Wilful disobedience, or what?

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Derek1955

Active member
Jul 2, 2020
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#1
At the height of summer I had to dig out an enormous ants nest that infested the path outside the front door. The moment the ground was disturbed there came scurrying out a horde of tiny creatures each carrying either an egg or some other aspect of the nest and immediately began attempting reconstruction of that which they had just lost, regardless of the threatening presence of their destroyer. Are we any different?

In Revelation 9:20, we read: The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshipping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk.

A constant theme of the Bible is that of humanity's inherent wilful disobedience. The events throughout Revelation are largely meant to demonstrate that God's wrath and judgment on man is well-deserved; even when confronted with the most terrible consequences imaginable, humanity at large refuses to submit, backtrack or repent.

Those who are not killed by the events described in this chapter persist with their refusal to repent. They show no desire whatsoever for of a change of mind, heart or direction. They continue to practice idolatry by continuing to worship demons and man made idols of gold and silver and bronze and wood.

Whether literally by bowing down to statues, or in the more symbolic sense of emphasizing wealth, possessions, media personalities, pleasure et al above God, idolatry is among the most dangerous and most often condemned sins in Scripture. Hardly surprising that Paul warned the Corinthians about idolatry in 1 Corinthians 10:19–21, and John commanded, Little children, keep yourselves from idols in 1 John 5:21.


Daniel accused King Belshazzar of Babylon of idol worship when he told him: You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know (Daniel 5:23). He also told Belshazzar the price of his idolatry: his kingdom would come to a sudden end and be given to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:26–28).

A dictionary definition of idolatry is 'extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone.' When one of our idols, either media star or technological achievement, is shown to have feet of clay, instead of rejecting them outright we attempt to replace with another and so continue our idolatry albeit in a different direction.

In the final analysis, idolatry is endemic in the global mindset and is a barrier to salvation for all who involve themselves as Jesus explained in Matthew 6:19–21, 24.
 

stepbystep

Well-known member
Aug 31, 2020
619
496
63
#2
Enjoyed reading that. But, I think you are being too hard on the ants. Comparing them to the unbelievers of this world that is.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,001
13,008
113
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#3
I find it interesting that Revelation 9:21 mentions. "..they did not repent of their "sorceries.." Greek word "pharmakeia" from where we get the word "pharmacy”— DRUGS.
 
Mar 23, 2016
6,732
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#4
In the final analysis, idolatry is endemic in the global mindset and is a barrier to salvation for all who involve themselves as Jesus explained in Matthew 6:19–21, 24.
1 John 5:20-21 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.



 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,173
113
#5
well...Im not sure what else the ants are SUPPOSED to do if you want to destroy their nest. just lay down and die? Or hide somewhere else.

You need to give them an alternative. Maybe make a home for them so they dont go immediately reconstructing their own.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
11,744
4,779
113
#6
At the height of summer I had to dig out an enormous ants nest that infested the path outside the front door. The moment the ground was disturbed there came scurrying out a horde of tiny creatures each carrying either an egg or some other aspect of the nest and immediately began attempting reconstruction of that which they had just lost, regardless of the threatening presence of their destroyer. Are we any different?

In Revelation 9:20, we read: The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshipping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk.

A constant theme of the Bible is that of humanity's inherent wilful disobedience. The events throughout Revelation are largely meant to demonstrate that God's wrath and judgment on man is well-deserved; even when confronted with the most terrible consequences imaginable, humanity at large refuses to submit, backtrack or repent.

Those who are not killed by the events described in this chapter persist with their refusal to repent. They show no desire whatsoever for of a change of mind, heart or direction. They continue to practice idolatry by continuing to worship demons and man made idols of gold and silver and bronze and wood.

Whether literally by bowing down to statues, or in the more symbolic sense of emphasizing wealth, possessions, media personalities, pleasure et al above God, idolatry is among the most dangerous and most often condemned sins in Scripture. Hardly surprising that Paul warned the Corinthians about idolatry in 1 Corinthians 10:19–21, and John commanded, Little children, keep yourselves from idols in 1 John 5:21.

Daniel accused King Belshazzar of Babylon of idol worship when he told him: You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know (Daniel 5:23). He also told Belshazzar the price of his idolatry: his kingdom would come to a sudden end and be given to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:26–28).

A dictionary definition of idolatry is 'extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone.' When one of our idols, either media star or technological achievement, is shown to have feet of clay, instead of rejecting them outright we attempt to replace with another and so continue our idolatry albeit in a different direction.

In the final analysis, idolatry is endemic in the global mindset and is a barrier to salvation for all who involve themselves as Jesus explained in Matthew 6:19–21, 24.
was a really good read thanks for sharing God bless
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
12,764
113
#7
But, I think you are being too hard on the ants.
Yes. The Bible praises ants for their (1) industriousness, (2) diligence, and (3) foreslght. Humans can learn many things from God's little creatures, but the difference between mankind and the other creatures is that humans choose to do evil. Animals kill only to survive, but evil men kill for their own gratification.
 
Jun 11, 2020
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#8
It is remarkable that the first disobedience among men was by a pair of perfect human specimens. Adam and Eve, not yet encumbered by the fallen nature, also chose their will above God's. But even more remarkable was that they were not under the threat of the Great Tribulation, or witness to massive mortality by plagues, but surrounded by Eden - a daily, real and tangible proof of the goodness of the God Who banned that one Tree.

Centuries later, as Israel witnessed the miracles of Jehovah, in Egypt and in the Wilderness, they, "... took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: ... " (Acts 7:43). How could it be that God's people are the only people who swap the Living God for dead gods (Jer.2:11)? 1st Samuel 15:23 informs us; "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee ... ."
 
