Pagan Forms and Imaginations

And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. (Deut 4:12)

We are warned about forming gods after our own imagination. It is not merely idolaters that form gods, we who are called to live by faith and by the Spirit must never venture into things that gratify the senses. We must not mix our emotions and mental conclusion with spiritual matters lest we dabble as the world dabbles in the uplifting of humanism. Humanism is the worship of man denying the sovereignty of God. Ministers and God’s workers must have the ability to see deeper and not allow emotions to run their ministry.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27)

The danger of being addicted to ‘conducive’ environments and forms to worship, hearing of the Word, reading of the Word, prayer, etc is very humanistic. God is looking for faithfulness in His saints, not a company that is caught up in euphoria. His voice continues to perpetuate through history but only those who are weaned children, having calmed themselves can hear the still small Voice. Don’t be caught up with forms, be single mindedly focused on the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Danger of Half Truth

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psa 91:11)

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee...... (Matt 4:6)

Nobody knows more about twisting truth with the intent to deceive than the father of lies himself. The devil quoted Psa 19:11 but leaving out the purpose of divine protection. God’s protection as the Good Shepherd doesn't mean that we will never go through the valley of the shadow of death, but it means that He will keep us on the right way, Jesus being the only Way the truth that leads to everlasting life.

Deception is not deception if there is the obvious but is has a low level of delectability (2 Cor 11:13, 14). The antidote to deception is standing on the Truth. Faith is not only to believe in the infallible Word but also to carefully observing and doing according to all that is written (Josh 1:8). There will be many anointed speakers, books, programs, etc that have blessed us, but these are not infallible. Don’t use these as crutches, but hold on to the Word for dear life!

Our Lord Jesus rebuttal was that nobody shall tempt the Lord our God, meaning don’t test God but believe. Keep to the whole counsel of God from Genesis to Revelation. God is never inconsistent, it is we who are such. Never test God by adding to His Word, who are we to help God (Duet 4:2). If we do, there is a road leading to sorrow in front of us.