What exactly are idols and idolatry?

Free and Clear!

“…the prince (evil genius, ruler) of the world is coming. And he has no claim on Me. [He has nothing in common with Me; there is nothing in Me that belongs to him, and he has no power over Me.]”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:30‬ (‭AMPC‬‬)

Jesus was free and clear. The enemy had no “claim,” no legal ground, no access to Jesus’ soul. This is the life we, too, are meant for! This is what Jesus paid for on Calvary, so let’s make sure we also have “nothing in common” with the enemy and give him no room in our life.

“Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:27‬ (‭AMPC‬‬)

Idolatry
One way we can give him “opportunity” to afflict us is through idolatry. Many Christians may not have a grid for understanding idolatry in our day and culture because our idols are a bit more sophisticated than those of Bible times.

“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. [Idols] have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make [idols] are like them; so is everyone who trusts in and relies on them. ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭135:15-18‬ (‭AMPC‬‬)

Nowadays, we don’t bow to wood, stone, or gold images, do we? But there is still plenty of bowing going on, believe me. How do we “bow”? We lust, we covet, we have greed, and we look for comfort and help from sources other than God. For sure, idolatry did not just go away over time as our culture became more modern; it simply looks a little different:

● We bow to credit card debt.
● We bow to cravings for things, money, and power.
● We bow to trust in man (doctors, pastors, bankers, etc.).
● We bow to false comforters such as food, alcohol, unholy relationships, entertainment, and shopping.
● Etc.

Are you starting to get the picture? Perhaps you already are recognizing some idols in your own heart. Friend, Jesus wants to set you free from the demonic “honey trap” of idol worship.

Idols Are Actually Demons
Why are idols so dangerous? Idols (the lusts and longings that control us) are merely an entry point for the devil into your heart. The Bible clearly teaches that behind every idol is a demon:

“They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to demons, not to God–…” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32:16-17‬ (‭AMPC‬‬)

When you embrace an idol, you are welcoming the demon behind that idol into your soul. You are giving the devil a claim to your soul—to oppress, torment, and afflict you.

One Bible example of how demons afflict us through idolatry is the healing of Blind Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus was blind from birth. Now, the Bible makes a point of saying that he was the son of Timaeus. Why does the Bible mention who Bartimaeus’ father was? Because of what the name Timaeus means; it means “to defile oneself with idols”! Blind Bartimaeus’ father was an idol worshiper, and that caused him to be blind from birth. Just as scripture teaches, idols are deaf, mute, impotent, and blind, so when someone worships idols they open themselves to deafness, crippling diseases, and, like Bartimaeus, blindness and eye diseases.

Idolatry Will Keep You From Your Destiny
As long as you hold dearly to an idol, you are forfeiting the best that God has for you.

“Those who pay regard to false, useless, and worthless idols forsake their own [Source of] mercy and loving-kindness.” ‭‭Jonah‬ ‭2:8‬ (‭AMPC‬‬)

This is not about whether or not God loves you; He loves you just the same. It is all about you being free and clear so that you can walk this earth like Jesus and fulfill the calling and destiny God has for you. You cannot step into the fullness of your God-given authority and calling as long as you have idols in your heart.

I pray that right now “light bulbs” are turning on for you and that you’re recognizing the subtle ways the enemy has gained access to you to keep you from a life that is free from his influence, his sicknesses, and his destruction.

Let’s pray together right now!

Holy Spirit, search diligently, explore, and examine everything in my soul that’s not lined up with God. Find the things that are hidden and dig out all those idols. Give me Your profound counsels and understanding so that I can kick those things to the curb in my life and truly be free. While You are there searching me, Holy Spirit, put some Dunamis on my soul and do miracles. Make me excellent of soul. I release You, Holy Spirit, according to Your word, and I believe that as I put Your Dunamis power to work in me that God will do super-abundantly, above and beyond, all that I could ask or imagine. I believe I am being healed, strengthened and set free right now from any idol I’ve bowed down to. Forgive me, Lord, for trusting in worthless things to help me or make me feel strong, confident, or comforted. I repent and put my affections and trust fully and only in You.

Thank you, Lord. Amen!

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