What steps can we take to remove "high places" in our lives? Key Text “2 Kings 18:4: ‘He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made…’” What Were the High Places? • Elevated sites where Israel mixed true worship with pagan practices • Tolerated by many kings, yet consistently condemned by God (Deuteronomy 12:2-4; 1 Kings 15:14) • Physical symbols of divided loyalty—outward reverence for God, inward accommodation to idols Modern Parallels • Anything that competes with wholehearted love for Christ • Habits, relationships, entertainment, possessions, secret sins—subtle “altars” promising satisfaction apart from God (1 John 5:21) Step 1: Identify Every Rival to God • Invite the Spirit to search the heart (Psalm 139:23-24) • Look for recurring patterns that dull spiritual appetite • Measure everything against the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3) Step 2: Renounce and Remove • Follow Hezekiah’s example—decisive action, not gradual compromise • Break ties, delete apps, cancel subscriptions, end ungodly relationships, discard items tied to past sins (Matthew 5:29-30) • Publicly confess if necessary; secrecy shelters idols (Ephesians 5:11-13) Step 3: Replace with True Worship • Fill the cleared space with Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and service (Romans 12:1-2) • Establish regular rhythms—Lord’s Day worship, family devotions, personal praise • Celebrate God’s faithfulness; gratitude keeps new altars from forming (Psalm 103:1-5) Step 4: Guard the Gates • “Above all else, guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23) • Monitor inputs—music, media, conversations—using Philippians 4:8 as a filter • Practice fasting and Sabbath rest to keep desires ordered Step 5: Walk in Accountability • Share struggles with mature believers (James 5:16) • Invite correction; open books, screens, and schedules to trusted friends • Remember the weapons are “mighty through God to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) The Promise of Blessing • God prospered Hezekiah because he clung to the Lord (2 Kings 18:5-7) • Same reward today—undivided hearts enjoy unclouded fellowship, answered prayer, and powerful witness (John 14:21; Psalm 84:11) |
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