Topical Bible: Idolatry: Saints should Keep From

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Idolatry, in its essence, is the worship of anything other than the one true God. It is a pervasive theme throughout the Bible, consistently condemned as a grievous sin. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings and exhortations for the faithful to abstain from idolatry, emphasizing the importance of exclusive devotion to God.

Biblical Prohibition of Idolatry

The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, begin with a clear prohibition against idolatry: "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath" (Exodus 20:3-4). This foundational command underscores the necessity for God's people to maintain purity in worship, free from the influence of false gods and images.

The Nature of Idolatry

Idolatry is not limited to the worship of carved images or statues. It extends to any form of devotion or allegiance that supplants God’s rightful place in the believer's heart. The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14), indicating that idolatry can manifest in various forms, including covetousness, which he equates with idolatry in Colossians 3:5.

Consequences of Idolatry

The Bible is replete with examples of the dire consequences of idolatry. The Israelites' repeated lapses into idol worship led to divine judgment and exile. In Deuteronomy 8:19, God warns, "If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish" . This serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual and physical ruin that idolatry brings.

New Testament Exhortations

The New Testament continues the call to avoid idolatry, urging believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ. The Apostle John concludes his first epistle with a succinct admonition: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21). This directive highlights the ongoing relevance of the issue and the need for vigilance in the Christian life.

Spiritual Warfare and Idolatry

Idolatry is often linked to spiritual warfare, as it represents a turning away from God to the forces of darkness. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, describes the Christian life as a battle against spiritual forces and urges believers to "put on the full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm against such temptations.

The Call to Holiness

Saints are called to a life of holiness, set apart for God’s purposes. This involves a conscious rejection of idolatry in all its forms. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do" (1 Peter 1:15). Holiness requires an undivided heart, fully devoted to God and His commandments.

Practical Steps to Avoid Idolatry

To guard against idolatry, believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in Scripture, engage in regular prayer, and participate in the life of the church community. By fostering a deep relationship with God and remaining accountable to fellow believers, saints can resist the allure of idols and maintain their focus on Christ.

In summary, idolatry is a significant concern for the faithful, demanding constant vigilance and commitment to God’s commands. The Bible provides clear guidance and warnings, urging believers to keep themselves from idols and to live lives wholly devoted to the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 23:7
That you come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves to them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
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Library

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... in present enjoyments; 1. That it is idolatry; 2. That ... unwillingness to die, and
possess the saints' rest, is ... on the right hand and left, we should hardly keep ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

The Introduction.
... this torrent of superstition and idolatry; for from ... conversations; that they should
not keep hawks, hounds ... worshipped; that the relicts of saints should not be ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the introduction.htm

Spiritual Idolatry
... angels, or the souls of departed saints, or images of gold ... 7. The second species
of idolatry mentioned by the ... of butterflies therein: But if God should spare my ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 78 spiritual idolatry.htm

The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ...
... as yet recite the abuses of the common people [how manifest idolatry is practiced ...
Even though we should imagine that the invocation of saints were taught ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 26 the twenty-first article.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... cannot be inferred from the fact, that idolatry continued to be ... fact of the fall
and ruin of real saints. ... the soul under such circumstances, I should have very ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Saints and Faithful
... of being holy is that we should know whose ... seat in Asia Minor, a focus of idolatry,
superstition, wealth ... in Christ Jesus,' though they were 'saints in Ephesus.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

The First Commandment --On the Honor and Invocation of Saints
... not superstition to keep these relics, why should it be ... Even God Himself honored
the relics of saints, for He ... as I told you, they fell into idolatry and really ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 31 the first commandmenton.htm

On the First Commandment
... From this sin of idolatry among the Israelites we have an ... In the lives of the saints
there are many examples ... Such a thought alone should keep you from sinning. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 30 on the first.htm

Psalm CXXXII.
... Thus, though there were thorns of idolatry there, still we ... with righteousness, and
let Thy saints sing with ... What if his children should keep the covenant, and ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm

We Keep Therefore the one Position, And, in Respect of this ...
... Since the death of His own saints is precious is ... namely, that they must resist idolatry
to the ... worthy anticipation of Darius concerning God should have proved ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter viii we keep therefore.htm