Wednesday: Warning Against Idolatry
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 29th of July 2026
Read 1 Corinthians 10:5-22. Why must we flee from idolatry?
In 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Paul resumes the issue of food offered to idols. Offering food to idols may be strange in many cultures today, but it was common in biblical times. When animals were sacrificed to the gods in the heathen temples, part of the animal was given to the officiating priests, who sold the meat. Some of this meat found its way into the public markets. Because this meat was not kept separate from other meat that was also offered for sale in the market, a Christian might unknowingly purchase meat that had been offered to idols. The counsel of the apostle is that such meat may be freely purchased by Christians.
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Nevertheless, while meat previously sacrificed in a temple could be eaten by Christians at home (1 Corinthians 8:1-13), the practice of going into pagan temples and participating in their festivals was clearly forbidden for Christians. The criterion is clear: Christians are allowed to eat that meat at home because the idols are nothing (1 Corinthians 8:4); however, Christians must not participate in pagan ceremonies because this corresponds to worshiping demons (1 Corinthians 10:20-21). Taking part in pagan rituals equals having communion with demons (1 Corinthians 10:20), just as taking part in the Lord’s Supper equals having communion with Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Thus, Paul says, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21, NKJV). As Jesus said: “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24, NKJV).
Paul teaches that God requires wholehearted loyalty. He implies that idolatry provokes “the Lord to jealousy” (1 Corinthians 10:22, NKJV). For that not to happen, Paul, in 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, provides an infallible rule against idolatry, by alluding to Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (NKJV; emphasis supplied). To this idea of loving God above all things in Deuteronomy 6:5, Jesus added, “ ‘ “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” ’ ” (Mark 12:31, NKJV; see also Leviticus 19:18).
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An idol doesn’t have to be a stone statue. We can make an idol out of just about anything. What idols, if any, do you need to flee from in your own life? |
There is a statement, often attributed to Blaise Pascal:
Actually, it was Voltaire, the French philosopher, who wrote that, but Pascal used the idea in his writing “Pensées”.
Pascal was critical of the God of theological philosophy. He pointed out that in focusing on the theology we are guilty of projecting our reasoning onto the concept of God. He points to the early biblical description of God: The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Pascal emphasised the idea of a personal God rather than a philosophical produce of reason.
Pascal also notes the paradox of human existence. We are created by God yet we are broken by sin. The tendency is for us is to drag God down to our level. We picture God in our humanness rather that reflecting the purity of God.
Pascal observed that humans have a “God vacuum” and in our search for happiness we fill that vacuum with money, social position, ourselves, or even a god of small stature.
I think Pascal understood idolatry very well. And if our God has been anthropomorphised (made to look human) as he suggested, it probably helps us understand why Richard Dawkins accuses Christians of having too small a concept of God.
I want us to seriously consider that we have created a God in our own minds that satisfies our preconceptions. And if that is the case, are we guilty of idolatry?
Jesus had an encounter with a woman who has a view of a small god who was worshipped on a particular mountain. She entertained the argument that their god was better that the Jewish god who was worshipped on another mountain. Jesus pointed out that both pictures of God were too limited:
Are we worshipping a god on a hill, or are we worshipping God?
Wonder how Pascal would interpret John 14:9!
I will let Pascal answer that question:
Dear Maurice,
What you wrote is thought-provoking. “I want us to seriously consider that we have created a God in our own minds that satisfies our preconceptions. And if that is the case, are we guilty of idolatry?”.
Having an idea about God isn’t idolatry. Making our idea about God authoritative over God’s revelation is where the danger begins. If we worship the mental picture of God we manufacture, that is idolatry. It is not sinful to contemplate about a God whom you seem to have some understanding according to His revelation. True worship is based on the knowledge of who is being worshipped. What is wrong is inventing God according to our perception. God must be understood according to His own revelation. On the other hand, one needs to carefully note that the right theology can also lead to idolatry. The Pharisees had the correct propositions about God, but unfortunately had the wrong relationship with Him. No wonder Jesus accused them of not knowing God (John 5:39–40). If we worship the true God with the wrong motive, that is also idolatry!
This is a text that has intrigued me (John 4:24). What is true worship? What is Spirit worship? What is truth worship? Today, are meeting God’s requirements in our worship?
You have touched on a huge topic that can only be skimmed in this forum!
We live in a material world which we relate to only through our five senses. God, who created our world, exists outside the material world. How does a God who exists outside the material world He created interact with those living in that world without confusing them? With difficulty, but the most appropriate answer is probably through revelation.
Basically, there is more to existence than material existence. There are at least two dimensions – physical and spiritual. God tries to teach spiritual truths by using physical examples – Jesus did this through many of His parables.
