The Deception of Idols

There are many men today who struggle with sexual sin. If you're one of them I hope these 5 simple points will encourage you. If you are not, may God use these to equip you to encourage others, or apply them to another area of bondage in your life.

1. Come to a realization that the images you are viewing (or the over eating, over shopping, over body sculpting, etc) are a form of idolatry. God warns constantly against idolatry (Isaiah 41:29, 42:17, 44:9), but not because He's an insecure whiny God who gets His feelings hurt if you look elsewhere. It is because He sees things accurately. He knows that He alone is worthy of your worship, and He wants you to experience what He designed you to experience - satisfaction, in Him. Idols cannot provide satisfaction (ask Mick Jagger).

2. Come to a realization that idols lie. They promise satisfaction but cannot deliver. The do this by appealing to our physical senses - the things that we can feel most quickly. And they definitely deliver ... for a few moments. Then the lie sets in. And you realize you've been deceived... again. No matter how many times you try, an idol will never satisfy. It only deceives you into thinking it will.

3. Recognize that your faith, not your will power, can free you from bondage to idols. The foundation of faith will lead to your freedom. You must have a sincere belief that Jesus is better, that what He offers is better. Your faith must go beyond a simple belief in the existence of God, it must reflect the truth of Hebrews 11:6 "Those who come to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him." Not only is God real, what He offers is real - abundant life, joy, peace, purpose. Things that an idol can never offer you. So you must have faith that what God offers is better than what the idol offers. Once this faith is in place, your will can feel the power to say no to idols. But will power without faith is just law ... it doesn't work.

4. Fuel your brain with truth. There are many passages that talk about the importance of the mind (Colossians 3:2, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5, I Peter 1:13, Ephesians 4:22-24). There is a reason for this - that is where the day to day battle is won. Faith must be the foundation, but truth must fill your mind in order for you to behave according to what you believe. What truth from God's Word helps you savor the beauty of Christ? Fill your mind with those truths. What truth from God's Word reminds you that you have been made new in Christ, and no longer have to submit to idolatry (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10, I Peter 2:9 are just a few)

5. Share your journey with someone else regularly, and invite them to ask how you are doing with the steps above. Don't let it devolve into a "did you mess up?" session... let it be a worship session - be honest about your struggles, but end with the beauty of Christ, a reminder of your ultimate satisfaction.