Sermon Central
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American Idols Series
Contributed by Troy Borst on Sep 4, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: This word “ignorant” occurs 13 times in the Bible and is connected with some important spiritual facts we should all know. That is why today we look at a warning in Scripture against idols.
IGNORANT SERIES: AMERICAN IDOLS
INTRODUCTION
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the word “ignorant” means unaware or uniformed. I would like us, for the next few weeks, to look at some spiritual facts that you may be unaware of or have forgotten. Most of the time we forget important spiritual truths when it comes to God and our relationship with Him. I am not sure why we forget such important matters, but I know it to be true. That is why God had Israel erect monuments and write down accounts and tell stories about all the events that took place in their relationship with Him. They forgot easily! We forget easily! This word “ignorant” occurs 13 times in the Bible and is connected with some important spiritual facts we should all know. That is why today we look at a warning in Scripture against idols.
One of the more popular TV shows on right now is the show “American Idol.” Millions of Americans tune in to hear these want-to-be stars sing and dance their way to fame. Each week America votes for those singers they like and then singers are eliminated who have the least number of votes. The good thing about the show is that there is follow though and you can hear the winners on radio stations across the country. These singers are held up as the ideal singers and are looked to as role models.
But what does that word “idol” mean? Is it some word that can be flippantly used on a TV show or is a word that carries with it much more spiritual meaning? I would say that idol is a word that is loaded with meaning from a spiritual standpoint. In Scripture, idols are forbidden by the first commandment. The first commandment states that we are to have no gods before God (Exodus 20:3 and Deuteronomy 5:7). In addition, the construction of any images (Exodus 20:23) or even the mention of the names of other gods (Exodus 23:13) was forbidden. The concern was that the people of YHWH would be binding themselves to another god and that worldview other than God’s plan and view for them (Joshua 23:7). Israel’s calling was to the worship of the one true God. God’s election separated the people from ungodliness and to Himself as His special possession. The covenant provided legal parameters for this unique relationship, and the limitation of exclusive worship was a significant part of the covenant. God had chosen Israel and they were to worship and serve Him only (Bakers Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, crosswalk.com).
READ ISAIAH 44:6-11
I. A WORTHY GOD IN ISAIAH 44:6-11
Isaiah 44:6-11 reminds us and teaches us that our God is the only God. He wants us to realize that idols are empty and so are the lives of people who chase after them. Verses 6, 7, and 8 proclaim absolutely that our God is worthy to be worshipped and should be the only object of our worship.
o He is worthy of our worship because He is the King and the Redeemer. Who else can make that claim? Who else can claim that they died for you and saved your soul?
o He is worthy of our worship because He is the Creator of all things and has always been. Who else is like Him? No one. He is the one who created the world that was, that is, and that will be. He knows the future because He is God.
o He is worthy of our worship because He is the Rock. Who else is faithful at all times? Who else gives you unlimited strength and faith in times of deepest despair? Our God is a faithful strength to those who believe and call on His name.
Why would you want anything else but Him? Yet, people do. We chase after everything under the sun in an effort to make ourselves happy, all the while ignoring God. Idols are everywhere in America. Idols are everywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. Idols are everywhere in this town. Are their idols in your life?
II. MODERN DAY IDOLS
What are some modern day idols? Are there idols in your house or in your life? I suppose I would change the definition of idols a little bit to fit today’s world. Chances are you do not have a carved image of Baal on your mantle or an Asherah pole in your back yard, but do you have things in your life you hold dearer than God? Is there someone you listen to and obey rather than God? Is there something or someone coloring your worldview away from God’s design and plan? These are our idols. These are the things that draw us and drive us away from God.
