How can we identify and address "unknown gods" in our own lives today? Acts 17:23 and the Ancient Altar “For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you.” What “Unknown gods” Look Like Today - Anything we serve, fear, or love more than the Lord (Exodus 20:3). - Good gifts—work, family, hobbies—that become ultimate things (Romans 1:25). - Hidden loyalties that quietly shape choices and consume affections. Warning Signs of a Hidden Idol - Consistent disobedience in one area despite clear Scripture (James 1:22). - Anxiety or anger when the thing is threatened (Matthew 6:24). - Habitual justification: “I need this to be happy.” - Excessive time, money, or emotional energy poured into it. - Neglect of prayer, the Word, or fellowship to make room for it (Hebrews 10:25). Common Modern Altars - Wealth and material security (1 Timothy 6:9–10). - Personal image and approval on social media (Galatians 1:10). - Romantic relationships or family harmony (Luke 14:26). - Career success and productivity (Ecclesiastes 2:4–11). - Entertainment, gaming, and endless scrolling (Ephesians 5:15–16). - Self-reliance and “my truth” (Proverbs 3:5–6). Testing Our Hearts with Scripture - Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” - 1 John 5:21: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” - 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” Steps to Demolish Hidden Idols 1. Expose the altar: confess specifically to God (1 John 1:9). 2. Replace the lie with truth: meditate on relevant Scriptures (John 17:17). 3. Renounce ownership: surrender the idol and its outcomes to the Lord (Luke 9:23). 4. Cultivate opposite obedience: practice generous giving, silence, service—whatever counters the idol (Galatians 5:16). 5. Seek accountability: invite a mature believer to walk with you (Hebrews 3:13). 6. Persevere in worship: fill the vacuum with praise, prayer, and the Word (Psalm 16:11). Embracing the One True God - Deuteronomy 6:4–5: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart…” - Matthew 22:37: Jesus reaffirms the same command. - Acts 4:12: Salvation is found in no one else. Practical Takeaways for This Week - Begin every day by declaring Christ’s lordship aloud. - Fast from one suspected idol for seven days and note the heart’s reaction. - Memorize Acts 17:23–25 to reorient worship. - Schedule intentional Sabbath rest to declare trust in God over productivity. |
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