Idolatry
Idolatry in the Bible refers to the worship of idols or images as divine, which is explicitly condemned throughout Scripture. The term derives from the Hebrew word "pesel" (פֶּסֶל), meaning a carved image, and the Greek "eidolon," denoting an image or phantom. Idolatry is often associated with the sin of turning away from the worship of the one true God to follow false gods or representations of God (Exodus 20:4-5; Deuteronomy 5:8-9). In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently fell into idolatry, worshiping Baal, Asherah, and other deities, which led to severe condemnation from prophets such as Isaiah (Isaiah 44:9-20) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 10:1-5).In the New Testament, idolatry is broadened to include not only physical idols but also anything that takes the place of God in a person's life. The Apostle Paul highlights this understanding in 1 Corinthians 10:14, urging believers to flee from idolatry, and further emphasizes that covetousness can be equated with idolatry in Colossians 3:5. Ultimately, idolatry is seen as a form of spiritual adultery, breaking the covenant relationship between God and His people (James 4:4), and it serves as a warning against the dangers of misplaced devotion and worship.
Idolatry65
Other God's Dominion Over Us
By Leonard Ravenhill4.4K1:14:27IdolatryPSA 16:11MAL 3:6MAT 6:33PHP 4:6PHP 4:19HEB 13:8JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of water as a symbol of blessing and joy. He refers to the pouring of water from a golden vase during a religious ceremony and highlights Jesus' presence on the last day of this ritual. The preacher also mentions the significance of the temple, which could hold thousands of people, and compares it to modern-day gatherings like sports events. He shares a story about a man questioning the presence of God in the midst of tragedy, and the pastor's response emphasizes that God is always present, even in times of suffering. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the joy and blessings God offers are permanent and can be found through a personal relationship with Him.
Bondage
By Lester Roloff3.0K38:53IdolatryMAT 6:331TI 1:17HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker, Danny Kim, shares his personal testimony of being addicted to drugs for 12 years and finding healing and deliverance through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the Word of God as the ultimate message to deliver. The speaker references the story of Moses encountering the burning bush and highlights the need for a revival of reverence for God in our society. He also mentions the power of the blood of Jesus to cleanse and transform lives. The sermon concludes with a powerful example of a young man who shot his father but found redemption and love through the grace of God.
Idolatry Is to Love the World
By Zac Poonen2.0K59:42IdolatryGEN 2:24PSA 45:10MAT 4:8MAT 6:33JHN 16:32EPH 5:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the pressure to please others and conform to worldly patterns. They highlight how the world dictates certain patterns in various aspects of life, such as appearance and behavior. The speaker also discusses the proper use of money, comparing it to fire that can be either a servant or a master. They caution against becoming slaves to money or any other worldly desires. The sermon concludes with the reminder that our ultimate allegiance should be to God, and when we give Him the central place in our hearts, we can live a truly free and purposeful life.
False Gods
By B.B. Caldwell2.0K45:32IdolatryEXO 20:1MRK 12:291JN 5:21In 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.
Man-Made Gods
By Chuck Smith1.7K34:17IdolatryPSA 135:1MAT 6:33HEB 10:31REV 16:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of understanding life one day at a time, comparing it to solving a puzzle. He emphasizes that while we may not always understand the whole picture, God knows exactly how each piece fits into His plan. The speaker encourages listeners to trust that all things are working together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He also highlights the importance of having a meaningful relationship with God to satisfy the longing within our hearts. The sermon concludes by contrasting the degrading experience of worshiping false gods with the elevating experience of yielding our lives to Jesus Christ.
Soul Idolatry
By Dean Taylor1.5K1:24:30Idolatry1TI 2:152TI 2:21TIT 2:11HEB 11:11JN 2:151JN 5:21In 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.
Christian Idolatry
By Richard Sipley83545:29IdolatryROM 1:25PHP 1:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the four elements that make up the creation: people, places, things, and events. He highlights the problem of Christians seeking consolation, satisfaction, and fulfillment in people, which can lead to disappointment. The speaker shares a story about police dogs being used to catch a young boy who had wandered into a department store, emphasizing the importance of having our hearts fixed on the Lord rather than on earthly things. He concludes by urging listeners to rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ and turn back to the Creator, as seeking satisfaction in the world will only lead to emptiness and despair. The sermon references Philippians chapter 2 and emphasizes the need to make Jesus Lord of our lives.
Flee Idolatry
By Timothy Williams53128:33IdolatryTrue WorshipEXO 32:11SA 15:22JHN 4:231CO 10:141PE 1:18Timothy Williams emphasizes the critical need to flee from idolatry, explaining that idolatry is not just about loving worldly things more than God, but also includes worshiping God in ways that do not align with His commands. He highlights that true worship must stem from a heart of obedience and submission to God's will, warning that disobedience and excuses in our worship can lead to spiritual separation from God. Williams uses biblical examples, such as King Saul's disobedience and the Israelites' creation of the golden calf, to illustrate how idolatry manifests in our lives. He calls the congregation to examine their hearts and flee to the cross for cleansing from idolatry, reminding them that God is worthy of their obedience and devotion.
