Why does man pray to these idols? So that they may find help that is beyond themselves to advance their situation in life. Man make many gods to help them through life. The Egyptians have a god for each day of the year. Often, their faith in these gods provided them an avenue to satisfy their covetous nature. There are those who seek these gods for protection. One elderly said to me that her gods has help her to bring up her family all these years. How could she forsake them for Jesus Christ?

The root of idolatry is covetousness (Col. 3:5). Man’s inordinate desire for material prosperity. Fallen men will not seek God who is the true Supplier of their needs. They seek the concoction of a god that can satisfy their lust for gain. The Israelites in the wilderness built a golden calf because it symbolises prosperity. The calf tills the ground and that helps bring the harvest. The golden calf therefore is worshipped so that it may provide them with good harvest.

It is interesting that the Israelites made for themselves a golden calf to worship while Moses was away from them in the Mount communing with living and true God. The people saw the lightning and thundering and the awesome presence of their God. And yet, they made a god to themselves. How is that possible?

This is the subtlety of deception, delusion and unbelief. Believers in Corinth know that the idol is a false god, not real and there is One living and true God as Scripture declares:

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.

William MacDonald observed, “Paul’s frank judgment is that a widow is happier if she remains unmarried. This does not contradict 1 Timothy 5:14 where Paul expresses his judgment that younger widows should marry. Here he is stating his general idea—in 1 Timothy a specific exception. Then he adds, “I think I also have the Spirit of God.”

Hymns: 328 How Firm a Foundation, 521 God Is Always Near Me, 430 Just As I Am

Study of the Book of Ecclesiastes

(Remember Now Thy Creator)

Wisdom for Nation Building

Ecclesiastes 10:16-20

16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. 19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. 20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.