'And we know that the Son of God is come,
and hath 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.
Little children, keep (
ie., guard ) yourselves from idols.
Amen.'
(1 John 5:20-21)
Hello
@PloughBoy,
Reading 1 John yesterday morning the words, '
keep yourselves from idols' at the end of verse 21 (above) caught my eye; and in my Bible's marginal notes I read concerning these words:-
'an idol may not be a material one, but may consist in whatever a man looks to for help, apart from the Living God, see Ephesians 5:5' .
* Reading through your OP it came to my mind again, for though I cannot begin to put into words what I think concerning these things, I do agree with the thoughts you have expressed.
* My Bible marginal notes referred me to Ephesians 5:5, but I read the whole chapter, and quote just a few:-
'Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,
and hath given Himself for us
an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.
.. But fornication,
.... and all uncleanness,
...... or covetousness,
........ let it not be once named among you,
.......... as becometh saints;
............ Neither filthiness,
.............. nor foolish talking,
................ nor jesting,
.................. which are not convenient:
.................... but rather giving of thanks.
For this ye know,
.. that no whoremonger,
.... nor unclean person,
......
nor covetous (G4123) man, who is an idolater,
........ hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
.......... Let no man deceive you with vain words:
for because of these things cometh the wrath of God
.. upon the children of disobedience.
.... Be not ye therefore partakers with them.'
(Eph 5:1-7)
* Covetous:- G4123 ( pleonektēs )
.. Meaning:- holding (desiring) more, that is, eager for gain ( avaricious, hence a
defrauder ):
.. Translated:- covetous.
* This is idolatry. The legal definition of a defrauder:-
To make a Misrepresentation of an existing material fact, knowing it to be false or making it recklessly without regard to whether it is true or false, intending for someone to rely on the misrepresentation and under circumstances in which such person does rely on it to his or her damage. To practice Fraud;
to cheat or trick. To deprive a person of property or any interest, estate, or right by fraud, deceit, or artifice.
Intent to defraud means an intention to deceive another person, and to induce such other person, in reliance upon such deception, to assume, create, transfer, alter, or terminate a right, obligation, or power with reference to property.
* I find this interesting in the light of your OP,
@PloughBoy, for is not this what is done to the Truth? Is it not so often misrepresented?
* Friendship with the world is enmity with God. How we need to expose ourselves to the word of God, and let it wash our hearts and minds of the detritus that builds up within, blinding and warping our perception, and blunting our judgement of what is right in God's eyes and what is wrong.
Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris
Not realizing the patience of GOD for that “Rebellious Child” to Repent from there wicked and their support of those of who are wicked, in the “High Places” whom they defend as righteous.
