This sermon delves into the concept of worship and the nature of false gods that people create, such as the pursuit of recognition, pleasure, money, and sex. It emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, as individuals become like the gods they worship. The psalmist highlights the folly of idol worship and the significance of having God as the central focus in life, above all other pursuits.

Ian Paisley delivers a sermon exposing the worship of the Virgin Mary in the Romish Church, emphasizing the extreme devotion and adoration given to her throughout the Popedom, overshadowing the Son of God in the hearts of the people. The sermon highlights the prayers, festivals, and exaltation of Mary to a divine status, surpassing even that of Jesus Christ, as seen in the Papal declarations and teachings. Paisley challenges the impiety and darkness of this worship, pointing out the lack of biblical foundation and the dangers of such idolatry, calling for a rejection of this system and a return to the truth of God's Word.

Henry Law preaches on the acknowledgment of man's utter nothingness and the all-encompassing power of God. He emphasizes the vanity of idols and the importance of placing all confidence in God alone. Despite the heathen's mockery and reliance on lifeless idols, God reigns in the heavens and works all things according to His will. Law urges Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord to trust in Him as their help and shield, promising blessings for those who put their faith in God.

Chuck Smith emphasizes the incomparable nature of God as Solomon kneels in the temple, recognizing that no other god can compare to Jehovah, the God of Israel. He highlights humanity's instinct to worship and the futility of creating idols that reflect our own desires rather than the true Creator. Smith points out that God cannot be confined to a physical form or location, and He remains faithful to His promises, including the restoration of Israel. The sermon underscores God's mercy, compassion, and desire for a relationship with humanity, asserting that knowing and serving Him leads to the fullest expression of life.

Athenagoras addresses the Emperors Marcus Aurelius Anoninus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, highlighting the injustice faced by Christians in the empire for their beliefs. He defends the Christian faith by contrasting the true God with the false gods of mythology, emphasizing the absurdity of ascribing human-like qualities and immoral actions to deities. Athenagoras explains the distinction between God, angels, demons, and heroes, asserting that angels exercise providence over the created world while fallen angels and demons oppose God's goodness. He refutes the idea of divine providence being absent in earthly affairs, pointing out the influence of demons and adverse spirits on human actions.

Chuck Smith emphasizes that every person has a god, which is the master passion of their life, whether it be intellect, pleasure, or power. He discusses how those who worship false gods ultimately become like them, lacking true understanding and fulfillment. Smith illustrates the futility of idol worship, showing that these gods are mere projections of ourselves and incapable of true action. He contrasts this with the transformative power of God, who seeks to make us like Himself through the Holy Spirit. The sermon calls for reflection on who or what we truly worship and the impact it has on our lives.

J.H. Newman preaches against the Romish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardons, worshipping of images and relics, and invocation of saints, labeling it as a vain and unfounded invention contradictory to the Word of God. He distinguishes the Romish doctrine from the Primitive and Catholic doctrines, emphasizing that the condemnation is specific to the Romish practices. The sermon highlights the dangers of idolatry, false miracles, and superstitions associated with the veneration of saints, relics, and images, urging believers to direct their prayers and worship solely to God.

Ian Paisley addresses the issue of worshipping saints and angels, highlighting the controversy between Popery and Protestantism on the merit of the dead. He emphasizes that the worship of angels and saints is baseless and a direct insult to Jesus Christ, the one true Mediator between God and man. Paisley points out the absurdity of seeking mediation through creatures rather than directly to God, as it undermines the glory and work of Christ. He condemns the practice of worshipping angels and saints as an act of impiety and ignorance that detracts from the true worship of God.

Athanasius preaches against idolatry, highlighting the inconsistency and godlessness of worshipping images and false gods. He questions the rationale behind attributing divine attributes to lifeless idols and the variety of idolatrous cults that prove the falsehood of their beliefs. Athanasius refutes the idea that idols are a means of communicating with God through angels, pointing out the absurdity of worshipping images over the beings they represent. He argues that the diversity of gods worshipped in different regions and the use of one place's gods as victims in another demonstrate the lack of truth and coherence in idolatrous practices.

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.

Clement of Rome preaches in Tripolis about the dangers of ignorance and error, highlighting the difference between those who worship idols and those who worship the one true God. He emphasizes that man was created to be the ruler of all things on earth and in the heavens, reflecting the image and likeness of God. Clement stresses the importance of faith, duty, and the fear of God, urging the people to return to their noble calling as rulers and lords of creation. He exposes the unprofitableness of idols and the folly of idolatry, pointing out the impotence of lifeless idols and the servitude that comes from worshipping them.

J.C. Philpot, in his sermon 'The History of an Idol, its Rise, Reign and Progress,' delves into the deep-rooted sin of idolatry in the human heart, tracing its prevalence from ancient times to the present day. He highlights how even God's chosen people repeatedly fell into idol worship despite witnessing His miraculous works, emphasizing that idolatry is a disease inherent in fallen humanity. Philpot explains that idolatry goes beyond physical images to include anything that takes the place of God in our hearts, such as material possessions, relationships, achievements, or even self. He urges believers to examine their hearts honestly to identify and uproot any idols that may be hidden within, emphasizing the importance of keeping oneself from idols as instructed in 1 John 5:21.