Ezekiel 14:1
Chuck Smith teaches that idolatry begins in the heart and leads to a separation from God, but repentance can restore fellowship and lead to a change of heart.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the concept of idolatry, explaining that it begins in the heart where individuals may unknowingly set up idols that take precedence over God. He highlights that while many deny having idols, God examines the heart to reveal what truly holds priority in our lives. Smith warns that idolatry estranges us from God, as one cannot serve both God and worldly desires. He calls for repentance as the essential step to restore fellowship with God, stressing that true repentance involves a genuine change of heart and behavior.
Text
"IDOLATRY"
Intro: An idol is a representative of an ideal or master passion which,
when possessed or worshipped, shows acknowledgment as that person's
god.
I. "THESE MEN HAVE SET UP IDOLS IN THEIR HEARTS."
A. This is where idolatry begins.
1. Most people would deny vehemently the accusation of
idolatry.
a. We live in an enlightened age.
b. No man burns candles before a statue.
c. I have no altars in my home.
2. But God is looking in your heart - what does He see
enthroned there?
B. The Bible considers the heart as the core of a man's existence.
1. "Keep your heart with all diligence..."
2. "For out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders,
adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies."
a. "God looks at the heart."
b. Does God see any of these idols there?
C. "Search me O God and know my heart."
1. Important prayer because "the heart is deceitful and
desperately wicked, who can know it."
2. What is the greatest passion of your hearts?
a. What has top priority in your life?
b. What is your magnificent obsession?
c. What do you build your schedule around?
3. People used to burn incense before a little idol they
called
Molech - (god of pleasure..
II. GOD SAID, "THROUGH THEIR IDOLS THEY ARE ESTRANGED FROM ME."
A. This is always the effect of idolatry.
1. God soon becomes as a stranger to you.
2. Jesus said, "no man can serve two masters." You cannot
serve God and mammon.
3. There is only one real master in your life.
a. Who is it?
b. What is it?
B. In effect, God said to Ezekiel, "Why should I help them?
1. They have all these little idols in their hearts, yet
they come to hear My word.
2. Why should I speak to them?
III. GOD'S BASIC WORD TO THEM - "REPENT."
A. If you want to hear from God, repent.
1. If you desire restored fellowship with God, repent.
2. To repent is to change.
3. There is a sorrow that is not repentance.
4. But godly sorrow will lead to repentance.
5. In true repentance you don't go right back doing the
same old thing.
B. Same call that Jesus gave to church at Ephesus.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Idolatry points: - Idolatry Begins in the Heart - God looks in the heart to see what is enthroned there - The heart is the core of a man's existence
- God becomes a stranger to those who idolize points: - The Effect of Idolatry - You cannot serve two masters
- Repentance is a change of heart points: - The Call to Repentance - True repentance leads to restored fellowship with God
Key Quotes
“An idol is a representative of an ideal or master passion which, when possessed or worshipped, shows acknowledgment as that person's god.” — Chuck Smith
“God soon becomes as a stranger to you.” — Chuck Smith
“To repent is to change.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Identify the idols in your heart and repent of them to restore fellowship with God.
- Recognize that you cannot serve two masters and prioritize your relationship with God.
- Repentance involves a genuine sorrow for sin and a commitment to change your behavior.