POWER OVER STRANGE ALTARS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Kings 18:30-39
Key Verse: “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.” — 1 Kings 18:30, KJV
Supporting Texts: Judges 6:25-26; Exodus 34:13-14; Deuteronomy 12:2-3; 2 Kings 23:4-15; Psalm 91:1-10; Colossians 2:15.
Description
An altar is a place of worship, sacrifice, covenant, and spiritual allegiance. In Scripture, godly altars were raised to honour God, while strange or idolatrous altars were associated with false worship and rebellion against Him. Through Christ, believers have authority to reject every form of ungodly spiritual allegiance and stand firmly in the victory of the cross.
INTRODUCTION
Altars occupy an important place in the Bible because they represent worship, sacrifice, covenant, and spiritual dedication. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and other servants of God built altars to honour the Lord. However, the Bible also records the existence of idolatrous and strange altars established in opposition to God.
The greatest confrontation between a godly altar and a strange altar is seen on Mount Carmel. The prophets of Baal had their altar, while Elijah stood for the altar of the Lord. Elijah first repaired the broken altar of God and then called upon the Lord. When God answered by fire, the people recognised that the Lord alone is God.
As believers under the New Covenant, our confidence is not in fear of mysterious powers but in Jesus Christ, who has defeated the powers of darkness. We must therefore destroy every form of idolatrous allegiance, renounce ungodly practices, establish our lives upon Christ, and continually walk in the authority of God's Word.
1. UNDERSTAND THE POWER AND PURPOSE OF ALTARS
Altars represent spiritual dedication and worship.
a) An Altar Represents Worship (Genesis 12:7-8)
Abraham built altars as expressions of his devotion to God.
b) An Altar Represents Sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
God desires our lives to be presented to Him as living sacrifices.
c) An Altar Can Represent Covenant (Genesis 26:28–31)
Altars can be associated with significant spiritual commitments.
d) God Rejects Idolatrous Altars (Deuteronomy 12:2-3)
God commanded Israel to destroy places dedicated to false worship.
Biblical Example: Elijah (1 Kings 18:30-39). Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord and demonstrated publicly that Jehovah alone deserves worship.
2. IDENTIFY AND REJECT STRANGE ALTARS
Believers must refuse every form of spiritual allegiance that contradicts God's Word.
a) Reject Idolatrous Worship (Exodus 20:3-5)
God alone must occupy the highest place in our lives.
b) Separate From Occult Practices (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
God forbids His people from seeking spiritual power through forbidden practices.
c) Destroy Ungodly Spiritual Influences (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Our allegiance to Christ must not be mixed with incompatible spiritual practices.
d) Renounce Every Ungodly Dedication (Acts 19:18-20)
True repentance involves turning away from practices that oppose Christ.
Biblical Example: The believers in Ephesus (Acts 19:18-20). After receiving Christ, they publicly abandoned practices associated with their former way of life.
3. USE THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST AGAINST SPIRITUAL OPPOSITION
Our victory comes through Christ, not human strength.
a) Stand In Christ's Victory (Colossians 2:15)
Jesus has triumphed over principalities and powers through the cross.
b) Put On The Whole Armour Of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Spiritual strength comes from God and His armour.
c) Resist The Devil Firmly (James 4:7)
Believers are called to submit to God and resist the devil.
d) Stand Upon God's Word (Matthew 4:4)
Jesus overcame temptation by declaring the truth of Scripture.
Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus resisted Satan with the authority of God's Word and remained completely submitted to the Father.
4. REPAIR YOUR SPIRITUAL ALTAR
Victory over strange influences must be accompanied by a strong relationship with God.
a) Return To God Wholeheartedly (James 4:8)
Draw near to God and maintain intimate fellowship with Him.
b) Build A Consistent Prayer Life (Luke 18:1)
A strong prayer altar strengthens spiritual vigilance.
c) Live By The Word Of God (Psalm 119:105)
Scripture provides light and direction for daily living.
d) Maintain A Life Of Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
A consecrated life honours God and strengthens Christian testimony.
Biblical Example: Gideon (Judges 6:25-27). Gideon was instructed to tear down his father's altar to Baal and build an altar to the Lord.
5. ESTABLISH THE ALTAR OF GOD IN YOUR GENERATION
God wants believers to become instruments of spiritual restoration.
a) Raise A Godly Family (Joshua 24:15)
Make your home a place where Christ is honoured.
b) Teach The Next Generation God's Ways (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Pass biblical faith to those coming after you.
c) Stand For Righteousness (Matthew 5:14-16)
Let your life shine in a spiritually dark generation.
d) Become A Restorer Of The Breach (Isaiah 58:12)
God can use you to restore broken spiritual foundations.
Biblical Example: Joshua (Joshua 24:15). Joshua publicly declared that his household would serve the Lord, establishing a clear spiritual allegiance.
CONCLUSION
Strange altars represent spiritual allegiances and practices that oppose the worship of the true God. The answer is not fear, superstition, or retaliation against people. The believer's response is to reject idolatry, submit completely to Christ, stand upon God's Word, maintain a strong prayer life, and trust in the victory Jesus has already accomplished through the cross.
Like Elijah, let us repair the altar of the Lord in our lives. Let our homes, families, ministries, and daily conduct become places where God is honoured. As we remain in Christ, walk in holiness, and exercise biblical spiritual authority, we can stand confidently against every form of spiritual opposition and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, establish my life firmly upon Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, deliver me from every form of idolatry and ungodly spiritual allegiance, in Jesus name.
3. Father, destroy every influence that competes with Your authority in my life, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, repair every broken area of my spiritual altar, in Jesus name.
5. Father, let every power opposing Your purpose for my life be defeated through the victory of Christ, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, give me grace to maintain a strong prayer life and consistent fellowship with You, in Jesus name.
7. Father, protect my family from every ungodly spiritual influence, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let every ungodly foundation affecting my life be replaced with the foundation of Christ, in Jesus name.
9. Father, make my home, ministry, and life an altar that continually honours You, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let Your presence and power prevail over every strange influence around my life, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. Jesus Christ shall remain the foundation and Lord of your life.
2. Every influence contrary to God's purpose for you shall lose its hold.
3. Your spiritual altar shall burn continually with prayer, holiness, and devotion.
4. Every ungodly influence seeking to contaminate your family shall be overcome by the power of God.
5. The victory of Christ shall speak over every battle confronting your life.
6. You shall walk in spiritual discernment and divine wisdom.
7. Your home shall become a centre of prayer, worship, and godly influence.
8. You shall not be controlled by fear of spiritual opposition, because Christ is your victory.
9. The Lord shall use you to restore godly foundations in your generation.
10. Every strange influence contrary to God's purpose shall be overcome as you remain in Christ, and your life shall continually testify that Jesus Christ is Lord, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
