What other scriptures warn against mixing worship of God with other practices? Zephaniah 1:5 – Mixed Allegiance on the Rooftops “those who bow down on the roofs to worship the heavenly hosts, those who bow down and swear by the LORD and also swear by Milcom.” God singles out people who try to combine loyalty to Him with pagan practice. Scripture keeps returning to this theme—there is no room for a spiritual both-and. Old Testament Echoes • Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.” • Exodus 34:14 – “For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” • Leviticus 26:1 – “You must not make idols for yourselves or set up a carved statue or sacred pillar…to bow down before it; for I am the LORD your God.” • Deuteronomy 6:14-15 – “Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you. For the LORD your God among you is a jealous God…” • Joshua 24:14, 23 – “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth… Now then…throw away the foreign gods that are among you and incline your hearts to the LORD.” • 1 Kings 18:21 – “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” • 2 Kings 17:33 – “They worshiped the LORD, yet they served their own gods…” (see vv. 34-41 for the full indictment). • Psalm 16:4 – “Sorrows will multiply to those who chase after other gods.” • Isaiah 42:8 – “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols.” • Ezekiel 20:39 – “No longer profane My holy name with your gifts and idols.” New Testament Reinforcement • Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.” • 1 Corinthians 10:20-22 – “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God… You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons…Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy?” • 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 – “What fellowship does light have with darkness? …What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.” • James 4:4 – “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.” • Revelation 2:14, 20 – warnings to Pergamum and Thyatira about teaching that leads believers to eat food sacrificed to idols and practice immorality. Why God Rejects Mixed Worship • Exclusive Covenant – He alone redeemed His people; divided loyalty breaks the covenant (Exodus 34:14). • Protective Jealousy – He guards His people from deception that ruins souls (Deuteronomy 6:15). • Spiritual Reality – Idols involve demons (1 Corinthians 10:20); syncretism invites bondage. • Witness to the Nations – God’s glory is dimmed when His people echo the world (Isaiah 42:8). Living the Lesson Today • Identify modern “Milcoms” – anything we trust alongside God (wealth, power, superstition, cultural approval). • Separate, don’t blend – evaluate books, media, and rituals that merge biblical faith with contrary spiritual ideas. • Choose decisive allegiance – like Elijah on Carmel, settle the issue daily: “If the LORD is God, follow Him.” |
    |