What are modern "high places" we might tolerate in our lives today? Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 14:4 “Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued to sacrifice and burn incense on the high places.” What “High Places” Were • Physical hilltop shrines where Israel blended worship of the true God with pagan practice • Symbols of partial obedience—surface-level reforms that left compromises intact (cf. 2 Chron 15:17; 2 Kings 15:4) • Persistent footholds for idolatry that eventually corrupted the nation (2 Kings 17:10–12) Modern “High Places” We May Tolerate • Entertainment that normalizes sin – Streaming shows, music, or social media feeds we excuse though they mock God’s standards (Ephesians 5:11–12) • Materialism and consumerism – A lifestyle driven by acquisition, status, or brand identity rather than contentment in Christ (Luke 12:15; 1 Timothy 6:9–10) • Sexual immorality practiced privately – Pornography, cohabitation, or adultery that we justify while maintaining a public Christian image (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; Hebrews 13:4) • Compartmentalized faith in the workplace or classroom – Silencing biblical convictions to fit corporate or academic culture (Matthew 10:32–33) • Political or ideological loyalty that rivals devotion to Christ – Elevating party, nation, or cause above the kingdom of God (Philippians 3:20; Isaiah 2:22) • Unforgiveness and bitterness – Clinging to offense even while professing grace (Ephesians 4:31–32) • Self-reliance – Trusting personal abilities or savings more than God’s provision (Proverbs 3:5–6; Jeremiah 17:5–8) Why We Leave Them Standing • Convenience—removing them costs comfort • Tradition—“I’ve always done it this way” • Fear of people—approval seems safer than obedience (Proverbs 29:25) • Deception—the lie that partial surrender is enough (Revelation 3:15–16) Indicators We Are Tolerating High Places • Rationalizing sin with phrases like “It’s not that bad” • Selective Scripture reading that avoids conviction • Secret patterns we hide from fellow believers • Dullness in worship and prayer, yet energy for the idol • Reduced sensitivity to the Spirit’s prompting (1 Timothy 4:2) Tearing Them Down 1. Identify the idol honestly before God (Psalm 139:23–24). 2. Repent decisively—confess and renounce (1 John 1:9). 3. Remove access points—cancel, delete, distance, resign if needed (Matthew 5:29–30). 4. Replace with wholehearted worship: Word, prayer, fellowship, service (Acts 2:42). 5. Remain accountable—invite mature believers to monitor progress (Hebrews 3:13). Encouragement from Scripture • Obedience brings blessing (Deuteronomy 30:19–20). • God empowers the willing heart (Philippians 2:13). • Complete devotion is possible; Hezekiah and Josiah did remove high places (2 Kings 18:3–4; 23:19–20). • The cross breaks every idol’s claim (Colossians 2:13–15). |
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