“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.”
and abominable idolatries
Idolatry in the first century was far worse than simple idol worship. The entire list of sins in this verse came with idolatry. Also, brutality and debauchery were part of this worship.
The word “abominable” occurs in Acts 10:28 for that which is “unlawful.” It pertains to what is bad and disgusting because this person loves to do what God does not allow. These people love to break the rules and go contrary to what is right. The forbidden is a lure for them.
Romans associates idolatry and immorality (Romans 1:22-25). Paul traces this to a lack of gratitude to God. An idolater is a slave to the depraved ideas his idols represent (Gal. 4:8, 9) and thereby to different lusts of that god (Tit. 3:3).
PRINCIPLE:
We worship whatever is first in our lives.
APPLICATION:
God hates idolatry no matter if that idol is yourself (Ex 20:4-6; 1 Jn 5:21). Anything or anyone that takes the place of God in our lives is idolatry (Col. 3:5).
We may worship money (1 Ti 6:10). Money is not the root of all evil; the love of money is the root of all evil. Money can cast a seductive spell on us. If we make 100,000$ a year, we want to make 200,000$ a year. Money never satisfies us. We never have enough. Money nor fame can satisfy our hearts. Both wealthy and famous people commit suicide.
If we have a closed Bible, there is less likelihood that we will open ourselves to God’s will. Our return to the Lord from idolatry will take longer. God must use some other means to get our attention. If we step into the pigpen, he may use a chisel, hammer, or an automobile accident to get our attention. This is divine discipline.
What is first in your life? That is what you worship.
