The Disease of Idolatry

Intro: Definition of Disease

Webster’s - a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms.

Ex. 20:1-6. The distinguishing feature of God’s people is meant to be the singularity of our worship.

Notice the claim followed by proof. (vs. 2-3)

Notice the claim followed by proof (vs. 4-6). Center on the word (jealous).

The Disease of Idolatry multiplies our worship.

It multiplies the place. (vs. 1-3)

Notice the references to multiple geographical locations.

The people of Judea worshipped anywhere except where they were suppose to be.

How often do you exchange the gathering of believers for your own personal place of idolatry?

It multiples the person. (vs. 4b-5a)

Ezekiel is going to use a Hebrew word here for idols that is unique to him. Out of the 49 times it is used in the O.T., it is used 39 times in Ezekiel.

The root of this word is found in 4:12 and 4:15 (dung, excrement, poop)

Instead of Ba’al, we have ball.

For Chemosh, we have have social media.

For Molech, we have money.

For Tiamat, we have our sexual preferences.

For Asherah, we have happiness.

It multiplies the price. (vs. 4a-5c)

Though most pagan religions did not start this way, their ultimate end came in human sacrifice.

The worshippers of idols ended up being the sacrifice.

The Disease of Idolatry moves us to infidelity.

In verse eight and nine, we have a brief reprieve of the Lord’s wrath. More importantly than that we are given insight into how idolatry in our lives affects God!

It moves us to injure our Lord. (v. 9)

The verb broken here is in the passive meaning that an outside force has acted upon the subject.

Pictures of this activity can be seen in a ship being crashed against the rocks by angry waves, a wound having been afflicted by a wild beast, or an opposing army breaking down a wall.

When you and I worship the idols of this world, have no doubt about it. It hurts our Lord!

It moves us to change our affections. (v. 9)

Here, a picture of an unfaithful husband being lured away by a harlot comes to the scene.

If you have ever been in a relationship where loyalty and trust was broken, then you know the emotions that are being expressed here.

It moves us to a place of calamity. (v. 10)

Notice the claim followed by the proof.

Claim - They will know (experientially) that I am the Lord.

You can know God by His grace and mercy.

You can know God through His judgment and wrath.

Proof - Deut. 7:1-6; Deut. 28:15-34.

If God did not spare those who were unfaithful to him in the Old Testament, then He will not hold back His hand to those who neglect Him in the New Testament!

Conclusion:

The dove and the dovecote