What are modern-day "high places" that might lead us away from God? Opening Verse 2 Kings 17:10-11 — “They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. On every high place they burned incense, just like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger.” Understanding Ancient High Places • Elevated sites, often scenic and culturally respected, became centers for idol worship and syncretism. • Activities there—sacrifices, sexual rites, and divination—competed with wholehearted devotion to the LORD. • God repeatedly commanded their destruction (Deuteronomy 12:2-3; 2 Chronicles 14:3). Translating High Places to Today’s World • A high place is anything, visible or invisible, that captures the heart’s highest affection and draws trust or obedience away from God. • It can be a practice, possession, ideology, relationship, or pursuit that quietly occupies the throne reserved for Christ alone. Examples of Contemporary High Places • Materialism & Consumerism – Endless acquisition becomes a functional savior (Matthew 6:19-21). • Entertainment & Media – Streaming, gaming, and celebrity culture can dominate thought life (Psalm 101:3). • Sexual Immorality & Pornography – Bodies and pleasure treated as ultimate ends (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). • Career Ambition – Success and status pursued at the expense of obedience (Mark 8:36). • Technology & Social Media – Likes and follows prized above the approval of God (Galatians 1:10). • Political Ideologies & Nationalism – Earthly power or party elevated beyond the Kingdom of God (Psalm 146:3). • Family or Relationships – Spouse, child, or friend adored more than the Lord (Luke 14:26-27). • Self-Esteem & Personal Autonomy – “You do you” philosophy enthrones self over Scripture (2 Timothy 3:1-2). • Addictive Substances or Behaviors – Chemical or emotional escapes replace the Comforter (Ephesians 5:18). • Empty Religious Ritual – Outward forms without inward surrender become idols (Isaiah 29:13). Consequences of Unchecked High Places • Spiritual dullness and divided loyalty (1 Kings 18:21). • Bondage that deepens over time (James 1:14-15). • Loss of testimony and blessing (Galatians 6:7-8). • Invitation of divine discipline (Hebrews 12:5-6). Steps to Tear Down Today’s High Places • Identify and confess anything competing with the Lord (1 John 1:9). • Cut off access or occasions for compromise—radical obedience mirrors Deuteronomy 12:3. • Replace lies with truth by meditating on Scripture (Psalm 119:11; 2 Corinthians 10:5). • Cultivate new habits of worship, service, and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Yield every area to the Lordship of Christ daily (Romans 12:1-2). • Invite accountability from mature believers (Proverbs 27:17). • Celebrate God’s faithfulness when freedom is gained (Psalm 40:1-3). Encouragement from Scripture • “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21 • “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him.” — John 4:23 • “Hezekiah…removed the high places, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He trusted in the LORD.” — 2 Kings 18:3-5 God remains eager to free His people from every rival, ensuring that the throne of the heart is occupied by Christ alone. |
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