Being Transformed

“Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry”
(Colossians 3:5).
Audio Sermon: Colossians 3:5-7

The worldly gods of the Hebrews included Ashtoreth, Asherah, Asherim, Baal, Chemosh, Milcom and Molech. They were visible, popular with those around them and serving them brought the Hebrews into fellowship with those God commanded them to avoid.

Churchmen constantly sacrifice the greater for the lesser - the spiritual for the material. They sacrifice all to avoid the disfavor of those around them and to secure the favor of a society having little regard for them and their God. He conforms his life to societal prejudices, weaknesses and vices. He glosses over the truth to avoid any point of offence and does not hesitate to barter his professed relationship with Christ for a few moments of popularity.

When Christians pursue their worldly idols with more vigor than they do their God, they may discover that they have been given over by God to their worldly pursuits. Scores of church-goers honor the Lord and yet serve the world. You can know if you are serving your idols rather than the God of Scripture by examining the evidences you give to the world of your love for Christ. Perhaps these diagnostic questions will assist:

• What offends you most: Christ’s name not being lifted up or people not recognizing your name?

• What concerns you most: Perishing souls or your financial portfolio?

• What is your greatest joy: Your children making “A”s, you receiving a promotion at work or a person you barely know mortifying one sin?

Be mindful; God is as pleased with worldly-minded Christians as He is with devils in heaven. While man spares no cost in serving his earthly gods, God spares no cost in tearing those He loves from their earthly gods.

God’s gospel is designed for idolaters, servants of the world and earthly-minded churchmen. In this eternal curriculum known as the Bible, a person is called to attend to the ways of God. Idols of every stripe are identified, punishments are explained and the benefits of fleeing from idol worship are exampled.

You cannot afford to be given over to worldly idols. Though there may come a time when God will draw you to Himself, you cannot imagine the pain and scarring that accompany your service to the idols of this present darkness. The ripples flowing from pursuing worldliness at the expense of growing in holiness devastate families, churches, communities and nations. When you recite the Lord’s Prayer, you petition God to not lead you into temptation, but to deliver you from evil because you have an awareness of your susceptibility to idol worship and the effect of leaving the God you love (Mt. 6:13).

“Go, serve everyone his idols; but later, you will surely listen to Me, and My holy name you will profane no longer with your gifts and with your idols.” Just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper” (Eze. 20:39; Ro. 1:28, respectively).

SOLI DEO GLORIA!