Marx, who rejected any spiritual dimension, promoted only the material through what is technically called “dialectical materialism”. History is strewn with the devastating results of this theory. Additionally, this theory is part of the reason people like Dawson ask the question, “Who created God.” It is an irrelevant question. If God needed to be created, He isn’t the God described or revealed in the Bible. (In reality, these people don’t want the sort of God revealed in the Bible, so they maintain the “straw man” god of their own creation.)
The “Great Controversy” started in the spiritual (Revelation 12:7-9) and spilled into our physical via the Garden of Eden. The GC is between two governments – God’s and Satan’s. This strongly suggests that all worship involves a spiritual dimension. Simplistically, actions, (physical/concrete) are usually accompanied by motives (spiritual/abstract).
Biblically speaking, Truth is not a theory or concept, it is a person (John 14:6). To worship anything (car, money, rock star, etc), involves knowing something about the object of worship. This is why it is so important to know God (Jeremiah 9:23-24; cf Matthey 7:23). When we know Him better, we worship Him better and our actions (physical) will be actuated by motives (spiritual), that align with the wonderful principles of His government.
You could sum this up by saying that Truth without the spirit of Truth ceases to be truth even if the words are correct.
Anyhow, I hope this is somewhat helpful.
Hi Randall,
Thank you for your response. Spirit worship could only be understood by those who have experienced it. It cannot be understood from theory. Similarly, Ephesians 6:18 mentions “praying in the Spirit.” We need more of these teachings in our churches but the teacher/pastor who is experiencing it can best explain it. If we are to make “disciples of all men” it is important that we understand these biblical principles.
Melvin,
Spot on.
I have heard some people say that Righteousness by Faith is a doctrine whereas it is more accurate to describe it as experience with a Person. However, while it is true that Spirit worship is an experience, it could be considered extreme to separate it from theory.
In this case, clarity is important.
I have an experience with my wife, but I also know her – that knowledge is both theoretical and experiential. You can’t experience something you don’t have at least a rudimentary understanding of, otherwise, you wouldn’t even attempt to experience it. Even those led by the spirit and feel impressed that their life is missing something, know they are missing SOMETHING. However, you don’t have to understand all the theory to benefit from the experience.
Most people don’t understand the internet but still benefit from using it. However, they know enough about it (theory), to know that it will be of benefit (experience). Those who dig deeper into the theory, get a better understanding which provides a richer experience and can help others when difficulties arise.
Of course, there are dangers of an overemphasis on either extreme position. God’s invitation is to wrestle with the tension that naturally exists between theory and experience both of which – when understood correctly, are balanced and provide revelation about God’s character.
Cheers,
Randall
Maurice – in response to your questions:
“… have we created a God in our own minds that satisfies our preconceptions. And if that is the case, are we guilty of idolatry?”
And: “Are we worshipping a god on a hill, or are we worshipping God?”
Please allow me to share my opinion – I can say “yes” to both questions if we limit the only True God to reflect our own ‘imaginations’; so having created our own version of the god we worship on the ‘Hill of our self-righteousness’.
It does not really matter whether we have an ‘idea of a ‘personal god’ or if this god is ‘a philosophical product of reason’. Both depend on the believer’s life to be the ‘evidence’ in order to reveal its source.
‘The hour has come when the true worshipper shall worship the Father in Spirit and Truth’ [based on the Truth revealed in Scripture] – John 4:23;24. Man’s quest to find the true God to worship in Spirit and Truth is completely satisfied by the indwelling Holy Spirit who was given to us to prepare us and lead us into all Truth – John 16:13-15.
In our time, idolatry is not taken seriously because we literally do not worship images or statues or even a human being. Idolatry in our time has taken a very subtle form. It is perfectly camouflaged in the ordinary activities of life. For example, money and material possessions, career and professional success, sexual gratification, romantic relationships, popularity and reputation, power and influence, entertainment, national identity, social status and even self.Paul’s words are worth examining on this subject of idolatry. “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14, NIV).
Paul calls us affectionately his “dear friends” to “flee” from idolatry. Why such affection and urgency? This is an urgent warning to God’s people. The tender language is genuine concern about real danger. Idolatry is an extreme spiritual danger which needs not to be negotiated whatsoever. Just flee! We must never think that we have been in church for so long and therefore we are immune to idolatry. Idolatry is no respecter of persons or position. Just flee! I can literally hear Paul telling us, “I don’t want you to merely know that idolatry is wrong. I want you to run away as soon as possible for your spiritual life”It is a matter of life and death.
In the midst of this danger, Paul gives us a sweet hope, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out.”(1 Corinthians 10:13). As we remove idols from our lives, we must replace them with something more special and more precious, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Himself said the following words.
