(Colossians 3:5)

Idolatry is the most talked-about sin in the Bible. It is the sin that plagued the people of God more than any other.

  • After freeing them from a land of idols, God commanded His people (Israel) to stay away from idols (Exodus 20:1-6). And yet, they disobeyed Him by almost immediately building a golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6).
  • King Jeroboam lead the nation down a path of idolatry (1 Kings 12:25-33). This would eventually contribute to Israel going into 70 years of captivity.
  • The first-century Roman world was full of idolatry (Acts 17:16). Many of the cities had pagan temples (Acts 19:23-41).

Idolatry continues to be a problem for many people today. There is more that goes with this sin than statues made of wood, stone, silver, and gold.

Idolatry is a battle for the heart.

  • Idols are anything that we put at the center of our lives. They are anything that we put before the Lord.
    • When Israel got involved in idolatry, they committed spiritual adultery against God (Ezekiel 16:15; Hosea 1:2).
    • But worshipping things made of wood, stone, silver, and gold are not the only forms of idolatry. Idols can also be found in a person’s heart (Ezekiel 14:3; Colossians 3:5).
  • What is at the center of your life? Where is your trust? Where is your security?
    • Money? Sports? Stuff? Career? Alcohol? Family?
    • If your life is centered around these things then you have an idol! You have things reigning in your heart over God!

Idolatry cannot co-exist with authentic discipleship.

  • We can’t have God and our idols! See Matthew 6:24, 33.
  • God desires to reign first place in our lives (Luke 9:57-62; 18:18-23; 2 Timothy 4:9-10).

Idols always fail!

  • The prophets warned Israel of this (Habakkuk 2:18-20; Isaiah 44:9-20). It was foolish for them to put their trust in gods that were not real.
  • The same is true with us! Idols cannot do for us what God can.
    • Unlike idols, God is eternal (Psalm 90:2; Hebrews 13:8).
    • Unlike idols, God offers something everlasting – eternal life (John 10:28).
    • Unlike idols, God loves and cares about us (John 3:16).

Conclusion: Do you have idols in your life? If so, then it is time to remove them and put God first place in your heart where He belongs!