Idolatry, Unbelief and Repentance
By Michael Durham5171:02:29IdolatryGEN 50:20MAT 6:33ROM 1:25ROM 3:23ROM 8:28EPH 2:81JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of believing lies about God and how it leads to sin. He uses the example of marital disharmony to illustrate this point. The preacher emphasizes that the root of sin is believing the lie that we can control and direct our own lives for happiness and satisfaction. He highlights that throughout history, humans have proven that they cannot anticipate or overcome every hardship on their own. Instead, the preacher encourages listeners to come under the leadership of Jesus and experience the glory of living life with Him.
10 Commandments: Commandments 1 & 2
By Shane Idleman4840:14IdolatryObedience to GodMAT 19:16Shane Idleman discusses the first two commandments from the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the importance of having no other gods before the one true God and the dangers of idolatry. He explains that while keeping the commandments does not save us, it reveals the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God. Idleman highlights the significance of repentance and the cost of following Jesus, urging believers to examine their lives for any idols that may take precedence over their devotion to God. He also draws parallels between the commandments and the teachings of Jesus, stressing that true love for God manifests in obedience to His commands.
Things That Destroy Godly Character
By Phil Beach Jr.321:18:52IdolatrySpiritual GrowthCharacterPSA 115:8MAL 3:2Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing how it can distort our character and relationship with God. He explains that trials and tribulations serve as a refiner's fire, revealing our weaknesses and prompting us to seek God's strength and wisdom. The sermon encourages believers to acknowledge their shortcomings and rely on Christ for transformation, rather than succumbing to the destructive tendencies of the flesh. Ultimately, Beach calls for a deeper understanding of God's love and the necessity of spiritual discernment in our lives.
Slippery Slope of Addiction
By Shane Idleman201:00:54AddictionIdolatryPRO 20:1ISA 28:7JHN 8:36ROM 6:161CO 6:121CO 10:13GAL 5:1EPH 5:18JAS 4:71PE 5:8Shane Idleman addresses the pervasive issue of addiction in his sermon 'Slippery Slope of Addiction,' emphasizing that addiction can take many forms, from gaming to substance abuse, and often stems from a deeper spiritual struggle. He highlights the importance of recognizing addiction as a form of idolatry, where anything placed before God can lead to bondage. Shane shares personal anecdotes and biblical insights, urging listeners to confront their struggles and seek freedom through Christ. He warns that addiction can destroy families and lives, and encourages a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges through prayer, accountability, and reliance on God's strength. The sermon concludes with an invitation for those struggling with addiction to seek help and healing at the altar.
A Divided Allegiance
By Shane Idleman1649:40IdolatryDivided AllegianceDEU 30:19MAT 6:24LUK 9:23ROM 12:21CO 10:14GAL 5:17HEB 12:1JAS 1:81PE 2:111JN 2:15Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical nature of allegiance in the Christian life, illustrating that one cannot serve both God and the world. He warns against divided loyalties, using examples from scripture and personal anecdotes to highlight the dangers of idolatry and the necessity of full surrender to Christ. Idleman calls for a return to extreme Christianity, where believers actively flee from anything that draws them away from God, and he challenges the congregation to examine their priorities and commitments. He stresses that true joy and fulfillment come from a complete allegiance to Jesus, urging listeners to choose their side in the ongoing spiritual battle.
The City
By J.C. Ryle3IdolatryEvangelismACT 17:16J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound impact of St. Paul's experience in Athens, where he was deeply stirred by the city's pervasive idolatry. Ryle highlights that despite Athens being a center of intellect and culture, it was spiritually dark, showcasing the need for divine revelation and the inadequacy of human wisdom without God. St. Paul's response was one of compassion, sorrow, and zeal, leading him to actively engage with the people and preach the Gospel of Jesus and the resurrection. Ryle calls for modern Christians to reflect on their own feelings towards the lost and to take action in spreading the Gospel, just as Paul did in Athens.
The Second Commandment
By A.W. Pink3IdolatryWorshipEXO 20:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the Second Commandment, which forbids the creation and worship of graven images, highlighting that true worship must be spiritual and not reliant on physical representations. He explains that this commandment not only addresses the nature of God as incorporeal and invisible but also warns against the human tendency to seek tangible aids in worship. Pink stresses that legitimate worship must adhere strictly to what God has prescribed in His Word, condemning any form of worship that deviates from this. He concludes with the assurance that God shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments, while also warning of the consequences of idolatry that can affect future generations. The sermon calls for a sincere and pure approach to worship, free from superstition and human invention.
