References: Ephesians 5:5, Philippians 3:8,19, Colossians 2:9,18, Colossians 3:5, Deuteronomy 13, Romans 8:3-4

In times past, we understood idolatry to be physical idol worship; graven images and the likes. More recently, we have understood idolatry to go beyond graven images into anything that we pay more attention to than the things of the Kingdom.

Today, we take it a little step further. Unfortunately, this is going to tread on the toes of several Christians. The truth, however, must be spoken and broadcast regardless of whose feelings or sensibilities might be hurt.

An idol is an object of worship. It wants all your time, attention and resources. Of important note is that no one deserves this space other than Christ who died in my place.

3 manifestations of Idolatry

1. Idolization. Giving our affection or worship – our energies, love and commitment to any other object (man made things, or SELF – manifesting as fame, success, prosperity, indulgence, career e.t.c.) in place of God.
2. Reducing God to the means to an end! Eg. “If you accept Jesus you will be successful”, “if you accept Jesus you will be like me”.
3. Covetousness is idolatry – Col 3:5-6. It starts in the heart, craving, wanting, enjoying, being satisfied by anything that you treasure more than God. a disordered love or desire, loving more than God what ought to be loved less than God and only for the sake of God.

Colossians 2:18 speaks of the worship of Angels, priests, popes, saints long passed etc. Christ is the way, the truth and the life. NO MAN COMETH TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM. In summary, “Anything we pay more attention to than God and His kingdom. “

That could include my church; my GO, my service, My giving, My Rule keeping, my job, my family, praying to Mary or other saints and even my self !

Colossians 3:5 So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God]. Ephesians 5:5 buttresses this point perfectly

Philippians 3:19 To simplify this verse. If my job, hobbies, friends take up more of my attention and focus than the work of the Kingdom, I am an idol worshipper.

We need to do some serious self audit because if we review our lives in light of these scriptures, we may see several things that we never thought had become idols in our hearts. Am I following Christ just for what he can do for me, thinking that GAIN is GODLINESS?

Idolatry Loading!!

Do you Idolize your Pastor, Wife, Children or even your church?

Do you worship the creature more than the creator?

We have no excuse once we read this message.

AUDIT:

Where is your affection?

Where do you direct your energies?

What is your love and commitment given to?

Check!

May His grace be available to us for repentance and change. Amen.