Tearing Down The Altars Of Baal

TEARING DOWN THE ALTARS OF BAAL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 6:25-28

Supporting Texts: Exodus 34:13-14, 1 Kings 18:21-40, 2 Corinthians 6:16-17, Isaiah 42:8, 1 John 5:21

INTRODUCTION:

The altar of Baal represents everything that challenges the supremacy of God in our lives. In ancient Israel, it was a physical altar built to honour a false god, but today, it could be anything that takes God's place in our hearts—pride, addiction, compromise, fame, or worldly pursuits. Before God can fully use a man or woman, these altars must be pulled down.

In Judges 6, before Gideon could lead Israel to victory, God commanded him to destroy the altar of Baal in his father's house. This act was the first step to revival and divine commissioning. There can be no true transformation or breakthrough until every strange altar is dealt with.

The process of tearing down these altars requires courage, obedience, and a desire to honour God above all else. It is a call to spiritual reformation and cleansing—both personal and corporate. If we want to experience the fullness of God’s power and presence, we must remove the competition from our hearts.

1. IDENTIFYING MODERN-DAY ALTARS OF BAAL

a) Idols of the heart (Ezekiel 14:3):

Anything we trust, love, or fear more than God is an idol.

b) Compromise with worldly values (James 4:4):

Friendship with the world is enmity with God.

c) Secret sins and habits (Romans 6:12-13):

What we permit in secret can become an altar in our lives.

d) Religious traditions without true devotion (Mark 7:6-8):

God rejects worship that is rooted in tradition but void of love.

Biblical Example: The people of Israel worshipped Baal while claiming to follow Yahweh (1 Kings 18:21).

2. GOD’S COMMAND TO DESTROY STRANGE ALTARS

a) God will not share His glory (Isaiah 42:8):

He demands exclusive worship.

b) A clean altar must be prepared for His presence (Exodus 34:13-14):

Destroying false altars is a prerequisite to revival.

c) God requires immediate and complete obedience (Judges 6:25-26):

Partial obedience delays divine manifestation.

d) The destruction of false altars restores divine order (1 Kings 18:30):

Rebuilding the Lord's altar begins with tearing down the wrong ones.

Biblical Example: Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal and built an altar to the Lord in its place (Judges 6:26).

3. THE COST AND COURAGE OF CONFRONTING FALSE ALTARS

a) Obedience may cause opposition (Judges 6:29-30):

People may resist when you challenge their false systems.

b) Tearing down altars often starts in the family (Matthew 10:34-36):

Revival usually begins at home.

c) God gives boldness for difficult assignments (2 Timothy 1:7):

Fear must be overcome to walk in purpose.

d) True faith challenges the norm (Hebrews 11:32-34):

Gideon became a hero of faith because he acted courageously.

Biblical Example: Joash, Gideon’s father, defended his son’s action when others wanted to kill him (Judges 6:31).

4. THE RESULTS OF DESTROYING THE ALTARS OF BAAL

a) Divine favour is released (Judges 6:34):

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon after the act of obedience.

b) God confirms His word with signs (Judges 6:36-40):

Obedience opens doors to divine revelation.

c) Deliverance is birthed (Judges 7:7):

Victory followed the removal of false altars.

d) A new identity and mission are established (Judges 6:12):

Gideon moved from fear to leadership.

Biblical Example: After destroying the altar, Gideon led Israel to defeat the Midianites (Judges 7:19–22).

5. REBUILDING ALTARS TO THE LIVING GOD

a) Build an altar of prayer and worship (Psalm 141:2):

True altars are places of daily communion with God.

b) Recommit to God’s Word and His will (Romans 12:1–2):

Our lives must be a living sacrifice.

c) Raise godly altars in your home and family (Genesis 18:19):

Homes should be centres of worship and teaching.

d) Live a life that attracts His glory (Isaiah 60:1):

When God’s altar is built, His glory rests there.

Biblical Example: Elijah repaired the broken altar and fire fell from heaven in response (1 Kings 18:30-39).

CONCLUSION:

God cannot dwell where Baal is worshipped. If we want to see revival, power, and the manifest presence of God, the strange altars in our lives, homes, churches, and nations must come down. We are called to be altar-builders for God—not for idols. Just as Gideon obeyed and was used mightily, we too must arise and tear down what stands against God’s will.

This is not a one-time action, but a lifestyle of constant surrender, discernment, and boldness. Let every heart cry out: "No more Baal! Only Jesus shall be lifted!" Rebuild the altar to the Living God, and He will come with fire and glory.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, show me every hidden altar of Baal in my life.

2. I tear down every strange altar that competes with You.

3. Let Your fire consume every idol in my heart.