What idols might we unknowingly serve, as Israel did in Acts 7:43? The Scene in Acts 7:43 “‘You even took along the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’” (Acts 7:43) Israel’s outward allegiance to the LORD had been compromised by hidden loyalties. Stephen’s speech exposes how easy it is to carry an idol in the heart while still appearing religious. How Idolatry Slips In Today The form has changed, but the tug is identical. Idols are anything—good or bad—that capture the trust, love, and obedience that belong to God alone (Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21). • Priority idols: what claims first place in daily decisions • Security idols: what we look to for safety and provision • Identity idols: what tells us who we are and why we matter • Pleasure idols: what we pursue for comfort or escape Common Modern Idols We May Carry Unaware 1. Success & Achievement • Trusting résumés, grades, titles, or platforms to validate worth • Psalm 20:7 reminds, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” 2. Financial Security • Saving and planning are wise, yet Luke 12:15 warns, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” • When giving becomes reluctant or stingy, money has slipped into Moloch’s seat. 3. Comfort & Convenience • Philippians 3:19 speaks of those “whose god is their stomach.” • If ease dictates choices more than obedience, we have erected the idol of self-indulgence. 4. Approval & Image • John 12:43 exposes many leaders who “loved praise from men more than praise from God.” • Social media likes, peer affirmation, and reputation can quietly replace God’s “Well done.” 5. Technology & Entertainment • Not evil in themselves, yet they devour time, shape values, and dull spiritual hunger (Ephesians 5:15-16). 6. Political or National Identity • Government is ordained by God (Romans 13:1), but nationalism can eclipse allegiance to Christ’s kingdom (Philippians 3:20). 7. Relationships • Spouse, children, mentors—good gifts that become idols when they outrank the Giver (Luke 14:26). 8. Religious Activity • Israel kept festivals while carrying Moloch. Church involvement, doctrines, or traditions may mask a heart drifting from the living God (Revelation 2:4). Signs an Idol Is Present • Disobedience: I know what Scripture says, but… • Anxiety: Excess worry over what could be surrendered to God (Matthew 6:31-33) • Anger: Explosive reactions when the idol is threatened • Sacrifice: Time, money, or integrity readily offered to keep the idol satisfied Tearing Down Hidden Shrines • Expose them with the light of God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12). • Confess specifically and repent earnestly (1 John 1:9). • Replace them with wholehearted worship—fix eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:2). • Practice generous giving, serving, and fasting that dethrone rival loves (Colossians 3:5). A Closing Reminder “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) The command is simple; the battle is daily. Yet by the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:16) we can travel light—no hidden tabernacles of Moloch in tow—loving the Lord our God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength. |
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