Where does the elder brother or sister find significance and happiness?
Acceptance by and love of others - achieved by being a social conformist.
A clear conscious (freedom from guilt) - achieved by adherence to the law -specifically, the Jewish laws of the time - moral code, diet, rituals as well as doing the "right thing"
Material reward or fruits of labor - achieved by having a good work ethic
This chapter speaks about the idolatry of Israel's leaders.
Ephesians 5:5, Colossians 3:5
Paul associates the dynamics of human greed, lust, and coveting with idolatry.
"You can be sure that no immoral, impure or greedy person will not inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolator, worshiping the things of this world."
Rev. Keller explains that:
ReplyDelete"When we elevate anything to an ultimate position in order to find significance and happiness - we have an idol.
An idol is anything more fundamental than God to our happiness, meaning in life and identity.
Idolatry is the inordinate desire for even something good. This means that anything can be an idol, even good things."
What things do we turn into idols?
Our group's comments:
ReplyDeleteWhere does the elder brother or sister find significance and happiness?
Acceptance by and love of others - achieved by being a social conformist.
A clear conscious (freedom from guilt) - achieved by adherence to the law -specifically, the Jewish laws of the time - moral code, diet, rituals as well as doing the "right thing"
Material reward or fruits of labor - achieved by having a good work ethic
Group comments:
ReplyDeleteWhat things do we turn into idols?
Power:
importance
money
possessions
influence
Approval:
absence of guilt
feeling need
Comfort:
family - 'tribe' or sense of belonging, encouragement
Control:
money
possessions
job
influence
security
What does the Bible say about idols?
ReplyDeleteEzekiel 14
This chapter speaks about the idolatry of Israel's leaders.
Ephesians 5:5, Colossians 3:5
Paul associates the dynamics of human greed, lust, and coveting with idolatry.
"You can be sure that no immoral, impure or greedy person will not inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolator, worshiping the things of this world."