The gods of this world
1 John 2:16 " For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but Is from the world.”
Genesis 3:6 "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food” [natural desire] to enjoy thigs of the body- for food, sleep, sex etc. [which are not wrong in themselves but must not be misused]
"And that it was a delight to the eyes” [desire to get things] - this brings to one’s attention things outside oneself that he could get for himself in one way or another.
"And that the tree was to be desired to make one wise” [the desire to accomplish things for self, for the world, or for God.] this desire is not essentially wrong but may lead to pride. If we seek to accomplish more than God has led us to do.
"She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and she gave also to her husband with her, and he did eat.”
Judges 19:10:6 "then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord, served Baal and Ashtoreth, the gods of Aram, the gods of the sons of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines. Thus they forsook the Lord and did not serve Him”
Israel entered the Promised Land and yet refused to throw down the altars of Baal, Ashtoreth and Moloch.
Who is Baal? The word means ‘owner’ and is worshipped to secure ‘things’ [things that break, get old and are hauled off]
Who is Ashtoreth? The god of sensual experience. Illegal experience-enjoying outside the bounds of God.
Who is Moloch? This is the god of ‘ascendancy over one’s fellows.’ Pride of life- the ambitious man wishes to rise above his present position or condition and puts forth effort toward that end.
Ambitious man for social position.
Enterprising man [interest especially in wealth is characterized by energy and daring in undertaking projects.
Aspiring man- wishes to rise [mentally or spiritually] to a high level or plane, or to attain some end that he feels to be above his ordinary expectations.
Luke 4:1-13 Satan attacked Christ with same pattern- [all Satan has are thee three weapons]
1. To enjoy things [lust of the flesh] "If thou art the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.
2. To get things [lust of the eyes] "He led Him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, to thee will I give all this authority, and the glory of them. For it has been delivered unto me, and to whosoever I will give it, if thou wilt worship before me, it shall be thine.”
3. To do things [vainglory of life] "He led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple and said unto Him, "If thou be the Son of God, cast yourself down from hence: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, to guard thee and on their hands shall they bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Compilation Hegre and Reidhead
Eileen~ posted first on the Baal question. thought it might get 'lost'