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Rev. Dr. N Patrick Marica

THE WALK APPLIED BIBLICAL COUNSELING MODEL, pt 3: WE’RE NOT JUST SINNERS, WE’RE IDOLATORS!

Updated: Jun 24, 2022


(This blog is the third installment in a series. This blog series introduces the Walk Applied Biblical Counseling Model, which is fully explored in the book: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World.") To view the prior two installments, go HERE.


In our previous two installments, we have put forth the notion that our behavioral problems are due to our idolatry. We have discussed how our sinful actions and thoughts are the fruit of our idolatry. We have tried to lay to rest the false belief that we somehow sin "just because". We sin because our sin nature - what we inherently believe - our foundational natural worldview - compels us to do so. This is not to discount that Satan and his minions are ever active to tempt us as part of the ubiquitous spiritual warfare going on around us. In fact, it is through this spiritual war that we are tempted by the demonic. They know our weaknesses and faults, and they are experts at tempting us.


We recall that there are two main idolatry systems: Rebellion Idolatry and Need Idolatry. In the prior installments in this series, we detail how both idolatry systems are made up of 6 idols each.

These Idolatry belief systems were given to us such that they are interwoven into the deepest fabric of our being. Sinful belief systems comprise what we know as the flesh, and they govern our fleshly behavior. It’s important that we understand the twelve idols as presented represent a worst case scenario. For example, not everyone feels they are completely entitled as presented. Certainly, there are many who recognize that there is more than just knowledge. However, it is also axiomatic that all of humanity is plagued by a relentless and overwhelming sinful flesh, and that we all deal with all twelve traits of the idolatrous flesh to one extent or another.


A critical distinction worth mentioning here is that we tend to see ourselves as sinners, but not idolaters. We like to view ourselves as good, decent people who occasionally sin and do the wrong thing. We recoil at the thought that we might actually be – dare we say it? – idolaters. It rarely, if ever, enters our realm of comprehension. “That’s what they used to do in the Bible! I’m nothing like that! I don’t worship statues or sacrifice my kids!”


The truth is, however, is that we are all guilty of idolatry as we’ve discussed in the preceding articles. We are all in rebellion against God to one degree or another even though we may be saved. This existence is not about how well we can stop sinning or being a decent human being. It’s about seeking a living breathing relationship with Jesus and following the path He has set for each and every one of us.


Here's a graphic depicting our sinful foundational world view:



NEXT TIME: ROMANS 2: JUDGEMENT & SELF-SEEKING


Rev. Dr. N. Patrick Marica contributes incisive Christian commentary on this blog on a regular basis. He is the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and he has a D. Min. from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook". He has been married to Kathy since 1985. They have 2 adult daughters and an adult son.




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