.C. Sproul (20:16)

6. Encouragement and Gospel Hope

• The message closes with an encouragement: the ethic of chastity is a visible proof of the power of the gospel, and forgiveness is available through Christ.

  “If the Word of God reveals that you have been in sin, get it cleansed… If you're not married and you're no longer a virgin, you can become a virgin again in the sight of God. Because when he forgives us our sins, he makes us clean. Hear the Word of Christ.” — R.C. Sproul (23:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Divine Authority:

  “If God said it, it's settled whether you believe it or don't believe it.” — R.C. Sproul (10:36)

• On Lust and Responsibility:

  “He [Luther] said, 'I can't help it if birds fly around my head, but I can keep them from nesting in my hair.'” — R.C. Sproul (21:55)

• On Radical Solutions:

  “Sometimes that's what it takes, folks. We have to tie ourselves to the mast.” — R.C. Sproul (16:58)

• On Gospel Cleansing:

  “When he forgives us our sins, he makes us clean. Hear the Word of Christ.” — R.C. Sproul (24:20)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Defense of Christian Chastity by Early Apologists: [00:00]
• Introduction and Reading of Matthew 5:27–30: [01:41]
• Jesus’ Authority and Modern Rebellion: [04:17] — [10:46]
• Sexual Revolution’s Impact on Morals: [07:41]
• Rise and Effects of Pornography: [12:04]
• Jesus’ Radical Call to Purity/Hyperbolic Language: [17:11]
• Practical Drastic Measures: [18:36], [16:58] (Odysseus metaphor)
• Luther’s Wisdom on Temptation: [21:55]
• Forgiveness and Spiritual Restoration: [23:55]

Tone and Language

R.C. Sproul’s tone is urgent, direct, and pastoral—rooted in biblical authority, yet compassionate toward those struggling. He speaks plainly about cultural realities, using historical references, personal anecdotes, and vivid metaphors to connect doctrine with daily life.

Conclusion

This episode compellingly argues that Jesus’ ethical demands are not diminished by cultural change, but remain radically centered on the holiness and authority of God. The call to chastity and purity, while countercultural, is not rooted in social taboo but in reverence for God’s law—a challenge every believer must take seriously, and for which the gospel offers both the standard and the power for genuine transformation.