WHY IS IDOL WORSHIP SUCH A POWERFUL TEMPTATION?

Ultimately, the answer to this question is “sin.” It is the sin nature of man that causes us to worship modern idols, all of which are, in reality, forms of self-worship. The temptation to worship ourselves in various ways is a powerful temptation indeed. In fact, it is so powerful that only those who belong to Christ and have the Holy Spirit within them can possibly hope to resist the temptation of modern idolatry. Even then, resisting the worship of idols is a lifelong battle that is part of the Christian life (Ephesians 6:11; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3).

When we hear the word idol we often think of statues and objects reminiscent of those worshipped by pagans in ancient cultures. However, the idols of the 21st century often bear no resemblance to the artifacts used thousands of years ago. Today, we have replaced the “golden calf” with an insatiable drive to reach the top of the corporate ladder or with a myriad of other passionate pursuits. And, sadly, those who aggressively pursue goals and dreams, altogether excluding God, are often admired for their individualism and drive. In the end, however, it doesn’t matter what empty pleasure we chase after or to what or whom we bow down, the result is the same—separation from the one true God.

Understanding contemporary idols can help us to understand why they prove to be such a powerful temptation. An idol can be anything we place ahead of God in our lives, anything that tugs at our heart more than God does, such as possessions, careers, relationships, hobbies, sports, entertainment, goals, greed, addictions to alcohol/drugs/gambling/pornography, etc. Many of the things we idolize can be very good, such as relationships or careers. Yet Scripture tells us that, whatever we do, we are to “do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) and that we are to serve God only (Deuteronomy 6:13). Unfortunately, God is often shoved out of the way as we zealously pursue our idols. Worse yet, the significant amount of time we often spend in these idolatrous pursuits leaves us with little or no time to spend with the Lord.

There is another form of idolatry prevalent today. Its growth is fostered by cultures that continue to drift away from sound biblical teaching, just as the apostle Paul warned us, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). In these pluralistic, liberal times, many cultures have, to a large degree, redefined God. We have forsaken the God revealed to us in Scripture and have recast Him to comply with our own inclinations and desires—a “kinder and gentler” god who is infinitely more tolerant than the One revealed in Scripture. One who is less demanding and less judgmental and who will tolerate many lifestyles without placing guilt on anyone’s shoulders. As this idolatry is propagated by churches around the world, many disillusioned congregants understandably believe they are worshipping the one, true God. However, these made-over gods are created by man, and to worship them is to worship idols. Worshipping a god of one’s own making, however, is particularly tempting for many whose habits and lifestyles and drives and desires are not in harmony with Scripture.

Given the recent economic breakdown and ensuing global chaos, many have turned to addictive behaviors such as drug or alcohol use or even something as innocent as excessive television viewing as a means of temporarily “escaping” a difficult situation or perhaps just the rigors of daily life. The psalmist, however, tells us that those who place their trust in this behavior will, essentially, become spiritually useless (Psalm 115:8). We need to place our trust in the Lord “who will keep [us] from all harm” (Psalm 121:7) and who has promised to supply all of our needs when we trust in Him. We also need to remember the words of Paul, who teaches us not to be anxious about anything, but rather to pray about everything so the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, can guard our hearts and our minds (Philippians 4:6–7).

The joys of this world, which we too often seek, will never satisfy the human heart. As Solomon beautifully conveys in the book of Ecclesiastes, apart from a right relationship with God, life is futile. We were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and designed to worship and glorify Him as He alone is worthy of our worship. God has placed “eternity in man’s heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and a relationship with Jesus Christ is the only way to fulfill this longing for eternal life. All of our idolatrous pursuits will leave us empty, unsatisfied, and, ultimately, on the broad road that Scripture warns us about most people taking, the one that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13).

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PORNOGRAPHY?

By far, the most searched for terms on the internet are related to pornography. Pornography is rampant in the world today. Perhaps more than anything else, Satan has succeeded in twisting and perverting sex. He has taken what is good and right (loving sex between a husband and wife) and replaced it with lust, pornography, adultery, rape, and homosexuality. Pornography can be the first step on a very slippery slope of ever-increasing wickedness and immorality (Romans 6:19). The addictive nature of pornography is well documented. Just as a drug user must consume greater and more powerful quantities of drugs to achieve the same "high," pornography drags a person deeper and deeper into hard-core sexual addictions and ungodly desires.

