Topical Bible: Masters: Should, With Their Households: Put Away Idols

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In the biblical context, the role of a master, particularly within a household, carries significant spiritual responsibility. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of leading one's household in the worship of the one true God, rejecting idolatry in all its forms. This directive is rooted in the understanding that idolatry is a grave sin, leading individuals and communities away from the covenant relationship with God.

Biblical Mandate Against Idolatry

The Bible consistently warns against the worship of idols, which are often described as man-made objects or false gods that detract from the worship of Yahweh. In the Old Testament, the first two commandments given to Moses explicitly prohibit 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 command underscores the exclusivity of worship that God demands from His people.

Role of Masters in Eliminating Idolatry

Masters, as heads of their households, are called to ensure that their families adhere to these commandments. The biblical narrative provides several examples of leaders who took decisive action to rid their households and communities of idols. One notable example is Joshua, who, before leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, challenged them to serve the Lord alone: "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). Joshua's declaration serves as a model for masters to lead by example in the rejection of idolatry.

Historical Examples of Reform

Throughout Israel's history, there were periods of reform where leaders took steps to eliminate idolatry from their midst. King Josiah is a prominent example; he initiated a thorough cleansing of Judah and Jerusalem, destroying altars and idols: "He tore down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and he chopped down the incense altars that were above them. He smashed the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, grinding them to powder and scattering them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them" (2 Chronicles 34:4). Josiah's actions highlight the importance of active measures in purging idolatry from one's domain.

Spiritual Leadership and Accountability

The New Testament continues this theme of spiritual leadership and accountability. In his letters, the Apostle Paul warns against idolatry, urging believers to flee from it: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14). Masters are thus encouraged to guide their households in spiritual purity, ensuring that their homes are free from any form of idol worship.

Practical Application for Masters

In practical terms, masters today are called to examine their households for any modern forms of idolatry, which may not necessarily be physical idols but can include anything that takes precedence over God in their lives. This could involve material possessions, entertainment, or even relationships that detract from one's devotion to God. Masters are encouraged to foster an environment where God is honored above all else, teaching their families to prioritize their relationship with Him.

By adhering to these biblical principles, masters fulfill their God-given role as spiritual leaders, ensuring that their households remain faithful to the Lord and free from the snares of idolatry.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 35:2
Then Jacob said to his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Eighth Book
... is easy to decide what sort of households all of ... were made more vicious by the
wickedness of their masters. ... one who injured a servant of God should think that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the eighth book.htm

Choosing the Tens
... we entered Canaan as God sware unto Abraham we should? ... They go forth to labor, but
their burdens shall be ... The Egyptian masters over Israel of Pa-Ramesu were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter i choosing the tens.htm

Acts XVI
... restored to her mind, rather than with the masters who had ... out of the city." If the
fact of their having been scourged and imprisoned should follow them ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... and the young.5. To servants and masters.6. To ... because they are often inflicted for
their own safety. ... declared to Hezekiah, that his children should be stript ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... and vices, he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, and meet for the masters
use, and ... But what if these should clothe this, their devilish art, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... cattle: they belonged to their respective masters in the ... it back for a few generations,
we should probably discover ... a slave or a freedman among their ancestors ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... their heart to have the Franks for their masters. ... people of Sigibert, holding up
their hands, confirmed ... Burgundy, by an established ordinance, should fall to ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm