LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE Friday, August 5, 2022

 

LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Friday, August 5, 2022

WRONG EXAMPLES TO AVOID (VI)

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

[14]Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

[15]I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

[16]The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

[17]For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

[18]Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

[19]What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

[20]But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

[21]Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

[22]Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

MEMORISE: Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen (1 John 5:21).

EXPOSITION

An idol is a person or thing that is admired and loved very much, most especially, that takes the place of God in one's heart. It is a statue, or moulded image of anything that is worshipped. This act is called idolatry, committed by the Israelites in the wilderness (Exo. 32:1ff), and against which Christians are vehemently warned.

Certain practices are synonymous with idolatry. They include traditions, cultures, religious practices, tastes, etc. (cf. Acts 17:22-30). Bowing down to images inside and outside church buildings in any form, and praying to, or for the dead at graveyards, are also idolatrous. God has no physical form. He is a Spirit and consuming Fire! Coupled with these are excessive venerations of papas, mamas, mentors, godfathers, denominations, titles, etc. The Law of God is against this (Exo. 20:1-5). Revelation 4:11 makes it clear that only the living God is worthy to receive glory, honour and power. And His glory He will not share with anyone.

Certain festivals that are celebrated, like Egungun (masquerade), Eyo in Lagos, Okebadan in Ibadan, Osun Oshogbo, Halloween in America, and others found in other climes as well as images to which adherents innocently and religiously bow in churches and other worship places, including those of dead saints and local, national, religious, political and cultic heroes, make God jealous. 

Christians be warned! Recognition, appreciation and admiration should not degenerate to idolisation or undue veneration. Only God deserves your total love, devotion, worship and praise. Becareful not to ignorantly adopt just anything and abuse your freedom.

PRAYER POINT: 

1. Thank our jealous God who has made Himself known to all and is slow to anger.

2. Confess and ask for God's forgiveness and mercy concerning all atrocities that have been committed by our fore fathers and ignorant Christians.

3. Pray against every spirit of idolatry in the land, in Jesus' name.

HYMN FOR THE DAY: CAC GHB 755

1. Are you trusting Jesus

All along the way

Does he grow more precious

To your heart each day

Are you His disciple?

Test His word and see

He will give the spirit

More abundantly

Chorus:

More abundantly

More abundantly

They that might have life

And more abundantly

2. For His matchless favour

Magnify the name

Of our gracious Saviour

Who from glory came

Let the saints adore Him

For this wondrous word

Sealing our redemption

Through the crimson flood

3. Come to him believing

Harken to His call

All from His receiving

Yield to Him your all

Jesus will accept you

When to Him you flee

He will grant His blessing

More abundantly.

Amen.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Isaiah 52 - 57