Mingling Things Offered To Idols

It is always characteristic of the unconverted to mingle things offered to idols with the things of the living and true God. Notice here that this woman was being led by a "spirit of divination," or as Paul writes in Eph 2:2 "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." Even though she was for all intensive purposes praising God and giving Him the glory, her testimony apart from Paul revealed her true nature. To name the name of Christ, yet live in open rebellion to God, is nothing more than a mockery. But rest assured, God is not mocked; and neither will He suffer His glory and majesty to be tarnished by such a life. No matter what your mouth says, your life is the greater testimony--a "living epistle" to the god you serve. That which is on the outside of the cup is always indicative of the that which is on the inside of the cup. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man" (Mark 7:21-23). An undegenerated heart cannot bring forth fruit unto righteousness, only the Spirit of the Lord can do that. "No man," the bible says, "can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt 6:24).

Notice here also, that although a person may be able to fool others as to the true condition of the heart, they cannot fool God. Paul being led of the Spirit easily perceives her hypocrisy. Ever since the garden, man has tried to hide his true sin sick nature from God and this can take many forms. Here, this women tries as many in the church do to yoke up or associate themselves with the true children of the Most High. They are trusting that if they act as though a true Christian does that somehow they will be accepted in the beloved. But the bible is clear that NOTHING and unregenerate person does can be acceptable in the sight of a holy and just God (Tit 3:5, Isa 64:6, Phi 3:9). The unsaved heart of man does not perceive that God does not judge our actions based on their own merit, but rather the intent behind those actions (Rom 2:16, John 2:24-25).