The Pulpit Commentary — Deuteronomy — Section 112

Ver. 18.-Tlie seuenth commandment. .T/:~ religion _of the_body._ In the second part of tho Decalogue there are stern proh1b1t10ns against sm, without any positive indication of the opposite virtue. Nor is there a hint of how to attain such a Jifo as shall make an offence against the commandments impossible, so that unless we recognize the cducatory purpose of the Law, we shall at once underrate it and yet overrate it. We shall underrate it if we forget that it was just what was wanted, and all that could be serviceable at the time of its promulgation; we shall overrate it if wo think that the mere prohibitory letter of this precept expresses the whole will of God in tho matter to which it refers. We will, therefore, set side by side therewith, New Testament teaching~. First, let us lo(lk at Matt. v. 27-29. Just as in referring to rabbinical teaching on the sixth commandment, Jesus Christ tells us that it is not only the open act of murder which is forbidden, but even the spirit of anger and revenge which might lead to it; so here, it is not merely the open act of physical degrada- tion which is forbidden, but even the spirit of unhallowed passion which, if unbridled, might lead to it. Nor must we stop here .. The New Testament opens up to us tbo Divine will in the positive direction (1 Tbess. iv. 3-5). We are told also what is tho true secret of attaining a life which conforms to that will (Gal. v. 16). If we cultivate the life of God in the spirit, the lower life will be in due subjection. Reasons, more- over, which were not given in Israel's childhood are given now (1 Cor. vi. 19, 20); while the issues of a life in which' these are lost sight of, are put before us in dread array ( 1 Cor. ix. 27). Hence a homiletic treatment of this seventh commandment can only be effective as it deals with it as but one branch of a subject, wide, deep, and high, viz. " The religion of the body." Observe- !. Goo CLAIMS THE GOVERNMENT OF OUR WHOLE NATURE. We regard man's nature as triple-body, soul, and spirit. As an acute and learned divine remarks," The body is the link between the soul and the world, the soul is the link between the body and the spirit; the spirit is the link between the soul and God." It is in reference to our spirit-nature that we arc made in the image of God. He is "the Father of spirits." The same Book which reveals God to us, reveals us to ourselves. AJJ.y one who understands the structure of bis own nature, will perceive which part thereof was meant to rule the rest. '!'he body is to be at the service of the soul, the soul is to be regulated by the spirit, and God is to govern all. But it is by the great work of redemption that the stamp of true dignity has been most clearly impressed on man. The Apostle Paul tells us that it was through the cross that be learned truly to estimate human nature (2 Cor. v. 16). And elsewhere he argues, "Ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body." Christ is" the Saviour of the body." If we are the Lord's, our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. ·No part of the body is base nnlesll basely used. All its functions are to be discharged "in sanctification and honour." II. THIS SACREDNESS OF OUR WHOLE NATURE, AS REDEEMED BY CHRlliT, SHOULD LEAD TO A" RELIGION OF THE DODY" ON THE PART OF 'l'HOSE WHO HAVE NOT ENTERED ON THE MARRIED STATE. 'l'his seventh command is far broader in spirit than the mere letter would indicate. It condemns all impurity of every kind, it forbids us to let the lower self run off with tho higher, and, like the preceding commands, though negative i11 form, it is positive in substance. It bids us: 1. Let our own nature be duly honoured, and self-respect be diligently cultivated. 2. Observe towards others that self-same respect which we owe to ourselves, on the same ground, and for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. '!'he art of" bridling tho ,vhole body" is one of the most important in a life of godliness. JU. A DUE r:EVERENCE FOR THE SACREDNESS OF HUMAN NATURE WILL IMPART SANCTITY To THi,; MARRIAGE TIE. l\larriao-e is God's holy ordinance. It is not a sacrament, in l(ic_ same sense in which Baptis~ and the Lord's Supper are. Neither is it merely_ a c1_v1l contract, as is sometimes shockingly said. It is a union o~ two in the closest ties ol nature, based on an affinity of spirit ,~hich leads each to seem the other what each niost admires. It is a union of spirit in the Lord (if it be all that it should be); each one of the two ceases to live in and for himself or herself, and brgins practically to unlearn selfishness by living for the other, and thus the reciprocal outgo~n~_of affec- tion ls a formative action of spirit., and tends to the very noblest cultl\re ot hie. And  ]00 THE DOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. [cu. v. 1-33