DEALING WITH IDOLATRY
Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.
1 Corinthians 8:4
When Paul got to Corinth, he found sexual immorality, lawsuits, and internal strife. He was really worried about the Christian community there. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul talked about another big issue—idolatry. He wanted to help the Corinthians understand that God is the only true God and that idols are worthless.
Idolatry isn’t just a thing from the past. Even today, some people still do it. The Lord says in Isaiah 44:9-10 that idolatry is a waste of time and will lead to trouble.
The Lord says, “People who make idols are useless and their stuff won’t help them. They’re like their own witnesses, but they don’t see or understand what they’re doing wrong. Who would make a god or make an image that would help them in any way?”
Idols can’t answer prayers or help us in any way. They can’t see or hear us. There’s only one God—the Living God, El Roi—“the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13)—who will listen to and answer our prayers.
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for loving us and keeping us from making bad decisions. Please help us to recognize idols in our lives so that we can keep You first. Forgive us for falling short, and show us how to be more faithful. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
