In what ways can we ensure we are not fearing other gods today? Judges 6:10—A Timeless Warning “ ‘I said to you: I am the LORD your God. Do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But you did not obey Me.’ ” (Judges 6:10) Fear—More Than Anxiety • In Scripture, “fear” means reverence, reliance, and obedience (Deuteronomy 6:13). • Whatever we trust, obey, or serve above God has become an “other god.” Recognizing Today’s Substitute gods • Money and material security (Matthew 6:24) • Success, status, or career advancement • Political power or governmental systems • Family, friendships, or romantic relationships placed above Christ (Luke 14:26) • Pleasure and entertainment (2 Timothy 3:4) • Technology and constant connectivity • Self—personal dreams, opinions, or image (2 Timothy 3:2) Scripture’s Consistent Call • Exodus 20:2-3—“You shall have no other gods before Me.” • Matthew 4:10—Jesus answers temptation with “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” • 1 John 5:21—“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” • Colossians 3:5—Greed is labeled “idolatry.” • Psalm 115:4-8—Idols are lifeless, and those who trust them become like them. Practical Ways to Fear God Alone • Start each day in Scripture; hear His voice before any other (Psalm 119:105). • Speak to God continually—thank Him, confess sin quickly, seek guidance (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Gather with believers; mutual exhortation pulls hearts back from idols (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Steward finances as His resources—giving, saving, spending under His direction (Proverbs 3:9). • Fast occasionally from food, media, or shopping to expose hidden dependencies (Matthew 6:16-18). • Serve others; idolatry withers when attention shifts from self to love in action (Galatians 5:13). • Keep short accounts—repent at the first sign of compromise (Acts 3:19). • Memorize key verses that confront specific temptations (Psalm 119:11). Daily Guardrails • Limit voices that shape desires—news, social media, entertainment. • Track where time, energy, and money flow; they reveal the heart’s true allegiance. • Celebrate God’s past faithfulness, building confidence to trust Him for today (Psalm 77:11-12). • Rest weekly; Sabbath rhythm declares God—not productivity—is Lord (Exodus 20:8-11). Living Mid-Culture, Yet Set Apart Israel feared the gods of the Amorites because the Amorites defined prosperity and survival. We face the same pressure. By treasuring the Lord above every competing loyalty, we echo Gideon’s eventual declaration: “The LORD will rule over you” (Judges 8:23). May our lives broadcast the same truth—that only the living God is worthy of fear, worship, and glad obedience. |
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