Christian Education Pre-K-12
Richmond Academy

Righteous Jealousy

As Christians, we tend to view God as a peaceable loving God whose character is never judgmental but is always love. Yes, God is peaceable and loving; but He is also a God of judgment. God is holy, and He hates anything or anyone that stands against His holiness. (Exo 34:14 KJV) "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:"

The host pastor said that the greatest stronghold in Mexico is idolatry. The Catholic Church not only worships Mary; they worship the virgin Guadeloupe higher. Guadeloupe is not a Bible character, but she is the result of a spirit manifest in Mexico. The people there have idols inside and outside of their homes and businesses. They believe these idols will find favor with Guadeloupe and she will bless them.

What is our greatest stronghold in America? Is it idolatry too? Is it idolatry mixed with pride as we idolize ourselves? Men today do not go to church because they have business or pleasure to take care of. Everything is more important than their relationship with God. God has blessed this country because of what our forefathers did in establishing this country to serve God. But our riches have seduced us from the Great Provider. We can now do anything we put our minds to. We can control our own circumstances. In fact, our liberties have negated the laws. Americans say they are free because they can do whatever they want, when in fact, we should be free from the bondages of sin.

(Mat 6:33 KJV) "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Jesus said we should make the kingdom of God first in our lives. The kingdom of God is more than just church. It is making sure that what God needs done, gets done above our own agendas (business or pleasure). When we do this, God will add to our lives those things we desire. If we are always losing time and can’t seem to get things done, maybe we have some idolatry. If we put God first, the other things will get done more easily. It is the same with our finances. Sometimes people have problems with money because they have idolatry. If we give our money to God, then our finances will be blessed.

(Psa 5:5 KJV) "The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity." Iniquity here is "vain idolatry," the serving of self. God says He hates those that serve self. We are so accustomed to the idea of "unconditional love" we fail to realize that He not only hates iniquity; He also hates those who do the iniquity. We do not understand God’s holiness. Some base holiness on outward appearance, but scripture says holiness is judged by what we do.

(Deu 6:15 KJV) "(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth." There is righteous jealousy (Ex. 34:14), there is righteous anger (Eph. 4:26), and there is righteous hatred (Prov. 6:16-19). In the Old and New Testament, God killed people because of their idolatry. Why do we think that God’s wrath will not be poured out upon this nation? We are only exempt if we seek the Kingdom of God first.

Church, we must abandon the idols in our life. Christ died for us. He sacrificed that we might be saved from the sin of this world. How are we dying? What are we giving up that the Kingdom might advance? The selfishness in the church must die if we want God’s presence. (Psa 5:4 KJV) "For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee." Let’s reconsider what we are involved with. There is only one God and His name is Jealous.

September Newsletter 1999 | Why Am I So Miserable | Life and Death

Pastor's Journal September 1998 | Righteous Jealousy | Called to Be Watchmen Part 1 of 3

Revised: August 29, 2007 .

Biblical Counseling for Leaders

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Last modified: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 .