August 16
1 Corinthians 10:14-33
Flee from idolatry. When we read these words in 1 Corinthians 10:14, it may feel like we are reading about a world disconnected from ours. Paul was surrounded by altars devoted to idols while we live in a world without altars and obvious idols. Yet the exhortation to flee idolatry is just as urgent for us as it was for Israel and the early church.
The first two commandments given to Moses stated God was to be the only object of worship. Israel was commanded to not create idols to worship. Then, about 1400 years later, Paul repeats twice in chapter 10 (verses 7 and 14) that the early church was not to live in idolatry. For these two groups, the temptation was to participate in various pagan religious ceremonies where allegiance was given to other gods. For us idolatry manifests itself in the temptation to elevate wealth, pleasure, comfort, or other things to the place where only God should be. Anytime we value something more than God or obey something instead of God, we are worshiping an idol. Therefore, it is critical that we give our allegiance, devotion, and commitment to God alone. He is the sole source of glory for whom we should live, and our only good is found in him. Anything that tempts us to drift from God must be fled, so that God alone can reign over our lives.
Father God, help me to be devoted to you. May you alone be the one I worship, obey, and glorify with my life. Amen.
What things are you tempted to elevate to the position which only God should have in your life? What will it look like to “flee from idolatry” in these situations?
Flee from idolatry. When we read these words in 1 Corinthians 10:14, it may feel like we are reading about a world disconnected from ours. Paul was surrounded by altars devoted to idols while we live in a world without altars and obvious idols. Yet the exhortation to flee idolatry is just as urgent for us as it was for Israel and the early church.
The first two commandments given to Moses stated God was to be the only object of worship. Israel was commanded to not create idols to worship. Then, about 1400 years later, Paul repeats twice in chapter 10 (verses 7 and 14) that the early church was not to live in idolatry. For these two groups, the temptation was to participate in various pagan religious ceremonies where allegiance was given to other gods. For us idolatry manifests itself in the temptation to elevate wealth, pleasure, comfort, or other things to the place where only God should be. Anytime we value something more than God or obey something instead of God, we are worshiping an idol. Therefore, it is critical that we give our allegiance, devotion, and commitment to God alone. He is the sole source of glory for whom we should live, and our only good is found in him. Anything that tempts us to drift from God must be fled, so that God alone can reign over our lives.
Father God, help me to be devoted to you. May you alone be the one I worship, obey, and glorify with my life. Amen.
What things are you tempted to elevate to the position which only God should have in your life? What will it look like to “flee from idolatry” in these situations?
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