These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Introduction

• Sermon series:  Let Us Reason Together:  Understanding Isaiah
• Today’s Text:  Isaiah 2:18-21; Romans 1:18-32.

Idolatry is…

• Old Testament: A “physical representation of a deity, usually used as an object of worship.”  (Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary)  See Exodus 20:4-5, 32.
• When images were made of God, it reduced who he truly was. When idols representing foreign deities were worshiped, it was spiritual adultery.
• New Testament: The same as the Old Testament, but expanded to include anything that would replace God as our object of faith and worship.  See Acts 15; 17:16; Colossians 3:5; Galatians 5:20; 1 Peter 4:3; Romans 14-15; Ephesians 5:4-5; 1 Corinthians 5:10-11, 6:9, 10:7; Revelation 21:8, 15. 

Idolatry is a declension from truth

• See Romans 1:18-25; James 1:16-17.

Idolatry deceives

• See – 1 Corinthians 6:9, 8:4, 10:18-22; Ephesians 5:5-6; Revelation 12:9; 2 Kings 17:15; Romans 1:20; Revelation 21:8.

Idolatry is alive and well today

• It might be idolatry if it …
  • Is sinful or provides temptation to sin.
  • Causes a distorted (unbiblical) view of God.
  • It takes time, money, and attention away from God.
  • If becomes a source of trust, hope, or joy beyond that which comes from God.
• Some common modern idols: Sexual immorality; False conceptions of God; Identity; Career; Physical Appearance/Fitness; Entertainment; Family/Children; Sports; Fame/Influence; Hobbies; Gossip.

Idolatry ends in destruction

• See Isaiah 2:20-21, 19:1, 31:6-7, 44:9-20, 46:1-7; Romans 1:18-32; Revelation 21:8.

Encouragements:  How do we deal with our idolatry?

• Pray for God to reveal idolatry in our lives.
• Counsel with a Christian brother or sister about the things we suspect may be idolatry.
• Pray for deliverance from the idolatry.
• Seek from the Lord the benefits sought in our idolatry.