Hosea 14:8 Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree… When the Holy Spirit comes into any heart He drives out the buyers and sellers. If you have received the Spirit you will be crying now in your heart: Lord, take these things hence; what have I to do any more with idols? Some of the idols to be cast away are — 1. Self-righteousness. The largest idol of the human heart — the idol which man loves most and God hates most. 2. Darling sins. Every man has his darling sins. Dash down family idols, and secret idols of your own heart. 3. Unlawful attachments. There is not a more fruitful source of sin and misery than this. 4. Ministers. It is right to love them, but beware of making idols of them. 5. Earthly pleasures. This is a smiling, dazzling idol. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Sometimes it is a gross idol. 6. Money. You must not love money. You must be more open-hearted, more open-handed. 7. Fear of man. Grim idol! Many souls has he devoured. His eyes are full of hatred to Christ's disciples. This keeps some of you from secret prayer, from worshipping God in your family, from going to lay your case before ministers, from openly confessing Christ. (R. M. M'Cheyne.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. |
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