Hidden Idols

Hidden Idols

 

Today, we will be starting a series entitled Hidden Idols? We start today with this simple, yet complicated fact.

“In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3

Yes, of course, you may be thinking. I have read the Word, you may be thinking. I have learned the Truth. I would even say I love the Word of God. That is all good. However, there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. This is what we will be talking about today. Let us pray. 

Heavenly Father, LORD God, we come before you with thanksgiving in our hearts toward you for all you have blessed us with, and the ability to not only obtain knowledge, but also how to use that knowledge. With this wisdom, perhaps we may be able to be honest with ourselves about those Idols that we have out in a place before you, and the wisdom of how to overcome, to turn away, to understand that you are God. You are our Father. You must come first. We pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive your truth and your revelation. In Jesus’ name. Amen! And amen. 

Yes, you have read the Word, or at least parts of it. Did you know the devil can quote chapter and verse? He was there when it was being written. The love of and desire for the Word is not a problem. Many love the Bible, even if they reject parts, change meanings, and/or exclude those things they do not like. Wanting to learn more and grow in faith is not a problem. 

Did you know that the enemies of God, and of us, want to learn the truth as well? Why? “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the outcome of a hundred battles.” They think that the more they know their enemy, us, the more advantage they will have over us. 

It goes something like this. “Oh, you're one of those.” “Ok. Did you know your book says, this, or that, and you must do this or that, or you cannot do this or that?” Chances are, and they are betting on it, you have no clue. You haven’t read it. So they will win every time. 

Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and data, while Wisdom is the spiritual insight and moral discipline to apply those facts rightly. The Bible warns that knowledge, when detached from love or divine purpose, can actually be detrimental to a person’s character.

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." 1 Corinthians 8:1

Without wisdom and the love that usually accompanies it, knowledge often leads to pride, arrogance, and a sense of superiority.

“You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, 'No one sees me.’' Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one besides me.’ 

But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing. Isaiah 47:10-11

This refers to people who were "smart" enough to plot evil but lacked the wisdom to see the consequences or the moral compass to stop.

You can know the "what" without understanding the "why" or the "how." The Bible describes this as having eyes but not seeing.

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."James 2:19

This is the ultimate example of knowledge without wisdom. The demons have perfect theological knowledge in that they know who God is, but they lack the wisdom to submit to Him or align their lives with His will.

Biblically, the "bridge" between the two is often cited as the fear of the Lord.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10

The danger begins when knowledge replaces surrender. Many people today are not pursuing God. They dress in their best clothes. They get in their vehicles and drive to the show. They see the lights, smoke, and they see the young guitarist really making it, singing. They stand, dance, and praise God. The Pastor comes, sometimes, he even puts on a show. Oh, he shares the Word. Oh, you hear the Word. Then you shake hands, and you leave the show.  “Gotta get home before the game. Got to rest for work tomorrow."

The habit or this obligation feels like you are being “spiritual.” Information feels like growth. However, information without obedience becomes pointless. The Pharisees knew Scripture deeply. They memorized it. Taught it. Defend it. And yet they missed Jesus standing in front of them. They rejected Jesus not because He contradicted Scripture, but because He threatened their control. Jesus challenged them to surrender, but they wanted power. They did not want to be led. They wanted to lead. They made themselves judges, not actual children of God. 

Many Christians say they want God. But what they really want is stimulation. They consume teaching but resist correction. They quote the truth but avoid submission. They talk about grace but refuse authority. God is reduced to an Ideal, not the Lord. He is there, but is he? One of the biggest problems is Idols. You can learn all you want. You can go to the show weekly. You can even habitually pray. But if you have placed something in front of God, that is all the church will be to you. A show. Something else to consume. 

“But I do not have any Idols in my life?” No? Are you sure? Let's look at some of the Idols that people put in front of God, sometimes, without even knowing they do. Check out this list. Is your Idol on it? Be honest with yourself. 

1- Politics

2- Material

3- Celebrities

4- Comfort and pleasure

5- Religion

6- Self 

Did you see yours? Be honest. Is your Idol on the list? Some of you have already started to tense up. To become offended. This is why we are warned. God told us so. 

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21

This is so important to God that He made it a Commandment. 

“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me.” Exodus 20:5

Why? Simply put, there is only one God. 

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5  

We are instructed, even if we have placed an Idol before us, to destroy it. The exact words “put to death what is earthly in us.”  

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5 

This is what we will be discussing in this series. Some of the Idols we will discuss will be obvious; some may not be. Either way, we are told they need to go because God is a jealous God. 

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6 

I am just going to give you this warning up front. Well, ok, up front, in the middle, and at the end of this series. You may become offended. You may become angry. I say if this happens, you may have indeed found your Idol. 

God is God.  Remember the key? Jesus. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Not this Saint or that one. Not Mary. Not the statue of Jesus, but Jesus Himself. That Statue of whatever has no life in it. It will do you no good. Neither will any other than Jesus Himself. Mary, the Prophets, John, Paul, Peter, whatever, were for a time, and are now in Heaven with God. Just like you will be when you leave. So they can not do anything for you themselves. Let alone their likenesses. 

In the end, your bank account will not save you. Your faith in your job, self, or anything else will not save you. There is only one savior, one mediator between God and us; His name is Jesus. Do you know Jesus? Do you want to? Ask Him. 

Simply "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9.

Remember, you can always check out the vast archive here at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

Join us next time when we look at the first Idol that many have, but few even know it is an idol. It has power. It can breed hate and division, tear families apart, and completely take over your very identity. What is it?  Politics. 

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!