9:20
The purpose of this vast devastation was to cause the people to repent. However, they did not repent. Just as Israel refused to repent, time after time, despite all sorts of warnings, and seeing the consequences of her sin, so the same is true of all the people of the earth. So they did not give up “worshipping demons and idols”. We also get the rebuke of idols “which cannot see or hear or walk”. This is reminiscent of words in the Psalms and prophets, such as Psalm 115:4-8. To worship these things was a contemptibly stupid thing to do. Man loves to worship the created rather than te creator.
9:21
Idol worship, indeed demon worship, does not come alone. It brings consequences with it, and some of them are listed here. Murder, sorceries, sexual immorality, theft. When a people turn from God, or live as if there is no God, it has serious consequences for society. We often say things like “it’s your choice”, “you are free to believe what you want”. Well yes, but choices and beliefs have consequences, both for you and for everyone else. The gospel is a command, not a suggestion.
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