Idolatry, What Is It???
Today in both of the readings in the Old and New Testament, the people of God, the children of the promise are tempted to do something. They are tempted to go back to the very things God delivered them from. Instead of changing the culture they have been given victory over, they start assimilating to the practices God had commanded them not to do. Worst of all was idolatry, the worshipping and offering sacrifices to other gods. In the Old Testament these practices were strictly forbidden in God's covenant with Israel. But God knew after they had driven out the nations, they would be vulnerable to their detestable practices, which even included child sacrifice.
In Revelation, the apostle John exhorts the church in Pergamum, one of the seven churches addressed in the last book of the bible. Literally he says you live where Satan has his throne, but they have up to this point remained true to the faith. Yet, there are a few teachers who have slipped into their ranks, both of them trying to lead them into sinful practices. First, was the teaching of Balaam, who led King Barak to entice the Israelites go to prostitutes and eat food offered to idols. They other bad influence was the Nicolatians, who would be labeled "anti-nomians" which means "anti-law". Because they believed the law was no longer in effect, they could do whatever they wanted, including all sorts of sexual immorality. John calls them to repent from these practices to avoid further consequences.
We might be tempted to read these stories and think they don't really apply to us. One might say, I don't food eat food sacrificed to idols, commit sexual immorality, and certainly I would never think about sacrificing one of my children. But maybe there are more subtle ways we are tempted to commit idolatry. Idolatry is really anything or anyone we trust in besides God. Your God is really who you trust for your life for and the decisions you make. Our God is reflected in our lifestyle, how we handle possessions, what we teach our children, and generally what we treasure most in our lives. Though we are not saved by works, or being a "good person", when we are saved by grace we are called to a life of trusting Jesus, and His way of life. Just because we have become a Christian doesn't mean we won't be tempted to go back to things we did before. In some cases the temptation might be worse.
But God promises us that no temptation will be beyond what we can handle, and He will provide the way for us to endure it. As we totally trust in God, literally there is no temptation that has power over us, unless we choose to give it power. When I have learned to trust God and His plan for my life, it really is the best way to live. And the opposite is true as well. It really is the good life we all want. Though there many idols calling our name today, as we keep our eyes on God and trust in His promises we can lead a life worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.
Deuteronomy 12:28-32
28 Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God. 29 The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, 30 and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” 31 You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. 32 See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.
Revelation 2:12-17
To the Church in Pergamum
12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
In Revelation, the apostle John exhorts the church in Pergamum, one of the seven churches addressed in the last book of the bible. Literally he says you live where Satan has his throne, but they have up to this point remained true to the faith. Yet, there are a few teachers who have slipped into their ranks, both of them trying to lead them into sinful practices. First, was the teaching of Balaam, who led King Barak to entice the Israelites go to prostitutes and eat food offered to idols. They other bad influence was the Nicolatians, who would be labeled "anti-nomians" which means "anti-law". Because they believed the law was no longer in effect, they could do whatever they wanted, including all sorts of sexual immorality. John calls them to repent from these practices to avoid further consequences.
We might be tempted to read these stories and think they don't really apply to us. One might say, I don't food eat food sacrificed to idols, commit sexual immorality, and certainly I would never think about sacrificing one of my children. But maybe there are more subtle ways we are tempted to commit idolatry. Idolatry is really anything or anyone we trust in besides God. Your God is really who you trust for your life for and the decisions you make. Our God is reflected in our lifestyle, how we handle possessions, what we teach our children, and generally what we treasure most in our lives. Though we are not saved by works, or being a "good person", when we are saved by grace we are called to a life of trusting Jesus, and His way of life. Just because we have become a Christian doesn't mean we won't be tempted to go back to things we did before. In some cases the temptation might be worse.
But God promises us that no temptation will be beyond what we can handle, and He will provide the way for us to endure it. As we totally trust in God, literally there is no temptation that has power over us, unless we choose to give it power. When I have learned to trust God and His plan for my life, it really is the best way to live. And the opposite is true as well. It really is the good life we all want. Though there many idols calling our name today, as we keep our eyes on God and trust in His promises we can lead a life worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.
Deuteronomy 12:28-32
28 Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God. 29 The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, 30 and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” 31 You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. 32 See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.
Revelation 2:12-17
To the Church in Pergamum
12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
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