Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
The warning against idolatry stands for every age, and with special force for the present day. Idolatry here is not limited to the worship of carved images, but includes selfishness, love of ease, and the gratification of appetite and passion. Mere profession of faith in Christ, even joined with boastful knowledge of the truth, does not make a person a Christian. A religion that aims only to gratify the eye, the ear, and the taste, or that allows hurtful self-indulgence, is not the religion of Christ, but accords with the spirit of the world and stands opposed to the teachings of Scripture. Festivals and scenes of amusement in which professed Christians copy the customs of the world and share its pleasures are idolatry, forming a virtual union with the enemies of God that provokes His jealousy.
No human being is stronger than God, and none can safely contend with Him or withstand His judgments. The question therefore calls sinners to cease their evil course, to resist Satan, and to repent, confess, and forsake sin.
The warning against idolatry stands for every age, and with special force for the present day. Idolatry here is not limited to the worship of carved images, but includes selfishness, love of ease, and the gratification of appetite and passion. Mere profession of faith in Christ, even joined with boastful knowledge of the truth, does not make a person a Christian. A religion that aims only to gratify the eye, the ear, and the taste, or that allows hurtful self-indulgence, is not the religion of Christ, but accords with the spirit of the world and stands opposed to the teachings of Scripture. Festivals and scenes of amusement in which professed Christians copy the customs of the world and share its pleasures are idolatry, forming a virtual union with the enemies of God that provokes His jealousy.
No human being is stronger than God, and none can safely contend with Him or withstand His judgments. The question therefore calls sinners to cease their evil course, to resist Satan, and to repent, confess, and forsake sin.