How can we identify and remove "foreign gods" in our own lives today? Jacob’s Ancient Charge – Genesis 35:2 “So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, ‘Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.’” What “Foreign Gods” Look Like Today • Anything we revere, trust, or prioritize above the Lord—careers, relationships, entertainment, technology, personal image, money, political identity • Subtle affections: approval-seeking, comfort-addictions, self-reliance, resentment, fear of man • Overt spiritual substitutes: horoscopes, mysticism, luck charms, occult media Why They Must Go • God’s exclusive claim: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) • Divided devotion provokes jealousy: “For the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (Exodus 34:14) • They enslave: “You are slaves to the one you obey.” (Romans 6:16) • They dull spiritual hearing: “Their idols are silver and gold…those who make them will be like them.” (Psalm 115:4-8) Identifying Hidden Idols • Calendar audit – Where does my time naturally flow? • Bank statement scan – Where does my treasure go? (Matthew 6:21) • Emotion check – What triggers anger, panic, or despair if threatened? • Conversation tally – What topic excites me more than Jesus? • Thought inventory – What do I daydream about when nothing demands attention? Steps to Remove Them 1. Confess specifically (1 John 1:9). Name the rival. 2. Physically clear space—delete the app, trash the objects, set spending caps. 3. Replace with worship habits: Scripture intake (Psalm 1), prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Renew the mind daily (Romans 12:2). 5. Establish accountability: invite a mature believer to ask hard questions (Proverbs 27:17). 6. Celebrate incremental victories—thank God each time you choose Him first (Psalm 103:2). Living in Purity and Freedom • New garments: walk in the “new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24) • Ongoing vigilance: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) • Bright testimony: a cleansed life draws others to the living God (Matthew 5:16). |
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