In this sermon on Psalm 16:4, John Calvin emphasizes the importance of dedicating ourselves to God once we have come to know Him as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. He warns against idolatry and the worship of false gods, stating that those who give idols the honor due to God are estranged from Him. Calvin urges believers to reject superstitions, idolatries, and abuses that go against God's truth and obscure His honor. He encourages Christians to persevere in their faith and remain steadfast in the pure profession of their beliefs.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of facing the consequences of our sins and the need to turn to a holy God. He highlights the Ten Commandments as the law that governs our relationship with both God and our fellow human beings. The preacher shares a personal experience where he disturbed a congregation by challenging them to examine their idols and put them on the altar. He emphasizes the commandment to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. The sermon concludes with the message of turning away from false gods and idols and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving God the first right to our time, money, possessions, and everything that makes life worth living. The speaker highlights that God is a holy, loving, and jealous God who yearns for our love and dedication. The sermon encourages listeners to turn away from their idols and turn to God alone. It emphasizes the need for zealous love for Jesus and a willingness to sacrifice for His honor, so that others may come to love Him. The sermon also emphasizes the power of faith in Jesus to break the chains of bondage and set us free from idolatry.

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of summarizing key verses in the Bible to make them practical and applicable to our lives. He mentions several summary verses, such as 1 Timothy 2:15, which states that Jesus came to save sinners, and Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as the substance of things hoped for. The preacher also highlights Titus 2:11 as a summary verse for grace, stating that the grace of God brings salvation to all. The main message of the sermon is to love not the world and its desires, but to live righteously and look forward to the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.

In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a visit to a movie lot and compares the façade of the western village to the superficiality of the world. He emphasizes the importance of faith in seeing beyond the glitter and finding something real in the Lord Jesus Christ. The speaker then discusses the witness of men and how we trust in them, using the example of writing a check. He highlights the significance of receiving the witness of God, which is even greater. The sermon concludes by stating that this chapter of the Bible provides clear guidance on salvation and how to know if one is saved, emphasizing the simplicity of the gospel message. The speaker ends with a prayer for those who are still outside of Christ, urging them to come in repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite their abundance, they hold on to beliefs that hinder their spiritual growth, remaining unreached by the gospel. The sermon emphasizes the need for their hearts to turn from false gods to the true God, praying for a transformation from idolatry to worship of the one who brings unity and true fulfillment.

H.J. Vine preaches about the divine assurance imparted by the Word of God to believers in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that even the youngest in faith can have the assurance of eternal life and forgiveness of sins through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon highlights the different stages of spiritual growth within the family of God - babes, young men, and fathers - and the vital possessions and prosperity enjoyed by true believers through the Unction received from Christ. It stresses the importance of abiding in the Son and the Father, knowing the truth, and keeping away from idols to prosper in divine love and eternal life.

Lewis Williams delivers a powerful sermon warning against burning incense to brazen serpents, emphasizing the danger of focusing more on God's gifts than on God Himself. He highlights how the children of Israel fell into idolatry by worshiping the brazen serpent instead of the Giver, a trap that many still fall into today by prioritizing church membership, baptism, communion, and spiritual gifts over a personal relationship with Christ. Williams urges believers to turn their eyes from the gifts to the Giver, emphasizing that salvation, healing, and spiritual growth come from Christ alone.

The preacher delves into the spiritual significance of idols, primarily derived from the Septuagint, where idols are considered products of fantasy and human hands, lacking any real power or significance. The Old Testament writers viewed idols as unreal gods, emphasizing their emptiness and inability to hear, see, or act. The New Testament usage of 'eidolon' is based on this understanding, warning against anything that takes priority over the True and Living God, including greed and materialistic desires. The sermon highlights the need to turn away from idols and worship the living God, as seen in various biblical passages.

Daniel Steele preaches on the profound truths revealed in the First Epistle of John, emphasizing the essence of true faith as acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, experiencing new birth, and being aflame with love for God and others. The inseparable connection between faith and love is highlighted, with a strong emphasis on obedience to God's commands as evidence of genuine love. The victory over the world through faith is discussed, along with the importance of having boldness in prayer and the continuous efficacy of the divine change in believers. The sermon concludes with a call to guard against idols and embrace the love and atonement of God through Jesus Christ for eternal life.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the confrontation between the Ark of the Lord and the idol Dagon, illustrating the supremacy of Jehovah over false gods. The fall of Dagon symbolizes the inevitable defeat of all idols when faced with the true power of God. Meyer encourages believers to invite the presence of God into their lives, assuring that the idols that have dominated them will fall away. This message serves as a reminder of God's ability to defend His greatness and the transformative power of allowing Christ to take full possession of one's heart. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a personal encounter with God that leads to the destruction of all that opposes Him.

Art Katz reflects on the global response to Princess Diana's funeral, questioning the depth of the adoration and the implications of such fervent devotion. He notes that while Diana was admired for her charitable work and beauty, her life and death may symbolize a troubling idolatry that distracts from true Christian faith. Katz emphasizes the need for the Church to critique this phenomenon rather than celebrate it, warning against the dangers of misplaced reverence for a figure who may not have acknowledged Christ. He draws parallels to biblical idolatry, urging a prophetic response to the cultural obsession with celebrity. Ultimately, he calls for a return to honoring God above all else.

Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of God's keeping power and our responsibility to guard ourselves against backsliding. He emphasizes the need for constant trust, dependence on God, and faith in Jesus to maintain purity and holiness. Hills highlights the duty of watchfulness, comparing it to a lookout sailor on a ship, and stresses the role of conscience in detecting and avoiding sin. He also addresses the necessity of being dead to the world, rejecting worldly influences and embracing a life crucified to worldly desires.