“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45, NLT)
Well stated
Christian liberty is never a license to satisfy our desires at the expense of God’s will or the well-being of fellow believers. The freedom we have in Christ through His grace is not an opportunity for self-centered living, but a calling to love, humility, and willing obedience. As Paul reminds believers, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). Likewise, “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (1 Corinthians 10:24). True Christian freedom is expressed not by demanding our rights, but by joyfully putting God first and others before ourselves, following the example of Christ.
Any material thing can become an idol: a watch, a car, a house, a person, money. Whatever is valued more than God is entitled to become an idol. Think of something you might choose first instead of doing God’s will: that is a potential idol. Love God first, then self, then others; that’s the right sequence! Christ even challenges this sequence: “Think of others more than of yourself”!
Years ago I overheard a co-worker say. “My family comes first, my country second, and my God comes third!” Anything that we put before God becomes more important to us than God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to keep this in our thoughts and flee from whatever seems to tempt us to lose our precious relationship with Him. This is why God said that He is a jealous God.
Thought the order is ,Love your God, others then self 🤷????
Idolatry is what it is, worshiping gods of wood and stone, discarding God’s laws, secularism, which is making our own selfish laws to cater to our own desires. A daily relationship with God through Jesus Christ, puts God first in all we do, keeps our thoughts on Him, gives us peace and rest, builds trust in Him with all our heart, leans not on ourself or own understanding, rather on the One who makes it all possible. And allows His direction to take hold of our lives. We go to God in prayer in all we do. Therefore, we are not concerned about going into idolatry because we are not discarding any of His laws out of love for Him. The longer I serve Him, love for Him grows and grows. Yes, the longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows. The more that I love Him, the more love He bestows. Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows. The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows. Servitude is living a Christian life from day to day, the prevention and antidote to idolatry.
Unknowingly the church as a co-operate body may be bowing to the gods of superiority, discrimination ,secularism, personal interest over the Bible.
Individually,members could be struggling with the same issues . We need to draw closer to God for the renewing of our hearts and minds.
” Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5 KJV.
Any deviation from this command can be considered idolatry. For to love God less implies that you possess more love for someone or something.
What to my mind is fascinating about this concept of idolatry is the allusion that this phenomenon has to do with simply a matter of choice.
I have always been captivated by the words of the song -” Games People Play ,song by Joe South 1968
People walking up to ya
Singing glory Hallelujah
And they’re tryin to sock it to you
In the name of the Lord
I have shared with you a few times on this forum that we can’t fight to love anybody, not even God ! Love is an integral part of worship.
If we take the time to know someone and we discover for ourselves that they are lovable and trustworthy , we naturally grow to love and trust them.
May I also point out to you that we are not given a SUGGESTION to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind; but a COMMAND. Anything short of that is idolatry.
To my understanding the Christian journey is one in which we constantly seek to know this God personally. And as a result grow to love and trust Him. This is the genesis of all that He seeks us to become.
In the normal phase of life, things that pertains to living, such as jobs, health, family ecetera, as long as we do not put these things before GOD then this is what’s required of us! We are to rely upon GOD for every situation in our lives, no matter the outcome! GOD is the one WHO sustains and keeps us! If we focus on HIM, no matter what happens, everything works out for HE knows beforehand the beginning and the end of all things!
I think it will help us understand the benefits or harm of the do’s and don’ts of the Law better when we come to understand their underlaying spiritual purpose – the >why we need to understand and do what is right.
I noticed that the sacrificial meat offering was given to the officiating priests to do with it as they pleased. Some benefited monetarily by selling it on the open market. Certainly one one among other benefits. As an example of ancillary benefits associated with matters related to the Law points out why it is necessary to recognize its spiritual vs. its physical benefits.
Paul’s statement, 1 Cor.10:21, goes to the heart of the matter: “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.” As long as the follower of Jesus Christ’s Gospel wavers between gaining physical benefits vs. gaining spiritual benefits from living the ‘Gospel of Jesus Christ’, we cannot fully receive the blessings God has in store for those who love Him with all their heart.
“What idols, if any, do you need to flee from in your own life?” In my opinion, the ‘idol’ with the most influence in our life might just be the desire to judge one’s own ‘righteousness’ – being self-righteous -, and, because our ego is biased toward maintaining its independence, it’s efforts are fruitless. But when desiring to become single minded within the Spirit of God, we benefit from the Power of the Holy Spirit to discern for us the spiritual dangers, and He will shield us against the temptations we face from the ‘rulers of the darkness of this world’ – Eph.6:12.
Whatever we place before God, is an idol. Food, electronic devices, children, spouses, our time; these are a few idols we place before God. Even our intellect – leaning on our own understanding.
As for eating things that we are aware have been dedicated and kneeling towards the East, we should make alternative choices.