Joel M Bradshaw

bible devotions, bible podcast

Three Points About Idols

4So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.–1 Corinthians 8

Paul was writing to former idol worshipers who were struggling with eating meat that was once sacrificed to those very idols. Were they disrespecting Jesus by doing so? Were they proclaiming that those idols were in fact God? Paul had to set basic cosmic theology straight.

  1. IDOLS ARE NOT GOD THE WAY GOD IS GOD. Genesis 1 doesn’t say ‘in the beginning God and a bunch of other beings’. Paul’s basic argument is that other objects of worship are not in the same category as the God of the Bible.
  2. IDOLS ARE INDEED A PROBLEM. Idols are things that keep you distracted from obedience to God. You might just divide your attention to them and give them allegiance due to God. You unwittingly may treat idols like they are God’s equal even if they aren’t. You would do this if you have part of your day belonging to Jesus and part of your day belonging to something else. An idol can be compartmentalized while God cannot!
  3. THE MOST POWERFUL IDOL IS THE SELF. There’s a reason Jesus said that to follow Him is to first deny yourself (Matthew 16:24). Without a doubt, you are your biggest idol. Every moment of temptation to sin is a ‘my way or Thy way’ choice. This is why Biblical preachers don’t preach self-love. It’s because we all naturally love ourselves and choose our selfish paths far too much. The only hope is found on the Jesus path and that involves self-denial.

Idols in the ancient world provided hope that you could control. If you sacrificed to Ba’al then you had hope you would have a good harvest. You couldn’t control what God would do, but you thought you could control what an idol would do. Do you treat God that way? Are you divided in your attention or allegiance? Is anyone else in God’s unique category? Is your hope centered in you or in Jesus? Are you intentional about daily self-denial in pursuing Jesus?–JMB

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2 responses to “Three Points About Idols”

  1. Rose Avatar
    Rose

    “You couldn’t control what God would do, but you thought you could control what and idol would do.” I love that insight! Perfect example of how twisted our thoughts can get when we come face to face with diabolical influence. For years I fed into that “love yourself” First and it will change your life pop culture crap. The only thing that changed my life was loving God First. I never loved myself when I pursued my own desires, in fact I grew to hate myself. And that’s how the devil gets a foothold, he wants us to hate ourselves and be focused on ourselves and the world and the negative. I became fixated on the negativity and self loathing. What I didn’t realize when I was constantly focusing on the negativity, was I was actually focused on evil. The devil hates us, like he hates himself and wants us to keep our focus on everything but God the Father. If your focus is on God, your focus is on the good.

    When Paul was sitting in prison waiting to be beheaded he wrote:

    “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

    Just thinking about the goodness of God and focusing on gratitude really changes your outlook on life. Jesus is my hope.

    I’ve only recently realized how important self denial is to combating spiritual warfare and separating ourselves as a followers of Christ. It’s so difficult sometimes, but it is suppose to be. This is the progression of sanctification.

    “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
    Hebrews 10:14

    Thanks Pastor Joel, it was nice to sit and reflect with you on how far I’ve come today. 🙂

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    1. bradshawjoel Avatar
      bradshawjoel

      love your insight and grateful for your journey. thanks for sharing!

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