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Beware of Idin

Writer's picture: Dr. Simon OlatunjiDr. Simon Olatunji

Today’s Scripture Threshing for Monday, March 4, 2019


Today’s Text: Romans 1:18-28


Key Verse: Romans 1:28 (KJV)): “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”

You must have heard ”Beware of Dogs!” When I was in the college, we pass by a narrow footpath leading to our schoo through the backside of a “Beware of Dogs” house, every morning, on our way to school. The placard, ”Beware of Dogs,” hangs on the front gate of the house. But students soon discovered broken sewage pipes on the rare side of the 3 storey building from which maggots dropped. It was bad that if you dont pass carefully, maggots would drop on you. Therefore, students made a different placard for the house on which they wrote: “Beware of Idin!” Idin is a Yoruba word for maggots.


There is something worse than idin (maggots), which we are called to beware of today — a common folly called idolatry. Regardless of what it is called or how it’s practiced, it’s a cancer on man’s heart. It is rottenness. It is essentially the same in every age and place among those who do them. It’s a sign of a corrupt heart, which rejects the true and living God. Whether it’s Greeks‘ worship of Jupiter, or Hindoos’ Vishnu, or Asians’ Buddha, or Africans’ Esu, or even Western worship of Self; all point to a common futility—an unwillingness to “retain God in their knowledge." It’s not different from the sad moment in Scripture, when men of Ephraim deserted God and sought idols so that God finally lets them alone. (Hosea 4:17)


I doubt if there’s a more sad situation than when God let’s a man alone or gives him over to a reprobate mind. The logical consequence already suggests an outcome. Doing things which are not convenient is like heading deliberately for the ditch. Today’s text warns us to desist from such pursuit of vanity. Don't follow the lead of those who are so glued to personal idols or selfish ambitions, who reject the authority of Christ, and persist in rebellion so that God leaves them to their misery. Separating God from our thoughts is such a terrifying reality! It’s such an evil and dreadful thing. To be so hardened in sin that God no longer even speaks to you! That’s what it means to be given over to "a reprobate mind." It is loss of control or judgement — inability to think within the sane realm — doing things that are not convenient, or which are unbecoming, or disgraceful.


All the vices enumerated in today’s text are not only rampant today; they indicate that our generation has deliberately rejected God. We must return from our idolatry and repent before God. We must bring our minds into full submission to the faith of Jesus Christ who alone redeems.


Ephraim’s, Ahab’s and Pharaoh’s willful obstinacy are Old Testament examples. Sensuality and libertinism were the New Testament forms of it. Rebellion, homosexuality, gay marriage, transgenderism or other forms of sensual and sexual perversions are today’s forms of reprobate living — various forms of vices which have real connection with pagan religions. Yield today’s warning. Shun reprobation. It’s a spiritual maggot. Do not presume upon God's mercy and put off repentance. The Holy Spirit is yet again reaching out to you, saying: "Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (Hebrews 3:7-8)


Quote for the Day: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.” (Apostle Paul)


Prayer: Dear LORD, I ask that you give me a submissive spirit. I pray that you would put your Spirit upon my heart so that I can obey you. I pray that you will give me a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Grant me true repentance towards you in a corrupt and perverse generation, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


With all my Love and Prayer,


Simon Wale Olatunji,* PhD

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),

2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,

Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA


Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org

BBMme: E3F988D2


[Today’s Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]


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