Nipping It in the Bud
by Ps. Samuel Hari
How do we lose our FIRST LOVE? It starts with small compromises that need to be nipped in the bud before it becomes idolatry as in the referred scripture.
Notes on Numbers 25
-It wasn’t the hostile armies that were the major threats; it was compromise. It’s not the big battles and deliverances, it’s the small compromises.
-It started out as plain carnality not idol worship.
-Then things started progressing along. We don’t lose our FIRST LOVE overnight.
-It was part of Balaam’s trickery Num 31:16 and Rev 2:14.
How do we nip it?
1.Fear of confrontation. We must confront it earnestly..
2. We must do it quickly. We think time and distance will take care of it.
3. Overcome the fear of man; human wisdom. (Jer 17:5-10)
a. In Balaam’s case; we must weigh the words and the deeds who offer spiritual help. Everything seems fine on the surface but sorcery, trickery, pagan witchcraft were involved in the background.
b. This also applies to secular music, books, movies that seem fine on the surface but involves deception and witchcraft below it!
4. We think it’s harmless fun.
a. The Israelites desire for fun and pleasure loosened their spiritual commitment.
b. Have we relaxed our standards to justify our desires
5. We think it’s good in the “overall” picture.
6. Is it an excuse saying that worldliness helps make balanced Christians?
We need the Holy Spirit to bring conviction and empower us to overcome!
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