Tuesday, 2 December 2014
You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 1 Corinthians 12:2
In this verse, Paul is showing a contrast between the “spiritual gifts” mentioned in verse 1 and that of dumb idols. As Gentiles and without the knowledge of the true God, they were “carried away to these dumb idols.” As occurs even today, there are charlatans who pretend to speak for idols or even through idols – things made of stone, wood, metal, or even plastic. They have no true power and they cannot affect our lives in any way.
An example of this from the 115th Psalm provides clarity concerning the matter –
“But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. 5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; 6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; 7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. 8 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.” Psalm 115:3-8
It is from such a state that these Gentiles in Corinth had been called. They once followed after dumb idols, having been “led” by them. The word “led” is from the Greek word apagomenoi. It carries the idea of being seduced or carried away. Thus, the Gentile world, either uninformed or misinformed about the true God, was carried away in deception by such idols. In contrast to this is the sealing of the Spirit in believers of Jesus Christ. They have been lovingly called out of darkness and into the light of the truth and have been endowed with spiritual gifts to confirm their new position.
Having stated this, Paul will now expand on the thought so that the believers will understand their own position and their own gifts within the body.
Life application: Things that we take for granted as harmless are often most destructive. Knocking on wood, Indian dream catchers, fung shui arrangements, and even idols within “Christian” circles, such as statues of Mary, crucifixes, etc, will all distract our attention from the truth of our relationship in Christ. Further, our participating in such things can only lead others away from the truth as well. Keep your Bible open, your eyes on Jesus, and your prayers to God through Him alone.
Yes Lord God, I was once under the impression that horoscopes, Feng Shui, and little statues could somehow affect my life. But then I met Christ my Lord and I realized that there is no created thing which is due my attention or devotion. Rather, my heart belongs to Him, my eyes will be focused on Him, and my meditation will be on Your word both day and night. In this, I know I will always be pleasing to You. Thank You for the freedom I have from dumb idols now to serve You, the Living God. Amen.