What idols today might Christians need to turn away from, according to Revelation 9:20? Revelation’s Wake-Up Call “The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.” (Revelation 9:20) Ancient Idols Named • Demonic powers • Precious-metal images: gold, silver, bronze • Carved images: stone, wood Modern Counterparts Christians Must Renounce • Money and materialism – the relentless pursuit of profit, possessions, and financial security that edges out trust in God (Matthew 6:24) • