Escape Idolatry!
Where Was God?
During World War II, following word that an only son had been killed in action, a priest was called to the home of grief-stricken parents. The father, pacing the floor, weeping, in anger demanded, “Where was God when my son was being killed?” Silence prevailed. Then the ministering priest replied, “I guess where He was when His Son was being killed.” The calm, profound answer impacted the father, for it brought God out of remoteness into the circle of real life.
(1) The blood of Jesus, the body of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit of God form a foundation for our understanding - John 6:53 - 56, 60 - 63, 3:5 - 6
(2) There are three really important truths we want to affirm:
(i) That the Spirit of God is in us and has brought us life. We are therefore reconciled to God.
(ii) That we have partaken of the sacrifice of Christ, meaning that his death has become our death and his resurrection life our life. ; .
(iii) Lastly, we have been brought into relationship with each other through the sacrifice of Christ. (largely an emphasis by fellowship but also throughout this entire section).
The main issue in this chapter is idolatry. What is idolatry?
The New Testament Writers were very clear in the condemnation of idolatry:
A syncretistic approach to the Christian life
Dedication
Now and again, baseball broadcasters will mention the fabulous career of Christy Mathewson, the amazing pitcher for the New York Giants at the turn of the century. He won thirty-seven games in 1908. This remarkable man was admired on and off the field. Of all the stories attributed to Mathewson, the one I appreciate most concerns a highly contested game when Christy was a runner on third base. The manager called for a squeeze play. Mathewson implemented the sign to the best of his ability.
Dust enveloped home plate. The umpire could not be certain what happened. We are told that an unprecedented conference was held between umpires. It was agreed that Christy should make the decision. The fierce competitor walked around home plate adjusting his trousers, dusting off his uniform; finally, removing his cap, he announced: “He got me”. Later, in the dressing room, his teammates asked him why he divulged the secret; whereupon the great athlete, with considerable pride, said: “I am an elder in the Presbyterian Church.”
(I) There is a clearly stated command (v. 14)
i. He speaks on the basis of God’s faithfulness to provide a way of escape
ii. He speaks this to people who are loved
iii. He leaves no room for misinterpretation of what he is saying
Application to the unbeliever:
Application to the church organism:
7517 Cold Worship
A Kansas Baptist church advertises the comfort of its sanctuary thus:
Worship in Comfort
You can worship in our latest scientifically controlled air-conditioned sanctuary. It has refrigerated cooling. No stuffy water coolers to infect your sinuses, stir your hay fever, or give you a cold. The air is dehumidified, well-circulated, and changed completely every five minutes. COOL Sunday services.
Application to the family institution:
(II) This is a sensible appeal (v. 15-17)
(II) This is a sensible appeal (v. 15-17)
i. There is an appeal to sensible people (v. 15)
ii. The cup of blessing is the distinct cup representing the blood of Christ (v. 16)
iii. The bread is the distinct bread representing the body of Christ (v. 16)
iv. We are participants. Therefore, we participate. (v. 17)
Conclusion:
What are the idols in your culture (inside of the church, family, individual)?
7518 “I Don’t Want Christ To Come”
I remember one night in Stockton, Calif, … I was preaching about the coming of Jesus. As I was in prayer I was conscious of a woman getting up and going out, for in those days the skirts would swish whenever a lady walked. It seemed to me that this lady must have gone out in a hurry. When I finished my prayer and went to greet the friends at the door, I found a woman pacing back and forth in the lobby. The moment I came, she said to me, “How would you dare to pray like that—“Come Lord Jesus?” I don’t want him to come. It would break in on all my plans. How dare you!” I said, “My dear young woman, Jesus is coming whether you like it or not.” Oh, if you know Him and love Him, surely your heart says, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
—H. A. Ironside
What keeps you from really seeing idolatry in your life and escaping it?
What should you do?
POTATO CHIP LOYALTY
Topics: Commitment; Friends; Loyalty
References: Psalm 16:8; Proverbs 3:5–6; John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18
Recently I was shopping at our local grocery store. After picking up some staples, I headed to the all-important potato chip aisle. Unlike my usual routine, I had already decided what kind of chips to buy. With my eyes set like flint, I walked down the center of the aisle, ignoring the siren calls of various brands until I reached the Mike Sells chip display.
After I had picked up two bags of Mike Sells chips, I heard a familiar voice behind me saying, “Thanks a lot, buddy.” It was my friend Chuck, a member of the congregation I pastor and a deliveryman for Mike Sells.
Now, imagine how I would have felt if Chuck had seen me hugging a bag of Ruffles. Thirty minutes earlier I had run into Chuck at the local bakery. He and I had spent a few minutes talking together, and then we each went our way. When I arrived at the grocery store and began considering what chips to buy, I remembered that Chuck worked for Mike Sells and would probably be pleased if I purchased the brand he sold. So, spending some time together influenced my choice.
The whole experience reminded me of something important. Spending time with my heavenly Father and being reminded of what pleases him will likely result in making decisions pleasing to him. Perhaps I’ll even get a “Way to go, Van!”
—Van Morris, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Why should you do it?
Questions:
G. Campbell Morgan, said, “I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death. I am looking for Him.”