Sermons on High Cost Of Idolatry:

What Stands Between You And God? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 3, 2013

As humans, our default position is to be self-centered. And unless we are aware of it and address it, we will always act in our own best self-interest. But as the Psalms show us, we are not the center of the universe - God is. And that's a very good thing

Psalm 115 is all about how silly we as humans can be, thinking we can actually do anything apart from God. It is also about who really gets the glory—God or us? By the way, many of the lines in this psalm are also found in Psalm 135. 1 – 3 If more of us would live by verse 1 of this ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

What Are You Willing To Surrender?

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jul 6, 2021

There is a cost to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. Each person has to determine what he/she is willing to give. Jesus gave His life. In turn what will you surrender?

What are you willing to surrender? Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz Mark 8:34-38 34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 35 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38

Denomination: United Methodist

Love Builds Up, And Focuses On The Other (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Mar 7, 2022

The Corinthians are focused on knowledge, and their rights. In doing this, they've lost track of what's more important-- the church, and building the body.

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul switches topics. So we find ourselves done thinking and talking about singleness, and marriage, and touching, and sexual immorality. The Corinthians have another question that they want Paul to answer. That question is something like this: "Is it okay to go to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

"The Heart Of The Matter"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Feb 22, 2011

A sermon about not allowing money and stuff control you.

Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34 “The Heart of the Matter” By: Ken Sauer, Pastor of East Ridge United Methodist Church, Chattanoga, TN www.eastridgeumc.com In his book How Much Is Enough? Hungering For God In An Affluent Culture author and Founder of Bread for the World: Arthur Simon ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: United Methodist

Gideon's Gaffe Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Oct 4, 2010

Gideon (Inadvertenly) Makes An Idol

Almost a year has gone by since Tiger Woods admitted sharing a bed with women who were not his wife. Since then he’s lost his marriage, millions of dollars in endorsements, and his golf game has been off. What prompted Tiger to make such a gaffe? Let him tell you in his own words: “I ...read more

Scripture: Judges 8:22-35

Denomination: Lutheran

The Battle Between God And The Gods We Serve Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Aug 30, 2013

For God to be first in our life, we have to allow Him to win the battle against the gods of this world.

INTRODUCTION • SLIDE #1 • How many of us woke up this morning or any thinking, do I worship God or am I going to worship Satan today? • Hopefully we do not think that way, if you are, please come see me later.  • I really do not think too many followers of Jesus or ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Learn From The Past Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Aug 20, 2022

Paul warns the Corinthians of the dangers of exposing themselves to temptations by drawing their attention to the lessons from the past, highlighting the failures of their forefathers.

1 Cor 10:1-13 Learn From the Past Paul makes his concluding remarks here in chapter 10 still on the subject of exercising self-control and not becoming a stumbling block to others. • We have rights and freedom but watch our conduct because not everything we do is beneficial. • In the preceding ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Putting Things Before God

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Aug 15, 2023

Jesus was tempted to exalt Himself in a way that was not right. Today we're going to talk a little bit about exalting ourselves above God or putting something else before God.

If you don't toot your own horn, who will? Have you ever heard that before? Let's face it, we really enjoy those moments when good things happen to us. We feel good when we've accomplished something. And with those good experiences, we naturally want to tell others about it. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:8-11, Deuteronomy 6:10-15

Denomination: Baptist

Old Gods, New Names: The Spirits Behind Post-Modern Idolatry

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Oct 25, 2025

Idolatry is not a relic of the ancient world. It is the oldest sin in human history — and the most enduring. The names have changed, but the spirits behind them remain.

Introduction: The Return of Old Spirits Brothers and sisters, Idolatry is not a relic of the ancient world. It is the oldest sin in human history — and the most enduring. From Eden to Egypt, from Babylon to the boardroom, the human heart has always had a tendency to build altars to other ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:22, Romans 1:25, Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Old Gods, New Names: The Spirits Behind Post-Modern Idolatry

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Nov 12, 2025

Idolatry is not confined to the ancient past — it is humanity’s oldest and most persistent sin. Though the names and forms have changed, the same spirits remain.

Brothers and sisters, idolatry is not a relic of the ancient world. It is the oldest sin in human history — and the most enduring. From Eden to Egypt, from Babylon to the boardroom, the human heart has always had a tendency to build altars to other gods. The names have changed, but the spirits ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:22-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Let No Man Say..." Dr. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Oct 19, 2004

There is a high cost to low living. Temptation brings out the best or should I say the worst in us all. Let’s see why!

Introduction When the subject of temptation comes up, what do you think of or about? Embesselment, proposition, the unknown? If the truth be known temptation has no boundries and many faces and all of us at one time or another will be tempted in some way! For this reason James offers counsel to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Egypt And The Golden Calf Series

Contributed by Leo Launio on Oct 16, 2003

Idolatry is not simply worshipping an idol. Idolatry is not giving God first place in our hearts.

December 8, 2002 A. Review 1) Saturday evening—we studied “The Valley of Baca” a) From this study, we’ve learned that in our Christian journey towards the Promised Land we will experience some difficulty. This is the Valley of Baca. Also known as the Valley of Tears. 2) Saturday morning—we ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-35

Denomination: Adventist

What People Don't Want To Hear Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jul 18, 2006

Many of today’s believers simply do not want to hear the Truth of the Gospel.

Sermon Brief Date Written: July 12, 2006 Date Preached: July 16, 2006 Where Preached: OZHBC (PM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: Idolatry in the church Sermon Title: What People Don’t Want to Hear… Ascribing to the Idol of Self Worth… Sermon Text: 2 Tim 4:3-4 (NASB) read now… Essence of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Capturing God Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

Dominant Thought: God is beyond being captured in a work of art or mental image

If you’re from a Catholic or Lutheran background this morning, you may have been wondering why I’m going to preach about commandment #1 twice and about #9 and 10 together. That’s because those 2 particular religious systems split the Top 10 up differently, making the “no ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It Came From Within: Greed Series

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Mar 10, 2021

This sermon is adapted from Andy Stanley's book "Enemies of the Heart." It is about the idol of greed and how the habit of generosity overthrows it.

It Came From Within: Greed Introduction Luke 12:15-21 NIV 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:15-21

Denomination: Pentecostal