*[[1Jn 5:21]] ISV* Little children, keep yourselves away from idols.
When Paul was talking about idols to the Corinthians, I realized he dedicated many verses to it. He also stated it plainly that he was addressing a question that the church had presented him on idols. However, as I read the epistle of John, I realized the context of the first epistle was about our relationship with Papa God, His immense love for us and the assurance of victory. Then in the concluding verse (his last sentence), he tells them to keep themselves from idols. That got me thinking. I was like, "Grandpa John, where does your last sentence fit into the context?"
Now, under the Old Covenant they were asked not to make for themselves any image in heaven or on earth nor bow down to them (Exodus 20:4-5). So one might easily conclude that John was cautioning them against physical idols. But the Greek word translated 'idol' in our opening scripture could also mean 'image' or 'phantom of the mind'. So in order to grasp John's thought, let's look at the verse before this final statement.
*[[1Jn 5:20]] KJ2000* And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
Notice that this verse talks about a certain understanding of God or the right picture of God that Jesus came to give humanity. That's why throughout his epistle, John tries to show us that he was qualified to paint a vivid picture of God because of his association with Jesus. This is even seen in his introduction.
*[[1Jn 1:1-3]] KJ2000* That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life...declare we unto you....
We know that the only image of God that has been ordained by God is the one He himself has made which is man. Man is made in the image and likeness of Papa God. So John goes on to tell us that we are as He is (holy, righteous, exalted, glorified etc) ...
*[[1Jn 4:17]] KJ2000* In this is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
"So Afriyie, what is your point?" This is it. John was saying, "I have revealed the true image of God to you, whose image you are. So any image or phantom of the mind that you have about yourself which is contrary to what I have shown you is an idol. You are committing idolatry when you believe a lie about yourself or when you preach a false image of God to folks".
In the wilderness, the Israelites believed a lie about themselves which prevented them from entering God's rest. They saw themselves as grasshoppers and projected that same image to others (Numbers 13:28-33). It's quite unfortunate that many pulpits have been used to preach idols. Yet they wonder why their folks are so sin and demon conscious.
Beloved, rest in your true identity. Shalom!!!
LIVE_LOVE_SHINE
Beautiful 👑🙏🏽, I see that the only image we need to view in our mind, is the image Papa God, poured into as the likeness of Himself. Let’s not idolize other thoughts that are not him,
ReplyDeleteBoom!!!
DeleteGod bless you for this piece. We pray that we will grow into the full realisation of who we are in Christ.
DeleteWe only know God in all.
ReplyDeleteSure!!!
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