The three main categories of sin are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Pornography definitely causes us to lust after flesh, and it is undeniably a lust of the eyes. Pornography definitely does not qualify as one of the things we are to think about, according to Philippians 4:8. Pornography is addictive (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19), and destructive (Proverbs 6:25-28; Ezekiel 20:30; Ephesians 4:19). Lusting after other people in our minds, which is the essence of pornography, is offensive to God (Matthew 5:28). When habitual devotion to pornography characterizes a person's life, it demonstrates the person is not saved (1 Corinthians 6:9).

For those involved in pornography, God can and will give the victory. Are you involved with pornography and desire freedom from it? Here are some steps to victory: 1) Confess your sin to God (1 John 1:9). 2) Ask God to cleanse, renew, and transform your mind (Romans 12:2). 3) Ask God to fill your mind with Philippians 4:8. 4) Learn to possess your body in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). 5) Understand the proper meaning of sex and rely on your spouse alone to meet that need (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). 6) Realize that if you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). 7) Take practical steps to reduce your exposure to graphic images. Install pornography blockers on your computer, limit television and video usage, and find another Christian who will pray for you and help keep you accountable.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FORNICATION AND ADULTERY?

The modern dictionary definitions of fornication (voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other, which would include adultery) and adultery (voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a partner other than the lawful spouse) are simple enough, but the Bible gives us greater insight into how God perceives these two sexual sins. In the Bible, both are referred to literally, but both are also used figuratively to refer to idolatry.

In the Old Testament, all sexual sin was forbidden by the Mosaic Law and Jewish custom. However, the Hebrew word translated “fornication” in the Old Testament was also in the context of idolatry, also called spiritual whoredom. In 2 Chronicles 21:10-14, God struck Jehoram with plagues and diseases because he led the people into idolatry. He “caused the people of Jerusalem to commit fornication” (v. 11, KJV) and “to go lusting like the fornications of the house of Ahab” (v. 13 NKJV). King Ahab was the husband of Jezebel, a priestess of the lascivious god Baal, who led the Israelites into idol worship of the most egregious kind. In Ezekiel 16, the prophet Ezekiel describes in detail the history of God’s people turning away from Him to “play the harlot” with other gods. The word “fornication,” meaning idolatry, is used numerous times in this chapter alone. As the Israelites became known among the nations round about them for their wisdom, riches, and power, which was a snare to them as a woman's beauty is to her, they were admired and courted and complimented by their neighbors, and so drawn into idolatrous practices. The word “fornication” is used in connection with pagan idolatry because much of pagan “worship” included sex in their rites. Temple prostitutes were common in the worship of Baal and other false gods. Sexual sin of all kinds was not only accepted in these religions, but encouraged as a means to greater blessings from the gods for the worshippers, particularly in the increase of their flocks and crops.

In the New Testament, "fornication" comes from the Greek word porneia, which includes adultery and incest. Porneia comes from another Greek word that also includes indulging in any kind of unlawful lust, which would include homosexuality. The use of the word in the gospels and the epistles is always in reference to sexual sin, whereas "fornication" in the book of Revelation always refers to idolatry. The Lord Jesus condemns two of the churches of Asia Minor for dabbling in the fornication of idolatry (Revelation 2:14, 20), and He also refers to the “great harlot” of the end times, which is the idolatrous false religion “with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication” (Revelation 17:1-2, NKJV).

Adultery, on the other hand, always refers to the sexual sin of married people with someone other than their spouse, and the word is used in the Old Testament both literally and figuratively. The Hebrew word translated “adultery” means literally “breaking wedlock.” Interestingly, God describes the desertion of His people to other gods as adultery. The Jewish people were regarded as the spouse of Jehovah, so when they turned to the gods of other nations, they were compared to an adulterous wife. The Old Testament often referred to Israel’s idolatry as a wanton woman who went “whoring after” other gods (Exodus 34:15-16; Leviticus 17:7; Ezekiel 6:9 KJV). Further, the entire book of Hosea likens the relationship between God and Israel to the marriage of the prophet Hosea and his adulterous wife, Gomer. Their marriage was a picture of the sin and unfaithfulness of Israel which, time after time, left her true husband (Jehovah) to commit spiritual adultery with other gods.

In the New Testament, the two Greek words translated “adultery” are nearly always used, from their contexts, to refer literally to sexual sin involving married partners. The only exception is in the letter to the church of Thyatira which was condemned for tolerating the “woman Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess” (Revelation 2:20). This woman drew the church into immorality and idolatrous practices and anyone seduced by her false doctrines was considered to have committed adultery with her.

IS PUBLIC CONFESSION NECESSARY FOR SALVATION (ROMANS 10 : 9 -10)?

Romans 10:9-10 is a passage which is often used by many a well-meaning Christian in his/her endeavor to bring someone to a profession of faith in Christ. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

This passage is not to be understood to mean that one is brought to salvation by means of an audible profession. We know that salvation is by grace through the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), not by confession. Therefore, as with all Scripture, context is of critical importance if we are to understand this passage.

