Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of Described as Stumbling Blocks

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In the biblical context, idolatry is the worship of idols or images as divine, and it is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. Idolatry is not merely the physical act of bowing to a statue or image but represents a deeper spiritual infidelity to God. The Bible often describes idols as "stumbling blocks," indicating that they are obstacles that lead individuals away from the true worship of God and into sin.

Old Testament References

The concept of idols as stumbling blocks is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament. In Ezekiel 14:3, the prophet Ezekiel conveys God's message to the elders of Israel: "Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of Me at all?" . Here, the idols are not just physical objects but represent the inner rebellion and misplaced trust of the people, leading them away from God.

In Leviticus 19:4, the Israelites are commanded, "Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods. I am the LORD your God" . This command underscores the danger of idolatry as a stumbling block that diverts the people from their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to address the issue of idolatry, expanding the understanding of what constitutes a stumbling block. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul warns the Corinthian church, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" . While this passage primarily deals with food offered to idols, it highlights the broader principle that anything, including the exercise of personal freedom, can become a stumbling block if it leads others into sin or away from faith.

In 1 John 5:21, the apostle John succinctly advises, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" . This admonition serves as a reminder of the ever-present danger of idolatry in various forms, urging believers to remain vigilant against anything that might become a spiritual stumbling block.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, idolatry as a stumbling block is a profound issue because it represents a fundamental breach of the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). Idolatry challenges the exclusive worship and allegiance that God demands from His people. It is not merely an external act but a heart issue, where trust and devotion are misplaced.

Idolatry as a stumbling block also has communal implications. It not only affects the individual but can lead entire communities or nations into spiritual decline. The prophets frequently warned Israel that their idolatry would lead to judgment and exile, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 2:27-28, where the people are chastised for turning to idols in times of trouble.

Practical Considerations

In contemporary application, idolatry as a stumbling block extends beyond ancient practices to include anything that takes precedence over God in one's life. This can include material possessions, personal ambitions, relationships, or ideologies. Believers are called to examine their hearts and lives continually, ensuring that nothing becomes a stumbling block that hinders their relationship with God or causes others to falter in their faith.

The biblical portrayal of idolatry as a stumbling block serves as a timeless warning to guard against the subtle and pervasive nature of idolatry in all its forms, urging a steadfast commitment to the worship of the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 14:3
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prevailing Prayer.
... cannot pray effectually for a variety of objects at once ... that such prayer as I have
described will avail ... prevent a perpetual going away into idolatry, he prayed ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture iv prevailing prayer.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... and speculation, while we have rejected their idolatry, terror, and pit ... they may
have something to be described or to ... and delighting in the same objects, as we ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

The Northern Mountains
... what you call de washerwoman's.' It had been described to me ... that it is not a worship
of natural objects; not a ... But surely it is an idolatry, and not a nature ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... they made them idols.' The sin of idolatry threw their ... your minds and affections
upon other objects, and let ... see the fruits of repentance as described by the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... shaken'; and so every thing tends to weaken, or at least to lay stumbling-blocks
in their ... abide by this, That the man that is as I have here described, is not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... course in matters of faith causes stumbling blocks to spring ... I described it as the
opinion of another: moreover ... he brings himself in guilty of idolatry; for if ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... Basilides and Martial have been contaminated by the abominable certificate of idolatry. ...
the heresy of these Noetians, but we have carefully described his life ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm