Freedom Fellowship Church
First Corinthians Part 10: Running Away
The Bible makes it clear on multiple occasions that we should “flee” idols (1 Corinthians 10:14). We see Joseph run from the compromising situation he was in with Potiphar’s wife. But “running away” is probably counterintuitive to our thinking or our flesh. We may want to “stand and resist” that temptation or idol in our life. We may want to try to reason with it. We may want to tame it. But to run away? That sounds cowardly. The secret to tapping into God’s strength and finding true freedom, however, lies in what we deem “weak.” When we run from idols and run to God, we find refuge, strength, and peace, but we also find much more.
The obvious things are just that. It’s apparent to all of us. What’s underneath our idols is harder to discern and can be harder to part with. The reason is because it’s attached to our heart. There is a need in our hearts that has been elevated above the place that belongs only to God. We may not realize it. Often, when we go through something difficult, we become painfully aware of that idol that may have been lurking in our hearts. Yet those are the very areas of our hearts with which God is most lovingly concerned. It’s those areas He wants for Himself to heal and to hold. It’s in those areas we find true peace, security, comfort, and all the things this world and every idol couldn’t possibly deliver.
The Bible makes it clear on multiple occasions that we should “flee” idols (1 Corinthians 10:14). We see Joseph run from the compromising situation he was in with Potiphar’s wife. But “running away” is probably counterintuitive to our thinking or our flesh. We may want to “stand and resist” that temptation or idol in our life. We may want to try to reason with it. We may want to tame it. But to run away? That sounds cowardly. The secret to tapping into God’s strength and finding true freedom, however, lies in what we deem “weak.” When we run from idols and run to God, we find refuge, strength, and peace, but we also find much more.
The obvious things are just that. It’s apparent to all of us. What’s underneath our idols is harder to discern and can be harder to part with. The reason is because it’s attached to our heart. There is a need in our hearts that has been elevated above the place that belongs only to God. We may not realize it. Often, when we go through something difficult, we become painfully aware of that idol that may have been lurking in our hearts. Yet those are the very areas of our hearts with which God is most lovingly concerned. It’s those areas He wants for Himself to heal and to hold. It’s in those areas we find true peace, security, comfort, and all the things this world and every idol couldn’t possibly deliver.