Idolatry

The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of him.

W. Tozer (1897-1963)

Whenever we take what God has done and put it in the place of himself, we become idolators.

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

Idolatry is not only the adoration of images … but also trust in one’s own righteousness, works and merits, and putting confidence in riches and power.

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

O senseless man who cannot make a worm, and yet makes gods by dozens.

Michel Eyquem de Montaigne (1533-1592)

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Think these things

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brethren,

whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is of good repute,

if there is any excellence

and if anything worthy of praise,

dwell on these things.

which things you have

and learned

and received

and heard

and seen

in me,

practice these things,

and the God of peace will be with you.

The human mind will always set itself on something and Paul wished to be quite sure that the Philippians would set their minds on the right things.

(William Barclay)

Temples have their sacred images; and we see what influence they have always had over a great part of mankind; but in truth the ideas and images in men’s minds are the invisible powers that constantly govern them ; and to these they all pay universally a ready submission.

(John Locke, from Of the Conduct of Understanding; later quoted by Jonathan Edwards in Freedom of the Will).

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John Owen on sermon preparation

… for a man to undertake the interpretation of any part or portion of Scripture in a solemn manner, without invocation of God to be taught and instructed by his Spirit, is a high provocation of him; nor shall I expect the discovery of truth from any one who so proudly and ignorantly engageth in a work so much above his ability to manage.

– Pneumatologia, Book 6 (Part 2) Chapter VII

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Rejoice – God created us to be genuinely happy

So far as we participate in the old age we weep with those who weep and mourn our sin. But so far as we participate in the new age … we rejoice !!!

Matthew Henry wrote:

Philippians 4:4 is a commandment, repeated twice for emphasis. It is a command that we must deliberately choose to obey.

Paul urges us to take hold of holy joy and delight in God: Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. All our joy must terminate in God; and our thoughts of God must be delightful thoughts.

Observe, It is our duty and privilege to rejoice in God, and to rejoice in him always; at all times, in all conditions. There is enough in God to furnish us with matter of joy in the worst circumstance on earth.

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eucatastrophe

J.R. Tolkien wrote:

“The Resurrection is the eucatastrophe of the story of the Incarnation

– This story begins and ends in joy.”

Angels announce tidings of joy to Mary and the shepherds at the incarnation.

Angels announce joy to the women at the resurrection.

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