Any good thing that becomes an ultimate thing will always turn into an idolatrous thing.
There is a pattern we find early in Scripture that becomes a significant strategy of the enemy. The enemy loves to take the good that God creates and turn it into vices that lure, entice, and ultimately ensnare us.
Notice that in the very beginning of creation, God establishes a pattern. He creates things and calls them good. In other words, whatever God creates at its point of creation is good. The sun, the moon, the stars, the animals - all of this is good. And when He creates humankind, He creates them “very good.”
It’s almost like God wants us to follow a pattern. God wants us to:
See the good of creation
Enjoy the good of creation
Multiply the good of creation
See, enjoy, and multiply.
But the enemy loves to start with what God has created and twist it. The pattern that the enemy wants to establish is “see, desire, and take.”
Consider that Eve in the Garden of Eden
Sees that the fruit is good
Desires the fruit for its knowledge
Takes the fruit in disobedience of Yahweh
The significant and subtle deception that the serpent uses, is to start with something that was good and lure us into making that good thing an ultimate thing. This is the first of three rebellions I trace in The Unseen Battle, and the same pattern runs through all of them.
This pattern is deeply embedded in the storyline of Scripture. It helps us make sense of human rebellion, angelic rebellion - and the necessity for Christ and his victory over sin and death through the cross.
This same pattern is present in our own lives. Think about the many “good” things we desire. A spouse, children, food, physical fitness, entertainment. Any of these things can become the very context for the enemies temptation.
If you’re tired of being caught off guard by the enemy’s tactics.
If you’re ready to become equipped in the spiritual war that we are all part of.
If you desire to stand confident in the already victory of Christ as means of preparing for the spiritual battle that is taking place all around us in unseen places.
Right now, The Unseen Battle is available for over 58% off on Amazon as part of their Amazon Big Deals Days October 6th and 7th! Now is the perfect time to get your copy.
If you’ve already gotten a copy this is a great time to pick one up for a friend, a family member, or even a coworker!
P.S - The 58% off is only available for the next 48hrs! If you already have a copy I’d love it if you went onto Amazon and wrote an honest review. Reviews help people discover the book and I’m praying this will reach people who are interested in the spiritual realm who really need to meet King Jesus. Thank you!
~ Joel Muddamalle; PhD