“…that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified“
and defraud
The word “defraud” carries the idea of seeking to get more. This person takes advantage of others. Paul uses the word “defraud” in describing Satan’s effort to gain an advantage over the church when they did not restore someone who fell into sexual sin (2 Corinthians 12:17,18).
“Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
“Defraud” is another commercial term similar to the words “take advantage.” Taking someone else’s partner is like stealing someone else’s goods. Sexual immorality defrauds sisters and brothers of the fidelity they rightfully expect from their spouses. Sex thieves think little of the wrong done. They think only of gratifying their own greed. They have an insatiable lust for more (Greek). This word can carry the idea of compulsion.
his brother in this matter,
The word “brother” indicates that the person defrauded is a fellow Christian. We make another Christian a victim of our sin.
Principle:
Sexual sin wrongs the partner, the mate as well as the self.
Application:
Someone who defrauds others sexually takes advantage of their trust. They outwit and cheat them of their rightful partner. They claim more than their due. Greed is always the motivation behind robbing someone of his or her partner. This person operates on exploitation.
