The Essence of Idolatry

The Infinite One cannot be reduced to any visible form ()

Explanation: The Eternal God is Infinite and without material form. Because His essence is Spirit, and because He is absolutely Holy and transcendent, any attempt to limit or reduce Him to “a manageable form” through an image or likeness is sinful. Yahweh is telling His people that He is unique; therefore His worship by His people is to be unique. The other nations had carved idols and stone images for their false gods, but the Israelites were not to copy their idolatrous practices

Argument: The Living God repeated this emphasis over and over to His people. In the book of Deuteronomy (written just prior to entry into Canaan), God has Moses warn the people against idolatry again (). God reminds His people that, while they heard His voice, they saw no form (v. 15). God not only tells them to avoid making images of any creature, He even warns them not to worship the sun, moon, or stars.

The issue of idolatry is immense, and it is not limited to our long-dead ancestors. We consider ourselves more sophisticated and knowledgeable than they were, but the reality is that the human heart has not changed over the millennia. As the theologian John Calvin once stated, “the heart is an idol factory,” and we are in constant danger of violating the 2nd Commandment (cf., ).

Application: While we make no carved images or set up shrines in our homes or places of worship, we must strive not to limit God, even in our minds. One way we do this is by trying (never successfully) to “put God in a box” It cannot be done, but we are sometimes guilty.

Application: When you pray, do you have an image

The Consequences of Idolatry are not good ()

Explanation: God clearly states that violation of the 2nd Commandment has serious consequences. God declares that His people are not to participate in any false worship because He is a jealous God (cf., ; ). We tend to view jealousy in a negative sense, considering that the jealous one is insecure and over-protective in a stifling, repressive manner. Not so with God. His Jealousy does not stem from a sense of insecurity at all. He is the Creator of all things, the One with no rival. Instead of insecurity, His jealousy rises from the affront to His majesty by the ones He has done so much for.

Illustrate: Wife keeping picture of old boyfriends on display. Indicative of divided loyalties

Argument: God will reveal His glory with everyone; but He shares His glory with no one! There is no room for others in worshiping the LORD God. The reason He is so emphatic on this is that He knows where it will lead. In every situation the Israelites succumbed to the sin of idolatry they experienced devastating consequences, until finally they were cast out of the Promised Land and sold into slavery by God Himself!

The phrase visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation is troubling to many readers. They sense an inherent unfairness, and may even be familiar with other OT Scriptures that clearly state that the children are not guilty for their fathers sin (, see espec. v. 20). The meaning of is found in the pattern of the sinful lifestyle that has damaging effects on future generations. [children who grow up in abusive homes often become abusers themselves]

Application: Consider the future effects of your current conduct. Our choices really do matter, and our actions will influence our descendents. Pursue godliness and model an undivided heart in your family life

Keeping the 2nd Commandment

Explanation: The moral code is still in effect for Christians, and the essence of the prohibition against idolatry is repeated in the NT. In the first chapter of Romans, the Apostle Paul discusses the sin of those who warp their understanding of the Creator by worshiping the creation ().

As moderns, we are quick to dismiss their level of idolatry, but when we construct a mental image of God that is deficient, we too are guilty of idolatry

Word of Faith god - they worship a god who is constrained by their “words of faith.” If they speak something, God is bound to make it so.

A loving, nonjudgmental God - i don’t believe that God would send anyone to Hell.

a god substitute - anything we trust in and depend on for our ultimate happiness. This would include the government, a job, a title, money, or even family (children, g-children)

If there is something in our life, that if it was suddenly gone, and our reaction was that life is no longer worth living; then that thing is our god.