Deutoronmy 32:17
“They sacrificed to demons, which are not God–gods they had not known, gods that
recently appeared, gods your fathers did not fear.”
Idolatry and History
A little background first might be in order here. This is the first time the word demon appears in scripture. The demons were associated with cultural gods and were agents of deception and idolatry. Still the question remains; why do people sacrifice to demons? The answer lies in deception, promise, desperation, coercion, tradition or a combination of these and other factors. The verse above talks about new gods the Israelites came into contact with when they encountered other cultures and nations. Historically, these gods were fashioned out of wood, gold, stone, other types of metals or other substances. People were also revered as gods, claiming divine lineage. All of these false gods -people included- required works and sacrifices from their servants in order to prove allegiance.
These gods purportedly aided people in their lives and pursuits. The idols promised success and freedom from certain things in exchange for sacrifices, devotion and works. It was a covenantal exchange system. Men supported the system and scribes wrote the doctrines and approaches down in order to preserve it. Things are no different today, our demons/idols in the west are in systems, approaches, things and ideas. Often they promise comfort, convenience, fulfillment, prestige and numerous others you can think of that can be inserted here ________________.
Systems of Worship and Symbolism
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Satan’s idol was freedom and he knows its seductive power. He sought parity with God to achieve this and transgressed, no longer abiding in the covenant. This faulty logic manifests itself in his doctrine that promised increased freedom to angels, our ancestors (“You shall be like gods…”) and all who would follow him or the systems he is behind. Autonomy and/or authority are the carrots he uses. He was even bold enough to offer the kingdoms of the world to Christ in exchange for worship. (Matthew 4:8-9)
Modern Day Idolatry Defined
So idolatry can be defined as service to a false god. It is always based on some type of works system in which compensation is expected from the god. The Jews believed that their works would win them eventual salvation. The stumbling block was the concept of a gift. A gift required nothing more than receiving. So focus on the past picture here; the Jews claimed to worship the One True God and instructing people about Him and then He showed up and they were offended. The gentiles responded the same.
No one is safe from the idolatry of ideas, systems or false gods because we were all born with a fallen nature that seeks independence from the true God. The Jews turned to a system of works and laws that omitted the Spirit and the God who authored them in order to be in control while gentile nations have simply created their own gods in order to achieve their pursuits.
When our concepts, ideas and idols are confronted with the truth and our works are revealed for what they are, we stammer trying to make sense of it. The remedy for this is to submit to the truth and then simply stand, shine and stay in the gifts and calling of God for your life. His works through you will produce a powerful witness. God has given us all that we need in this life to glorify Him. Folks idolatry is a serious issue; believers are not immune to its seductive power. The Apostle John admonished us in this way, “Dear children keep yourself from idols.” (1 John 5:21) We should heed the warning and keep our hearts open before the Lord at all times and ask Him to cleanse us when we embrace idolatry in any form.