How can we actively remove "high places" from our personal and community life? Scripture Focus “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also shattered the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. It was called Nehushtan.” (2 Kings 18:4) What the High Places Were—And Why They Had to Go • Centers of compromise: altars for worship that mixed true devotion with pagan practices (Deuteronomy 12:2-3) • Visible symbols of divided loyalty that invited God’s judgment (1 Kings 14:22-24) Modern High Places Identified • Materialism—trusting possessions instead of the Provider (Matthew 6:24) • Sensuality—elevating pleasure above holiness (1 Peter 2:11) • Self-exaltation—pursuing fame, followers, or influence rather than God’s glory (James 4:6) • Tradition without truth—honoring forms that no longer honor Christ (Mark 7:8-9) • Secret sins—private habits that contradict public profession (Ephesians 5:11-12) • False spirituality—new-age, syncretistic, or prosperity teachings that replace the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) Steps to Tear Down Personal High Places • Invite the Searchlight: daily Scripture reading and prayerful self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24; Hebrews 4:12) • Name the Idol: call the sin what God calls it—no excuses, no euphemisms (Proverbs 28:13) • Repent Decisively: forsake, destroy, and distance yourself from the object or practice (Acts 19:18-19) • Replace, Don’t Just Remove: fill the cleared ground with obedience—worship, service, generosity (Romans 6:13) • Seek Accountability: trusted believers who will exhort and encourage (Hebrews 10:24-25) Cultivating a High-Place-Free Heart • Word-Saturated Mindset—memorize and meditate on Scripture (Joshua 1:8) • Christ-Centered Affections—set minds “on things above” (Colossians 3:1-2) • Spirit-Led Dependence—walk by the Spirit to silence the flesh (Galatians 5:16) • Continual Gratitude—thankfulness disarms idolatry (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Leading Our Communities in Dismantling High Places • Teach Sound Doctrine: guard pulpits, classes, and media against error (Titus 1:9) • Model Obedience: leaders who live visibly surrendered lives (1 Timothy 4:12,16) • Confront Cultural Compromise: address entertainment choices, business practices, and social trends that oppose righteousness (Ephesians 5:15-17) • Restore Biblical Worship: prioritize Scripture reading, Christ-exalting music, and corporate confession (Nehemiah 8:1-6) • Practice Church Discipline: loving correction that protects the flock (Matthew 18:15-17) • Engage in Community Works of Mercy: visible acts of justice and compassion that testify to the living God (Matthew 5:16) Encouragement from Hezekiah’s Example • Trusting God above all: “Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel.” (2 Kings 18:5) • Persistent obedience brings protection and prosperity: “The LORD was with him, and he prospered in whatever he did.” (2 Kings 18:7) • Revival spread when leadership acted courageously (2 Chronicles 31:1) Promises When High Places Fall • Healing of the land (2 Chronicles 7:14) • Restoration of joy (Psalm 51:12) • Abiding fruitfulness (John 15:5-8) • Generational blessing (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) Closing Charge Let us imitate Hezekiah—ruthlessly removing every rival to Christ in our hearts and communities—so that the LORD alone is exalted and His favor rests unmistakably upon us. |
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