12th May 2019 - Guarding Ourselves From Idols In The Heart - Ian Robson
12th May 2019 - Guarding Ourselves From Idols In The Heart - Ian Robson
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding oneself from idols, drawing from 1 John 5:21. He explains that being like a little child spiritually—humble, converted, and childlike in spirit—is necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. This spiritual childlike state is contrasted with adult conceit and is presented as the key to understanding God's teachings, especially in these last days.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What were the last words of the apostle John?The Holy Spirit's final instruction through John in scripture is a call to guard ourselves from idols, addressed to those who have become like little children.
Unless you are converted and become like childrenJesus taught that humility and childlikeness are required to enter the kingdom of heaven, contrasting human pride with the simplicity of a child.Matthew 18:1–3
Permit the children to come to meJesus placed great importance on children, holding them, blessing them, and using them as a living example of how to receive the kingdom of God.Mark 10:13–16
Learn from me to enter into restJesus invites believers to cast off anxiety and frantic religious striving, learning unforced rhythms of grace and finding rest for their souls.
First we know: No one born of God makes a practice of sinningGod keeps His children and they keep themselves by holding onto their Father's hand, ensuring the evil one does not touch them.1 John 5:18
Second we know: The whole world lies in the power of the evil oneBelievers walk on enemy territory while in this world, but Jesus prayed for their protection rather than their immediate removal from it.
Third we know: The Son of God has given us understandingTrue spiritual understanding comes as revelation in the heart through a childlike spirit, rather than mere intellectual knowledge or religious boasting.
Idols set up in the heartGod sternly warns through Ezekiel against approaching Him for help while harboring secret idols and iniquities in the mind and heart.Ezekiel 14:1–7
Friendship with the world makes you an enemy of GodJames explains that God jealously desires the spirit He placed within believers, refusing to tolerate compromise with the evil pleasures of the world.
Take warning from the Israelites in the wildernessThe historical failures of Israel serve as object lessons for believers living near the end of the age to flee idolatry and trust God's provision of escape from temptation.1 Corinthians 10:1–14
Greedy people are idol worshippersPaul warns that those who are impure or greedy for the things of this life have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.Ephesians 5:5
