April 2, 2022 -- I John 5:21 -- Keep yourselves from idols

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
I John 5:21 ESV

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
I John 4:2 ESV

The first verse of the pair offered today is the final verse of John’s letter. It seems an odd way to end a letter. John is likely an aged apostle at this time. He is old enough to call the other Christians “little children”, but there may be another reason for this. Like a little child can be fascinated with an empty box, ignoring the treasured gift within it, so Christians can be sidetracked into idolatry, ignoring the treasure of Jesus Christ.

Earlier in the letter John pointed to the need for believers to have trustworthy leaders and teachers. This takes discernment. Think of all the deceptive teachers that have abounded in the last couple of years. The late Ravi Zacharias, was once a sought-after speaker; it turned out was a womanizer. The clues were in the fact he lied about his credentials and his talks were basically the same. If you listened to two or three of them, you already knew his anecdotes and stories and main points. Several Hillsong leaders have resigned amid scandal. This should not be surprising as already more than a year ago it was revealed the worship leaders were involved in a damnable practice called grave soaking. The demonic practice of laying on the graves of well-known spiritual leaders and trying to soak up the residual presence of the anointing that was on those long-dead leaders. Despicable.

The ultimate test is this—does the Christian and the Christian’s pastor or leaders have fellowship with the Father and the Son. There is an authentic, humble joy that flows from such relationship. The dead are not consulted. Instead, the Living Lord Jesus Christ, seated at the Father’s right hand, Who ushers the believer into the glorious presence of the Father, this is the glory of the believer. The Spirit already living in the believer, will reveal sinful inclinations by the light of the Word of God, showing idols that are taking shape in the secret places of the believer. Horrified by such lingering sin, the believer will confess it and long for more of Jesus, the heart’s great desire, Master and Friend. Read the Word. There are no short-cuts to deep faith in and true relationship with God. As John wrote, those who come to know the Living God keep His commandments. Such obedience is a lifelong, focused pursuit, punctuated by times of worship and joy, even as one walks through valleys of suffering and hardship. The Triune God is Himself worthy, glorious, hunger-satisfying, thirst-slating, the greatest adventure of one's life here below and then beyond in eternity.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. The world all around is choked with idols and false gods. Even hobbies which parade themselves as innocent pastimes can be barbed with hooks from the devil which would threaten to pull believers from the glory of knowing You. We confess how readily we want to be deceived; we admit we are often tired and therefore would impose on Your forgiving nature, while charging, eyes-wide, headlong into sin. We see it. We confess it. You, Father and Son, have poured out into our lives the Spirit of power so that we are without excuse for our willful disobedience. Cleanse us. Renew in us a clean heart and restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Let us, in true community, walking with brothers and sisters in Christ, fight the sin that so easily clings to us and as soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ, be renewed in zeal, prepared to fight inward and outward battles for the righteousness and holiness which are ours in Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/k8eVEF1LuQs

Copyright © 2022 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.