Mar 23, 2016
6,732
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#9
It is remarkable that the first disobedience among men was by a pair of perfect human specimens. Adam and Eve, not yet encumbered by the fallen nature, also chose their will above God's. But even more remarkable was that they were not under the threat of the Great Tribulation, or witness to massive mortality by plagues, but surrounded by Eden - a daily, real and tangible proof of the goodness of the God Who banned that one Tree.
Eve was deceived (1 Tim 2:14). Adam was not deceived. Adam ate and joined his wife ... left his Father, cleaved to his wife ... one flesh (Gen 2:24).




Corban said:
Centuries later, as Israel witnessed the miracles of Jehovah, in Egypt and in the Wilderness, they, "... took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: ... " (Acts 7:43). How could it be that God's people are the only people who swap the Living God for dead gods (Jer.2:11)? 1st Samuel 15:23 informs us; "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee ... ."
In answer to the question "How could it be that God's people are the only people who swap the Living God for dead gods (Jer.2:11)?" ... have to ask ... are animals even capable of being aware of God?



 
Jun 11, 2020
1,370
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#10
Eve was deceived (1 Tim 2:14). Adam was not deceived. Adam ate and joined his wife ... left his Father, cleaved to his wife ... one flesh (Gen 2:24).
Correct - although the deception was not the cause of disobedience. When one is deceived one is obedient to the suggestions offered. Adam and Eve's problem was that they should have immediately eaten from the Tree of Life. Then, when the deception was offered they would have, like Christ, answered with the Word of God.

In answer to the question "How could it be that God's people are the only people who swap the Living God for dead gods (Jer.2:11)?" ... have to ask ... are animals even capable of being aware of God?
I understand what you ask, but (i) my question was rhetorical, and (ii) I would not go so far as to call Israel "animals" - although Paul does in Philippians 3:2. But then he also calls Gentiles "beasts" (Tit.1:12).

God bless and go well bro ;)
 
Mar 23, 2016
6,732
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#11
Correct - although the deception was not the cause of disobedience. When one is deceived one is obedient to the suggestions offered. Adam and Eve's problem was that they should have immediately eaten from the Tree of Life. Then, when the deception was offered they would have, like Christ, answered with the Word of God.
There is so much information in Genesis. The creation record ... the Tree of Life ... the tree of knowledge of good and evil ... the serpent ... the deception ... the fall of man ... Jesus Christ as "last Adam" ... etc., etc.



Corban said:
I understand what you ask, but (i) my question was rhetorical, and (ii) I would not go so far as to call Israel "animals" - although Paul does in Philippians 3:2. But then he also calls Gentiles "beasts" (Tit.1:12).
my mistake ... I was thinking "God's people are the only ones ..." (not "people" as you stated) ... I was thinking all God's creation does as God established (i.e. the stars in their courses, the waters within their bounds, the animals within their bounds, etc.). Mankind, on the other hand, raises the fist to God and dares to question Him.

apologies for inferring you said something you never intended.



 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
11,744
4,779
113
#12
Correct - although the deception was not the cause of disobedience. When one is deceived one is obedient to the suggestions offered. Adam and Eve's problem was that they should have immediately eaten from the Tree of Life. Then, when the deception was offered they would have, like Christ, answered with the Word of God.



I understand what you ask, but (i) my question was rhetorical, and (ii) I would not go so far as to call Israel "animals" - although Paul does in Philippians 3:2. But then he also calls Gentiles "beasts" (Tit.1:12).

God bless and go well bro ;)
I think I would have just made a good sling and made the wifey some snakeskin boots when he suggested God lied about the fruit . Issue solved
 
4

49

Guest
#13
I think I would have just made a good sling and made the wifey some snakeskin boots when he suggested God lied about the fruit . Issue solved
If only it had been that easy....
 
Sep 3, 2016
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#14
Only one tribe of the twelve tribes of Israel came out from among the Golden Calf worshippers in Exodus 32. The Way of the Cross might feel lonely, but we are never alone!

We March On!



Out of 603,550 men who were readied for war that came out of Egypt under the power of God (Numbers 1:44-46), only two took their inheritance; Joshua (a type of Christ) and Caleb (a type of the body of Christ) (Matthew 7:14). There is only one message that changes the body of Christ into the image of Christ, and that is Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
586
113
#16
I find it interesting that Revelation 9:21 mentions. "..they did not repent of their "sorceries.." Greek word "pharmakeia" from where we get the word "pharmacy”— DRUGS.
Occultists have used different narcotics to help open themselves up to demon possession and so partake more intensely in the evil power of the demon for occult purposes...
 
4

49

Guest
#17
Occultists have used different narcotics to help open themselves up to demon possession and so partake more intensely in the evil power of the demon for occult purposes...
Insanity!!! Hard to imagine that exists in this day and age....
 
May 31, 2020
1,706
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#19
A dictionary definition of idolatry is 'extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone.’
You showed so much reverence for the path outside your front door you obliterated an entire aunt colony. That’s idolatry.
 

SoulWeaver

Senior Member
Oct 25, 2014
4,889
2,534
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#20
Almost everything can be read in at least two ways. The OP compares ants with idolaters. But what I see and I think is very edifying, is that they immediately began work on the reconstruction of their house. While humans would be despairing and thinking useless thoughts of fear for the future, there was no pity party here. They were not crippled by fear, just doing what they can do this day. So in a way, animals know how to live better than us.