Chuck Smith emphasizes God's broken heart over the unfaithfulness of Israel, illustrating how God desires love in return for His own. He explains that while God created humanity for a loving relationship, many have chosen to pursue other 'gods' of pleasure, power, and lust, leading to alienation from Him. Despite Israel's rebellion, God continues to seek their restoration, highlighting the consequences of turning away from Him. Smith challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and the distractions that may pull them away from a true relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a choice between serving God or succumbing to the false promises of other 'gods'.

Art Katz emphasizes the dangers of idolatry and religion, which can provide emotional satisfaction without requiring true engagement with God. He critiques the superficiality of religious practices that lack genuine truth and worship, urging believers to seek a deeper, authentic relationship with God rather than mere adherence to doctrine. Katz highlights the importance of recognizing the magnitude of sin and suffering, and the need for a faith that is existential rather than merely credal. He calls for a shift from seeking human approval to embracing God's glory, which often lies in the unseen and lowly aspects of life.

George Fox preaches about the importance of walking in the truth and knowing one another in the measure of life, guided up to the Father of life, to be kept from idols and feigned love. He emphasizes waiting in the measure of life for hearts to be knit together, and the necessity of not willing anything with our own will but seeking God's will. Fox urges believers to mind their growth, perfecting, and steadfastness in the light of Christ for unity and nourishment, emphasizing the importance of waiting in the light that comes from Christ, the head.

Chuck Smith emphasizes the danger of false concepts of worship, illustrating how people often create idols that reflect their own desires and intellect rather than worshiping the true God. He warns that these idols, whether material possessions or personal ambitions, are ultimately vain and lead to spiritual degradation. Smith highlights that a person becomes like their god, and if that god is false, so too will be the worshiper. He encourages believers to submit their lives to Jesus Christ, reminding them that true worship transforms and elevates them to become more like Him. The sermon serves as a call to examine what we truly worship and to ensure it aligns with the living God.

Isaac Penington preaches about the deceptions and sins of Babylon the Great, describing how the city of confusion, where Antichrist reigns, leads people astray by imitating the ways of God without the life and power of the Spirit. He warns against idolatry, blasphemy, and sorceries that bewitch individuals into false worship and practices, emphasizing the need to worship God in spirit and truth.

John Wesley emphasizes the unity of God, asserting that there is only one God, one religion, and one true happiness for all humanity. He explains that God is eternal, omnipresent, all-perfect, and omnipotent, and that true religion consists of loving God and our neighbors. Wesley warns against the many idols that distract people from seeking happiness in God, including false religions and worldly desires. He concludes that genuine happiness and religion stem from a relationship with God, which leads to benevolence towards others. The sermon calls for a return to the foundational truth that we are made to find our happiness in God alone.

John Wesley emphasizes the critical warning from 1 John 5:21 to keep ourselves from idols, explaining that true idolatry goes beyond physical statues to include anything that takes our heart away from God. He identifies various forms of idolatry, such as the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life, urging believers to recognize that seeking happiness in these things leads to spiritual emptiness. Wesley encourages the congregation to seek true happiness in God alone, acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on His strength to overcome these idols. He calls for a deep conviction of the futility of worldly pursuits and a resolute commitment to pursue a relationship with God, which is the only source of true contentment and peace.

Daniel Steele discusses the historical significance of John's residence in Ephesus, a major center of influence in the Orient during the early days of Christianity. The city was vital for trade and attracted significant Christian presence, including the Apostle Paul and other early Christian leaders. John likely resided in Ephesus before and after his exile on Patmos, drawing inspiration from the city's bustling markets for his vivid descriptions in Revelation. Despite the lack of direct evidence, subsequent writers like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus confirm John's connection to Ephesus, highlighting the strong Christian community that thrived there.

Art Katz addresses the pervasive influence of the Star Wars franchise and its associated marketing, expressing concern over the idolatry it represents in modern society. He critiques the obsession with consumerism and the detrimental effects it has on spirituality and community values, urging Christians to reflect on their engagement with such entertainment. Katz calls for a collective repentance and a rejection of the idolatrous culture that prioritizes profit over faith, warning that the current state of society may be a precursor to divine judgment. He emphasizes the need for parents to guide their children away from these distractions and to seek a deeper connection with God.

Denis Lyle preaches on the Siege of Samaria, highlighting the misery that sin brings, including idolatry in the land and the hypocrisy of the leader, King Jehoram. Despite the dire circumstances, Elisha proclaims God's mercy, promising an amazing, abundant, and available supply of food within 24 hours, showcasing the timing, terms, and tone of God's provision. However, there is mockery from a royal counsellor who doubts divine intervention, leading to divine retribution as God's Word is fulfilled. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, the consequences of unbelief, and the reminder that God is able to deliver in the darkest of circumstances.

John Gill emphasizes the importance of guarding against idolatry in his sermon on 1 John 5:21, urging believers to keep themselves from both physical idols and the spiritual idols that can arise from false doctrines and excessive love for worldly things. He warns that even good things can become idols if they are loved more than God, and he highlights the dangers posed by the surrounding culture and the influence of those who distort the truth. Gill calls for a commitment to worship the one true God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, above all else.

Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of idolatry, emphasizing the First Commandment's prohibition of internal idolatry and the Second Commandment's prohibition of outward idolatry. He highlights God's severe view of idolatry, leading to death and eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Knapp warns against various forms of idolatry, such as worshiping images, dedicating temples to false gods, and rejecting Jesus for sham religion, stressing the importance of turning from idols to serve the living God.