Connect Ezekiel 14:4 with the First Commandment's teachings on idolatry. The Text: Ezekiel 14:4 “Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: If any man of the house of Israel sets up idols in his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to the multitude of his idols.’ ” The First Commandment Revisited “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) Heart-Made Idols • Israel’s sin in Ezekiel’s day was not merely bowing to carved images; it was cherishing rival loves “in the heart.” • The First Commandment forbids any allegiance that dethrones God (cf. Deuteronomy 6:5). • Jesus exposes the same issue: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Parallels Between Ezekiel 14:4 and the First Commandment 1. Exclusive Devotion – Commandment: God alone is worthy of worship. – Ezekiel: Hidden idols violate that exclusivity even while outward religion continues. 2. Inner vs. Outer – Commandment: No other gods “before Me”—literally “in My face.” – Ezekiel: Idols are “before his face,” showing God sees the private shrine of the heart. 3. Divine Response – Commandment: The LORD is “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5). – Ezekiel: God answers according to the idols, confronting the sinner with jealous holiness. Consequences of Hidden Idolatry • Spiritual blindness—idols become a “stumbling block.” • Distorted revelation—God answers “according to” the idols, letting deception run its course (Romans 1:24-25). • Broken fellowship—the presence of idols blocks true communion (Psalm 66:18). God’s Jealous Love • Jealousy here is covenant fidelity, not insecurity (Exodus 34:14). • He will not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). • His jealous pursuit aims to reclaim wandering hearts (James 4:5-8). Living Free from Hidden Idols • Examine desires regularly (Psalm 139:23-24). • Replace rival loves with supreme love for Christ (Colossians 3:1-4). • Guard worship habits—what we gaze at, we grow to resemble (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Walk in the Spirit; He displaces idols with the fruit of love (Galatians 5:16-23). “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) |
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