MEN IN PLACE OF GOD!

2 Thessalonians 2:4 AMPC

Who opposes and exalts himself so proudly and insolently against and over all that is called God or that is worshiped, [even to his actually] taking his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming that he himself is God.

 

We live in a world where men have promoted themselves to the place of God, standing in His place and speaking as if with God’s own voice. Some have even gone so far as to make themselves the CEOs of God—that is, they tell God what to do, rather than the other way around.

Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, but that does not mean that men are God themselves. According to Genesis 1:26-27, God made man "in His own image, after His likeness," which means that humans bear a resemblance to God in attributes such as rationality, spirituality, morality, and the capacity for relationships and dominion over creation.

“Ye are gods, but ye shall die like men,” is a phrase from Psalm 82:6-7, also referenced in Acts 14:8. Men are not divine in themselves or equal to God; rather, they are meant to represent God’s kingship and rule in the world under His authority. The “image of God” gives humans a unique identity and purpose—including communion with God and living according to His standards.

Yet, we find people who think they are divine, not human. Every person who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior is a messenger sent by God to humanity.

Malachi 2:7 puts it this way: “For the lips of a priest should maintain knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.”

What knowledge is this talking about? God’s or man’s? 

If men are messengers of God, then their knowledge ought to be of and from God, aligned with His message—not their own.

Sadly, some “men of God” have become ‘charismafias’ and ‘Penterebels’, dishing out punishment for what they call crimes and granting rewards to the “qualified,” while insisting it is God doing these things. Let’s always remember what Lamentations 3:37 says: only God can confirm, affirm, and manifest His word—not man.

Even though people may be called gods by name or office, they are still mortal and will die like all other wicked men. The phrase is a warning that people should not be arrogant or self-assured but must give an account to God. I once heard a pastor say, “I'm better than God. I can do many things He, God, cannot.” I am still trying to wrap my head around that statement, regardless of the context. There is no way, in any sense, that his claim makes sense. In what way can any mortal be better than the Creator God? None whatsoever! Yet, this is what a lot of so-called “men of God” want people to believe: that they are the guaranteed representatives of God, or that God cannot do anything without them—that God needs them more than they need Him. These are all lies from the pit of hell.

Are you one of those following men in place of God? Doing whatever the “man of God” instructs, even when it goes against godly, scriptural doctrines?

There are many situations where people have assumed authority or power that belongs only to God. Tragically, they have become these authorities and “all-knowing” figures by the power given to them by men, not by God.

This is idolatry and blasphemy: when someone elevates themselves or another to divine status. They themselves become false prophets or leaders by claiming to speak or act on behalf of God without divine authority, fuelled by human pride and wisdom rather than divine guidance. People are constantly searching for something, and in that search, they turn to philosophy, mindfulness, or alternative spirituality to fill the gap. Many end up following leaders who act as if they are infallible or above accountability, placing themselves as the central power and the ultimate source of truth. We must heed Isaiah 42:8 and not give God’s glory to mere men.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

-         -In what ways have you seen people elevate themselves—and others—above God in your own community or spiritual life?

-         -How can you discern whether a spiritual leader’s teachings and actions are aligned with God’s Word or driven by human pride?

-         -Are there areas in your life where you have been tempted to follow human authority over God’s truth? How can you realign your focus back to God?

-         -What practical steps can you take to keep God at the centre of your worship and obedience, rather than placing undue trust in any human leader?

PRAYER: Lord God, grant me the wisdom and discernment to know what I need to know and to live, move, and have my being within You alone. Help me not to be swayed by men acting as God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/womenoflight/episodes/MEN-IN-PLACE-OF-GOD-e36j007

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