IDOLS IN THE HEART

EZEKIEL 14:4

A. "THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD: EVERY MAN OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL THAT SETTETH UP HIS IDOLS IN HIS HEART, AND PUTTETH THE STUMBLING BLOCK OF HIS INIQUITY BEFORE HIS FACE . . . I THE LORD WILL ANSWER HIM ACCORDING TO THE MULTITUDE OF HIS IDOLS."
  1. It seems strange that God would have to direct the message of our text to His ancient covenant people;
    1. Who had been blessed with the heavenly gift of the lively oracles - Acts 7:38; Rom. 3:2
    2. Who worshipped in the sanctuary where the law of God was, that prohibited idolatry - Ex. 20:1-3
  2. This is positive proof that idolatry is a sin peculiar to the individual practicing it:
B. LET US CONSIDER, BRIEFLY, "IDOLATRY", ITS NATURE AND ITS SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS
  1. Idolatry is very ancient:
    1. Lucifer is the founder of Idolatry.
    2. He initiated it when he centered his affections upon his own person - Isa. 14:13, 14
    3. Introduced Idolatry to the human race when he told Eve, "ye shall be as gods" - Gen. 3:5
  2. It is to be noted that the first two of the Ten Commandments are directed against idolatry: Ex. 20:1-5
  3. What is an idol?
    1. An idol is that which is placed by man into the place which belongs to God alone.
    2. It receives the devotions and affections of man which belong to God alone.
    3. It is, in its very root, self-worship, self- glorification, the worship of the human ego!
    4. It is a misrepresentation of God, therefore, a reproach to God and His holy name, and is, therefore, an affront to the Creator.
  4. Why Idolatry or the worship of idols appeals to the human heart:
  5. A study of the history of Idolatry shows:
    1. That it appears to the carnal nature.
    2. Immorality flourishes where Idolatry prevails - 1 Ki. 21:26; 2 Ki. 21:11
    3. Study the history of the temple worship in India and other countries to discover the true nature of Idolatry.
  6. Idolatry leads to the grossest and most fiendish practices possible:
    1. Human sacrifices are brought to appease the idol - Ps. 106:38; 1 Ki. 13:1-9
    2. Sons and daughters were sacrificed to Molech -- burning them - 2 Chron. 28:3
C. SETTING UP IDOLS IN THE HEART
  1. How can that be among Christians?
    1. When they set up in their hearts anything which takes the place that belongs to God alone.
    2. When they give their affections, their time and means to anything in place of God.
    3. It can be self, gold, silver, pleasure, ideas, motives, and kindred inclinations of the human heart - Jer. 17:9
  2. Our security against "idol" worship:
    1. Christ and Christ alone - EXAMPLES -
      1. The Thessalonians - 1 Thess. 1:9
      2. The Galatians - Gal. 4:8
    2. Christ in control of our hearts will leave no room for an idol! Eph. 3:17; Col. 3:16
  3. Any sin cherished in the heart above God must be cast out or it will bring swift retributions by the Lord:
  4. It must be noted that God's people may never be tempted by the gods of wood and stone, but there are other temptations which seek to take the place of God:
  5. We will do well to heed the admonition of John 5:21 - "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."


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