Neither Be Ye Idolaters

Neither Be Ye Idolaters

"An 'idol' is anything which occupies the place due to God." - Westcott, pg. 197

"The moment we cease to abide 'in Him that is true (by abiding) in Jesus Christ' we become part of 'the world that lieth in the wicked one,' given up to spiritual, if not in all places literal, idolatry." - Jamieson, Fausset, & Brown's Commentary

The Bible gives us certain directives that we are required to follow concerning idolatry. Some of them are -

1 John 5:21 - "...keep yourselves from idols..."

1 Corinthians 10:7 - "Neither be ye idolaters..."

1 Corinthians 10:14 - "...flee from idolatry..."

In other words, we are to allow nothing to alienate our affections from the true and living God. In no way are we to ever make an image or figure to represent God. We are to be on constant guard at all times against any and all - direct or indirect - compromise with idolatry.

That includes having objects of worship, pictures, or relics in our houses or churches. It may also include seeking happiness from such things as pleasure...wealth...fame...a fine house, car, or things... honors, etc. or following after false ideas which run contrary to the Word of God.

Nothing is to ever usurp the throne of dominion in our hearts. That is reserved solely for God. We must cleave to Him in faith, love, and continuous acts of obedience.

We cannot take idolatry in any form lightly. We must shun it at all costs - flee from anything and everything that would have a tendency to lead us into this sin.

Idolatry must be avoided at all costs!

It is serious business with God!

This cannot be stressed enough among the Church!

It is one of the most heinous injuries and affronts to the one true and living God to see His people transferring their worship and honor to a rival.

It must not be found in the life of a Christian - at any time or in any place!

In 1 Thessalonians 1:9, Paul implied that one of the signs of a Born-Again Christian is that he - "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." Idols are dead, dumb, deaf, and blind. But our God is "the living...God." Idolatry deals with that which if false in outlook, promises, and intentions. But our God is "the...true God."

When we got saved, we left that which was dead and false for that which was living and true. And we are required to keep things that way - as we walk this walk with the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 6:16, Paul inquired of the Church - "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

The heart of every believer at salvation becomes God's house - dedicated, consecrated, and employed for His service.

Knowing this - who would dare to place any object - which God abhors or which is detestable and hateful in His sight - on the altar of their heart?

Yet, this happens each time that a Christian mingles with the sinful world - partaking of their evil pleasures, pursuits, and follies.

This is very serious business.

In fact, God hates idolatry so much so that, in 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul instructed the believers - "...not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be...an idolater...with such a one, no, not to eat."

They were to separate, withdraw from, not associate with, wholly disown, have no contact or fellowship with, or avoid all familiarity with a brother or sister who was an idolater.

With this thought in mind, and if this practice was really carried out in our day - just how big would our churches be? The mega church would be a nonentity, wouldn't you agree!

What is behind all of these admonitions to shun from all idolatry - false gods, false teachings or notions contrary to the Holy Scriptures, or worldly rivals in our hearts to the Lord Jesus?

The answer can be found in one word - JEALOUSY!

Exodus 20:5 tells us - " Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God..."

His jealousy is a matter of His worship.

He resents any and all forms of idolatry because it robs Him of the worship that is due Him as - "the living and true God."

"For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God"(1 Thessalonians 1:9).

"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them..."(Exodus 20:5)

Who are you bowing down to(catering to, seeking to please) today?

If it isn't "the living and true God" - none other than the Lord Jesus - then you haven't really turned completely to God. Your commitment is only a shallow one - a halfhearted one. When you came to Jesus, you didn't lay down every other idol, you simply added Jesus to the ones you already had.

Is Jesus one among many?

Then you are not a true believer in Christ for those who are sincerely saved - "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God."

You can be saved today. But, in order to do so, you must completely turn from all idolatry in your heart and life and turn wholeheartedly to the Lord Jesus as - "the living and true God."

When you do, He will then enable you by His grace to daily "flee from idolatry" and "keep yourselves from all idols."

God is jealous.

And which of us would dare to - "provoke the Lord to jealousy?"

"...are we stronger than He?"(1 Corinthians 10:22)

May God Bless His Word.

Connie

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