At the time of the writing of the book of Romans, as a nation, the Jews had rejected Jesus as their Messiah. For an individual to accept Christ and confess that He was the Messiah would typically result in persecution and ultimately death. At this time, for a Jew to embrace Christ and subsequently confess Him as Lord, knowing that persecution was sure to come, was an indication of true salvation and the work of the Holy Spirit. Outward professions of faith are rare when one’s life is at stake, and no more so than in the early church. The phrase “you will be saved,” is not intended to reveal a condition for salvation by public confession, but rather a definite fact that no one facing death would confess Christ as Messiah, unless indeed he/she was saved.

This is further backed by verse 10, wherein we read, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” The Greek can be rendered in view of an acknowledgment by confession in the attitude of thanksgiving. But why would an individual give thanks for something which he/she has not yet received? When we get to verse 13, we read that “…whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Verse 14, however, indicates that calling upon the Lord is the privilege given to those who are already redeemed: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?” Further, in verse 12, we read, “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek – for the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” Clearly, the phrase “richly blesses all who call on him” cannot be speaking of salvation, as those that were called were already saved by faith. Thus, it refers to the provisions enjoyed following salvation.

To conclude, Romans 10:9-10 is not establishing public confession as a prerequisite for salvation. Rather, it is asserting that when a Jew embraced Christ and subsequently confessed Him as Lord, knowing that persecution was sure to come, one could rest assured that individual was indeed saved. For us today, the passage is equally true. Those who are saved will confess Christ as Lord because He has already instilled faith in their hearts. As with baptism and all good works, public confession is not the means of salvation; it is the evidence of salvation.

WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT JUDGING OTHERS

I suppose we are quoted Matthew 7:1 more than any other single verse! When we dare to point out Scriptural error in religious institutions or individual ministries, we can usually count on receiving several from concerned readers accusing us of "judging." Since this is the case, are we guilty of violating the Lord's admonition when we criticize otherprofessed believers?

We must respond by saying that far too many of God's people misinterpret this verse and as a consequence wind up adopting an extreme position of tolerance not taught in the Word of God! First and foremost, we must be a people of spiritual discernment and exercise great caution in accepting as genuine those who claim kinship because the Bible clearly teaches that "...narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:14, KJV). It also teaches us that Satan is busy "planting tares among the wheat"--filling Churches with unbelievers.

The devil could not be more satisfied than when well intentioned believers let their guard down and welcome any and all into their fellowship. He is also gratified when these same people are incensed at pastors calling attention to "apple trees" bearing lemons. Let's look at Matthew 7:15-20 for the basis of this analogy:

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (KJV, emphasis mine)

This basic principle is why we keep pounding the theme of "pay more attention to what they do than what they say--because talk is cheap."

The Holy Spirit of God resides within genuine believers, therefore His presence will result in "the fruit of the Spirit" being displayed in their lives (Gal.5:22-23). And this fruit-bearing is the only visible evidence by which we can discern if someone is truly saved or not. So when a person's walk does not match up with their mouth, we must be very wary of them.

To exercise spiritual discernment is to exercise judgment. One of the dictionary definitions of judge is "To form an opinion about." A parallel definition of judgment is "The ability to make a decision or form an opinion by discerning and evaluating." And it is this sense of judging or judgment that we must be careful to maintain, because the devil is doing everything in his considerable power to deceive us through false "brethren."

The Lord's admonition to "judge not" in Matthew 7:1 uses the Greek word krino, the meaning of which--according to W.E. Vine's "Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words"--is this:"primarily denotes to separate, select, choose; hence, to determine, and so to judge, pronounce judgment." (emphasis mine). In other words the admonition is for us not to sit as a judge and pronounce sentence upon a person--to harshly condemn them--particularly if we are using ourselves as the standard. It does not mean, however, that we must refrain from observing others and forming opinions about the validity of their profession of faith. It does not mean that pastors should refrain from warning their flocks about doctrinal error in other men's ministries. One of the biggest lies of the devil is that unity must be preserved through the abolishment of all criticism.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 5, we find what the Apostle Paul taught the believers at Corinth about judging individuals within their Church. The background of this particular passage involves a man who was a member of their Church and living in open immorality with "his father's wife" (vs.1). Apparently the woman was the man's step-mother and because of his esteemed position in the community, this blatant sin was being ignored. When it was brought to Paul's attention, he minced no words in condemning the immorality and demanding that the leadership of the Church turn the man "over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh"! (vs.5). In other words, excommunication--removing the privileges of membership and expulsion from the assembly--was strongly urged by Paul. This meant punishing the man by putting him outside the spiritual protection of the local Church and, in effect, relegating him back to Satan's domain--where his flesh (carnal nature) would come under demonic attack. All of this was done with the hope that the man would seek repentance, God's forgiveness, and restoration to fellowship with the other believers. The story had a "happy ending," because that is exactly what the man did after being disciplined. But the main point we must not miss is found in Paul's solemn words of verses 11 through 13, where he literally exhorts the brethren to exercise spiritual judgment in the matter:

