The Normal Christian Life: A Journey Through Romans
Thursday, February 9, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I worship you. You are the only One who is worthy of my praise. Help me to make you the focus of my life today. I live in a culture today that does not worship you. Don’t let me fall victim to the ways of the culture. I do not want any idol in my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve set other things ahead of you. Grant me the grace to keep you on the throne of my heart. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen.
God’s Word Today—Romans 1:21-23
21 “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
According to Romans 1:23, people worship idols rather than worshiping God. In the Bible days, and even in some other countries today, people make idols of wood and stone. Idols, however, are more than things that can be made or carved. Idols are anything we worship other than God. If this is true, then our culture is steeped in idolatry. We may not have the same kind of idols as other cultures, but we have plenty of things which take the place of our worship of God. They may not be as obvious as carved images of wood or stone, but they are just as dangerous!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Read Exodus 20:4-5 and explain in your own words what the “second commandment” means.
In what ways do Americans violate the second commandment?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
Every vehicle has a steering wheel, and at the wheel is the one who is driving. Amidst the business of our day, it’s easy to “drive” our lives by taking complete control of everything. Jesus, however, wants the “wheel!” He wants the drivers seat today, so that He can have control of every situation we face. To not give Him that place of control is sin. Who’s driving your life?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
What is your most prized possession? What is the thing you think about most?
Have you ever made an “idol” out of your most prized possession? Why or why not?
What’s the greatest temptation in your life, and how does that temptation lead to sin and idolatry?
Thoughts
The Bible says that “pride goes before a fall.” When we take pride in “anything” or “anyone” other than God, we are guilty of idolatry. Another way of saying it, the result of pride is idolatry. Paul says in Romans 1:23, “And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes.” Another translation of the Bible says they “exchanged” worshiping God for idols.
When I was in grade school I would always bring my lunch to school. I must admit that I loved eating snack (I still do), so I would often trade my peanut butter and jelly sandwich to my friend for one of those Little Debbie chocolate swirls. I love those things! Now the PBJ’s were not the healthiest things on the planet, but they were much better than chocolate swirls. It was an exchange which I though, I got the better deal out of – but my friend ate much healthier than I did at lunch. Let’s think of our exchange with God. When we worship anything other than God, we’ve exchanged His glory and righteousness for bitterness, sin, and shame. It’s as if we’ve traded a beautiful diamond, for a clump of manure. It’s not a good exchange! That’s precisely what idolatry is – the exchange of the holy and perfect with the unholy and imperfect! Idolatry is a bad exchange.
This Week’s Memory Verse:
And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes. Romans 1:23