Topical Bible: Idolatry is a Work of the Flesh

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Idolatry, as a concept and practice, is consistently condemned throughout the Bible. It is identified as a "work of the flesh" in the New Testament, specifically in the writings of the Apostle Paul. The term "idolatry" refers to the worship of idols or the excessive devotion to anything other than the one true God. This practice is seen as a direct violation of the first and second commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which emphasize the exclusive worship of Yahweh and the prohibition of graven images (Exodus 20:3-5).

In the New Testament, Paul addresses idolatry in his epistle to the Galatians, where he lists it among the "works of the flesh." Galatians 5:19-21 states: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Here, idolatry is grouped with other sinful behaviors that are contrary to the life led by the Spirit.

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of idolatry and its consequences. The Israelites frequently fell into idol worship, despite repeated warnings from prophets. One notable instance is the worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32), which resulted in severe punishment. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, often rebuked the people for their idolatrous practices, emphasizing that idols are powerless and that true worship belongs to God alone (Isaiah 44:9-20; Jeremiah 10:1-16).

Idolatry is not limited to the worship of physical idols but extends to anything that takes precedence over God in one's life. This can include material possessions, power, or even relationships. Jesus addressed this broader understanding of idolatry when He taught about the impossibility of serving two masters, stating, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24).

The early church faced challenges with idolatry, particularly in regions where pagan worship was prevalent. The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, often confronted idolatrous practices. In Acts 17:16-34, Paul addresses the people of Athens, who were known for their numerous idols, and proclaims the truth of the one true God. He emphasizes that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands and calls for repentance from idolatry.

The epistles also provide guidance for Christians to avoid idolatry. In 1 Corinthians 10:14, Paul advises, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." This exhortation underscores the importance of remaining vigilant against anything that might lead believers away from their devotion to God.

In summary, idolatry is a pervasive issue addressed throughout Scripture, identified as a work of the flesh that stands in opposition to a life led by the Spirit. It encompasses both the worship of physical idols and the elevation of anything above God in one's life. The Bible consistently calls for the rejection of idolatry and the exclusive worship of the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:19,20
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Connection Between Covetousness and Idolatry. Certain Trades ...
... others for that purpose; in that I have separated my own flesh itself from ... to be
transacted by these wares; if, even now, the work of idolatry is perpetrated ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xi connection between covetousness and.htm

On Human Temptations.
... which are these, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, poisonings,
[2625 ... and everything that is called a work of the flesh (proceeds from) the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iv on human temptations.htm

What Hermes Trismegistus Thought Concerning Idolatry, and from ...
... 23."What Hermes Trismegistus Thought Concerning Idolatry, and from ... man may become
preferable to the work of God ... the Lord was present in the flesh, said with ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 what hermes trismegistus thought.htm

The Holy Spirit Bringing Forth in the Believer Christlike Graces ...
... are these, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities ...
the utter badness of the flesh and give ... just give over the whole work of making ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xiii the holy spirit.htm

Of the Difference Between Life and Death; of the Breath of Life ...
... evil concupiscence; and covetousness, which is idolatry." [4536] The laying ... Now the
final result of the work of the Spirit is the salvation of the flesh. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii of the difference between.htm

The Regenerating Work of the Holy Spirit.
... these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft,
hatred ... ("Because the mind of the flesh is enmity ... and to finish His work." John 4 ...
/.../the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter ix the regenerating work.htm

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
... relation to God, it manifests itself in idolatry, be it ... make you perfect in every
good work to do ... us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-fourth day holiness and cleansing.htm

Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ...
... [3555] But without such idolatry he who ... food derived from animals," and Polemon in
his work On Life ... in particular, the Jews abstain from swine's flesh on the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi prayers and praise from.htm

Women as Well as Men, Slaves as Well as Freemen, Candidates for ...
... which are, fornication uncleanness, profligacy, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities ... sinners,
as I think, "flesh," and the ... near Iberia practice manly work and toil ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii women as well as.htm

You have Therefore the Will of My God. ...
... be counted to be martyrdom as much as idolatry to be ... accruing is the apology for
the frightfulness of the work. ... by withdrawing it, to aid the flesh by injuring ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter v you have therefore.htm