God's Answer for Idolaters
By David Wilkerson1IdolatryDeliveranceEZK 14:10David Wilkerson emphasizes God's relentless pursuit to free His people from the grip of idolatry and sin, assuring that He will take necessary actions to draw them back to Himself. He warns that while God desires to woo us away from our idols, He may resort to punishment if we remain unrepentant. The sermon encourages individuals to confront their hidden sins and seek divine revelation, urging them to cry out for clarity and deliverance from deception. Wilkerson reassures that true freedom is available for those who genuinely desire it, transforming them from slaves of sin to children of God. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and the promise of restoration through God's truth.
A Devil in an Angel's Dress
By Thomas Brooks0IdolatryTrue RepentanceLEV 13:45ISA 30:22EZK 18:30Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of true repentance, which involves turning away from every sin, not just some. He illustrates that partial repentance, like that of Herod and Judas, leads to spiritual ruin, as even one unrepented sin can corrupt the soul. Brooks argues that just as a leper is defined by a single spot, so too is a sinner defined by any unconfessed sin. The penitent must actively seek to crucify all sins and idols in their life to find true healing and restoration. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a complete and thorough renunciation of all that stands against God’s glory.
Isaiah 6:1
By Chuck Smith0IdolatryFocus on Christ2CH 26:8PSA 115:1PRO 16:18ISA 6:1MAT 23:12JHN 3:301CO 3:6GAL 1:10COL 3:2HEB 12:2Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's sovereignty over human leaders, using King Uzziah's rise and fall as a cautionary tale. Uzziah, despite his early successes and prosperity, became an idol in the eyes of the people, which ultimately led to his downfall. Smith points out that God had to remove Uzziah for the prophet to truly see the Lord, highlighting the danger of ministers seeking personal glory rather than directing attention to Christ. The sermon serves as a reminder to focus on Jesus rather than human accolades, urging believers to lift up Christ instead of earthly leaders.
Princess Diana’s Funeral as Global Event: A Prophetic Comment
By Art Katz0IdolatryProphetic VoiceEXO 20:3PSA 115:4ISA 42:8JER 10:14MAT 6:24ACT 19:271CO 10:14GAL 1:10COL 3:21JN 5:21Art 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.
I Kings 8:22
By Chuck Smith0IdolatryThe Nature of God1KI 8:22PSA 115:4ISA 46:9Chuck 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.
Ahab Did More to Provoke the Lord
By F.B. Meyer0IdolatryPurity of Heart1KI 16:33ROM 1:28F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound wickedness of King Ahab, who, influenced by his wife Jezebel, led Israel into the depths of idolatry and immorality, provoking the Lord more than any other king. Ahab's choice to worship Baal and Ashtoreth, along with the associated licentious practices, corrupted the spiritual life of the nation. Meyer warns of the close connection between impurity and spiritual decline, urging young people to maintain purity and blamelessness in their lives. He encourages believers to allow Christ to cleanse their hearts and govern their lives, promising that through purity and obedience, they will see God. The sermon serves as a call to resist the temptations of a corrupt world and to uphold a life dedicated to God.
Idols and the Lost Vision of God
By G. Campbell Morgan0IdolatryVision of GodEXO 20:32KI 18:4G. Campbell Morgan discusses the dangers of idolatry, using the example of the brazen serpent that the Israelites began to worship, which revealed their deep hunger for God despite their lost vision of Him. He emphasizes that when people lose their awareness of God's presence, they still feel a profound need for Him, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of their history. The worship of the serpent symbolizes a misguided attempt to fill the void left by the absence of true communion with God, highlighting the restless nature of the human heart. Morgan warns that such idolatry is a distortion of past blessings, turning them into curses when misinterpreted. Ultimately, he calls for a return to a clear vision of God to satisfy the deepest longings of the soul.
The "God" of This Generation
By A.W. Pink0Sovereignty Of GodIdolatryISA 46:9A.W. Pink emphasizes that the 'god' worshipped in contemporary society is a mere creation of human imagination, lacking the true attributes of the Supreme Sovereign depicted in Scripture. He argues that many within Christendom have fashioned a god that aligns with their own desires and emotions, rendering them akin to atheists. Pink asserts that a god who is not sovereign and whose will can be thwarted is unworthy of worship and deserves contempt. He calls for a return to the understanding of God as the absolute, supreme being who is in control of all things.
Dagon Was Fallen Upon His Face to the Earth
By F.B. Meyer0IdolatryDivine SupremacyEXO 12:121SA 5:3PSA 96:5ISA 2:18MAT 5:14JHN 1:5ROM 12:22CO 6:14COL 3:51JN 5:21F.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.
Loving God Only
By A.W. Tozer0Loving GodIdolatryMAT 22:37A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the first and greatest commandment is to love God with our entire being, leaving no room for divided affections. He critiques the notion that God exists to help individuals achieve worldly success, arguing that true love for God excludes any secondary motives. Tozer warns that those who seek God merely as a means to personal gain will ultimately miss the true essence of God. He asserts that God's mercy and grace are boundless, but He will not support selfish ambitions. Genuine love for God should preclude any desire for other treasures beyond Him.