The Normal Christian Life: A Journey Through Romans
Friday, February 10, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your mercy. I was once a sinner steeped in following everything else but you. I now am made new because of your Son Jesus Christ. Help me to make him the highest priority in my life. I don’t want the culture’s idols to creep into my lifestyle. I want to honor you with everything that I am. Forgive me for the times I have fallen short of what you have wanted. In Jesus’ name I ask this. . . 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
Jesus says in Luke 16:13, “no one can serve two masters.” Although his statement is in the context of money matters, the principle applies across the board. We cannot serve God and something else! Either God is completely in control of us, or He’s not. If there’s anything that takes our attention away from worshiping Him, it’s an idol – and it needs to be removed. We can’t serve two masters! God alone is our “master.” He’s the only one worthy of our adoration and obedience.
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
According to Exodus 20:4-5, God is “jealous.” What does it mean that God is jealous?
Is God’s jealously good? How so?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
It’s amazing how subtle and how easily idols creep up in our lives. We gradually become desensitized to the seriousness of our sin. We begin to make excuses as to why we keep doing what we do, even when it is sin. God is jealous, and He does not want anything to come in between us and our worship of Him. How does one become desensitized to the presence of idols?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
Of all the “American Idols” (money, career, family, sports, and pleasure), which one tends to pull you the most away from God? Why?
Are there any OTHER things, or people, which pull you away from God? If so, what?
In your family, what are the biggest potential idols?
Thoughts
If an idol is “anything” or “anyone” we worship other than God, then the list of possible idols is endless. There are literally thousands of things which pull us away from God. These idols will vary from person to person, but they all distract us from worshiping the Living God.
Americans “bow down” to many idols today. Although we cannot possibly list them all, there are a few we can mention. The first significant idol is “money.” We tend to be driven by the dollar in those hopes to live the “good life.” Money, though it is not evil in itself, has the potential to be an idol when it is made master. Another American idol is “career.” Many put their career above God, and do not have time for anything church related. Another idol is “family.” Although family is a wonderful gift from God, it can be an idol when it is elevated above Him. We’re not to let any relationship come between us and God. Another idol is “sports.” When people are so consumed with sports, or cheering for their own team, that they neglect spending time with God, it is a distraction and a potential idol. Finally, another big American idol is “pleasure.” We’re a culture that loves to by nice things. All of these idols, though they are not inherently evil, can become evil if they cause us to rebel against God. We must all watch out for things that take us away from seeking God!
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