The “Truth about Truth” #3
“IDOLS”
Exodus 20:4-6
* When you hear the word “Idol”, who or what do you think about? Most of us think about Stars, Singers, or Sports figures. Or may people we desire to be “LIKE.” In days past some of our idols and/or heroes were fictional characters like Superman, Batman, Spiderman, or the like.
* Because we have been a culture founded on the worship of God, the worship of images has not been a common practice. Yet, in more subtle ways, we seem to be placing more and more emphasis on the things of this world. As we do, the more our lives take on a form of worship of the things of this world. Fundamentally, it is very dangerous.
* Our series of messages center on the central truths upon which all the world is founded, The Ten Commandments. Turn to Exodus 20 and let’s read verse 4-6, the 2nd command.
* Let divide our discussion into four parts:
1) The Principle - I remind you that over half of the commandment are given in the negative, “do not.”
a) Don’t build
i) Without getting into linguistics, the Hebrew word here is to fashion, hew, construct, or make. This was obviously important for the Children of Israel. Remember that for 400 years they have been under the Egyptian influence of polytheism. Some of the COI seemed to be more comfortable with a “made” god they could touch and see than Jehovah God.
ii) We see this in chapter 32, when Moses and God don’t work on their schedule so they build a calf.
iii) God knew and knows our weaknesses.
b) Don’t bow -
i) What does it mean to bow? The 1st command said, “no other gods before me.” And now, don’t bow? What exactly does this mean? Anytime we put anything before God in our lives, it is bowing.
Idols – Pg 2
ii) Today, I can drive you to a home where, for a number of years, Reba was their God. They literally abandoned God, His worship, His house, and His family for her concerts.
(1) It is interesting to me that the KJV uses the words “Bow & Serve” to indicate worship. You see, worship is an action word like in Genesis where it says to “till the ground.” In the New Testament, you shall worship (serve) God on that mountain, it is an action word. It is a life-changing action.
iii) Before we can fall in line with this command, we have to determine what exactly “IS” our God. Today in the American church, there is a GREAT IDOL in view. It is SELF & SELF WORSHIP. (this is another message)
2) The Practical – God gives us a definition of exactly "what" would constitute an IDOL? Some of these possess real fire power for today’s culture.
a) Anything in the Heavens –
i) It takes little imagination to understand that God is speaking of “Astrology” or the worship of Sun, Moon, and Stars. We can expand our understanding to the worship of Angels, Demons, and other imaginary gods. To offer one more thought; this also means any statues of God. Remember God is “spirit” that is His essence & no man-made creation can do Him justice.
b) Anything on Earth
i) Now He speaks about Statues of People. This gets offensive to some, but I read this to mean statues of Mary, Jesus, Crosses, Crucifix, and any of the rest. Now it violates this command when we worship these, not have a cross around your neck.
ii) Also included would be statues of animals. This is a direct affront to the Egyptian mythology which the COI had been so exposed to and infected with over the 400 years of captivity.
Idols – Pg 3
c) Anything in Water (under)
i) This speaks of the worship of fish, crocodiles and “so-called” sea monster. Does this sound foolish?
d) In practice, it is a sin to worship ANYTHING other than God Himself. To build, bow, or redirect our worship.
3) The Punishment
a) Reason for the Punishment –
i) God is a jealous God. To make this simple, the picture from the word “jealous” is red faced. God designed us for Himself, has given all He had for us.
(1) How would you feel if YOUR spouse was unfaithful? Would you become RED FACED?
(2) Bible calls worship of others Gods spiritual adultery. This jealousy is a good word and RED faced anger is a good description.
b) Reality of the Punishment – Those who “hate” Him will be punished. Keep your perspective. Few people will own up to “hating God.” The atheist says he doesn’t believe there is a God. Adrian Rogers says, the atheist doesn’t want to believe there is a God, because if there is a God, then I have to answer to Him. To not believe in Him is equivalent to hate.
(1) KJV uses the word iniquity, but no matter, it is still sin. The Bible is consistent in teaching the wages of sin. Jeremiah 31:30 reminds us for those who don’t believe, “everyone will die for his own sin”
(2) Romans 6:23a & Rev. 20:15 reveals the same fate.
c) Reach of the Punishment –Listen, it goes to the 3rd & 4th Generations. Talk about sobering?
i) Will God punish because of parent’s sin? Knowing this truth, wonder what unfathomable judgment our children’s children will have.
4) The Promise –
a) Sound of the Promise - This translation says, “Showing love.” But there are many words are used here all of which carry the sound of God, love mercy, grace & more.
Idols – Pg 4
i) Sometimes we forget that God is all about purity, holiness, obedience, and blessings.
b) Scope of the Promise
i) Unlike His curse which extends a few generations, His blessing for worship extends a thousand generations. How might this play out?
ii) When we truly come before God in worship & service and respond to Jehovah God, the Christlikeness in our lives leaves such a mark on our family that the legacy goes on and on.
iii) We are already watching Billy Graham’s Children. Wonder what will blessing God will give that family because of the faithfulness of Dr. Graham?
iv) What about your own legacy? What will your family receive from God because of you? Will they be blessed or curse?
c) Seriousness of the Promise
i) This promise of God extends to only a selected few. These messages will not pass the test of being politically correct. But the secret is, “neither will God’s words.” Some will be left out of the blessing.
ii) The Oscars (& other award’s shows) no longer will say, “the winners is.” We want to think there are NO winners or Losers. Candidly, this is flawed thinking.
iii) God’s promise is only given to those who meet HIS requirements & love Him by keeping His Commands.
* The greatest demonstration of love ever given was by God Himself in the person of Jesus. Romans 5:8. And now God says, “don’t make an idol.”
Our Requirements: Love Him and keep His command.