"But now I write to you not to associate with any one who bears the name of [Christian] brother, if he is known to be guilty of immorality or greed, or is an idolater--that is, whose soul is devoted to any object that usurps the place of God--or [is] a person with a foul tongue (railing, abusing, reviling, slandering), or is a drunkard, or a swindler, or a robber. [No] you must not so much as eat with such a person. (12) What [business] of mine is it and what right have I to judge outsiders? (Unbelievers, non-members) Is it not those inside [the church] upon whom you are to pass disciplinary judgment--passing censuring sentence on them [as the facts require]? (13) God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside. Drive out that wicked one from among you--expel him from your church" (Parallel Bible, KJV-Amplified Bible commentary, emphasis and (Insert) 

Another interesting passage is found in 2 Thessalonians, chapter 3 where it appears that  false teachers had convinced some of the believers in Thessalonica that the Lord was going to come back on a certain date. So they quit their jobs, sold their possessions, and were anxiously awaiting His return. But while they waited, they had to live off of the generosity of other brethren and, among other things, were guilty of idleness and "sticking their noses" into the affairs of others. To correct the problem, Paul's words of verses 6, 14, and 15 once again encourage proper judgment:

"(6) Now we charge you, brethren, in the name and on the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, that you withdraw and keep away from every brother (fellow believer) who is slack in the performance of duty and is disorderly, living as a shirker and not walking in accord with the traditions and instructions that you have received from us......(14) But if any one [in the church] refuses to obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and do not associate with him, that he may be ashamed. (15) Do not regard him as an enemy, but simply admonish and warn him as [being still] a brother" (Parallel Bible, KJV-Amplified Bible commentary, emphasis mine).

Are these warnings being taught and followed by the majority of pastors and churches today? No, because they are not "politically correct" and might offend someone! Unity at all costs is being promoted heavily and every effort made to attract all who will make a profession of faith and help to fill a pew--regardless of their actual standing with God.

Instead, we should follow Paul's exhortation of 1 Thessalonians 5:21, where he says:

"But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast" (Parallel Bible, KJV-Amplified Bible commentary).

Spiritual discernment must serve as our "radar antenna" and be exercised in all things of daily life in order to avoid being deceived by the devil.We keep on pounding the theme of deception because the Word of God stresses it! Please understand that just because someone uses the terminology of Christianity and goes to Church every time the doors open--or is standing behind the pulpit when you enter--does not necessarily mean they are born again believers in Jesus Christ. Listen to the witness of the Holy Spirit within concerning those who claim the title of "Christian" and if your spiritual antenna begins to vibrate--pay attention to it. God knows their hearts and whether or not they belong to Him (John 10:27). Watch them and if their actions do not match their profession of faith--avoid them.

Preachers are exhorted in 2 Timothy 4:2 to "....reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." The Greek word translated "reprove" is often used in the sense of "expose" and we find that reflected in Ephesians 5:11 and 13.

"(11) Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.....(13) But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light" (Parallel Bible, KJV-Amplified Bible commentary).

To point out doctrinal error is an essential part of any genuine preacher's ministry and must be done for the benefit of God's people. So when we find it necessary to criticize the tactics and teachings of others, it must be done using the Word of God as the standard and not our own ideas. Then when someone is shown to be in error, their perceived piety and popularity must not color or overrule the facts. Wrong is wrong regardless of the size of the reputation.

Judging is not wrong, when it is the exercise of spiritual discernment. May God grant that we see much more of it!

If you have been born again and received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, but have been very lukewarm in your spiritual walk with Him, you need to immediately ask Him for forgiveness and for renewal. He will instantly forgive you, and fill your heart with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Then, you need to begin a daily walk of prayer and personal Bible Study.

If you have never placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, but have come to sense His reality and the approaching End of the Age, and want to receive His FREE Gift of Eternal Life, you can do so now, in the privacy of your home. Once you truly believe in Him as Lord and Savior, you are spiritually Born Again, and are as assured of Heaven as if you were already there. Then, you can rest assured that the Kingdom of Antichrist will not touch you spiritually.