August 13, 2016
We begin by asking ourselves a personal question: “Do I have idols, things that compete for first place in my life that at times win over and above my affection/love for God?”
Let’s look at what Paul said to the Corinthians regarding the Israel’s.
Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Why were these things written down?
God was not pleased with most of the Israel’s (v.5) What things does Paul mention they did?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:22. Discuss the following….
“God is jealous when we share what belongs to Him with something less than Him. Think of it this way: God’s jealousy is that of a lover for their partner who has whored after another is. Charles Hodge says it this way, “It is employed as an illustration of the hatred of God towards idolatry. It is as when a bride transfers her affections from her lawful husband in every way worthy of her love, to some degraded and offensive object.” This is what Israel was doing and what we are tempted to when the lustier, lure and love of an idol comes into our life. That’s why idols are ugly!”
What does Paul say in 1 Corinthians 10:14?
What are some guidelines we can use to help us discern any idols in our life? Eg….
Consider and discuss the following….
“When you are tempted to go to an idol remember that God is better and greater. So much so that no idol, no desire, no sexual appetite, no fun or entertainment, nothing is more satisfying or pleasurable than God himself. And the pleasure of God is the escape from the lure of idols. I will always give in to porn or to protecting my reputation or to greed if I value it over and above the satisfaction of Christ.”
Do you believe this? Is this your experience?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What points does Paul make regarding victory when tempted?
Discuss the value of implementing 2 Timothy 2:22a.
“Do you have a recurring temptation that you find difficult to resist? Remove yourself physically from any situation that stimulates your desire to sin. Knowing when to run is as important in a spiritual battle as know when and how to fight.” *
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1. How would you describe what glorifying God is as we live and rub shoulders with the unsaved? How do we know if we are or not?
Discuss Luke’s closing words:
“You need to ask yourself this week, what is going to make God look good? Glorifying God is simply this, what would make God look the most glorious, look as He is in the lives of those in Adelaide, Para Vista, at your work place, in your home and when you are alone? What would make God look all glorious in what you read, what you watch and click on? Will doing this make God look as he is? We want to show just who this God is because they don’t know who He is. They don’t know the one true God who breaks and smashes idols. In glorifying God we should show who He is and just what He is like. May we be imitating Christ as we live.”
Was there anything from this study which spoke to you, anything God has shown you He wants you to change with His help or has encouraged you that you are growing in His ways?
Share your thoughts with your group.
* Taken from, ‘The Life application Study Bible’