| Sermon Thought by PKD Lee |
In effect, the whole Old Testament is a diatribe against idolatry.
Yes, Moses takes a central place with the Exodus and the Law, but it is not about breaking the Law, but about the idolatry that leads to the disregard of the Law. For example, why do I steal my neighbour’s property? Because property has become my god and is more important than God. Idolatry is ultimately the root of all sin.
What is idolatry? Romans 1:25 defines it as, “who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.”. The moment we begin to put importance to the things of this world, idolatry has stepped into our lives.
Am I being too extreme in this definition of idolatry? Let us look at what some Bible verses tell us.
1 John 2:15-17 - 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1 Tim 6:10 – The love of money is the root of all evil
Matt 16: 24-28 - 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
*The phrase ‘save his life’ in Matt 16:25 refers to save his life in this world.
Holiness means being set apart. When you get married, you are set apart to your spouse; you are holy to your spouse and not available to anyone else. In the same way, when we are holy, we are set apart for God and not available for any thing of this world, apart from the responsibilities He gives us.
Holiness becomes not a question of not sinning, but of not pursuing the world. Where are you on this journey?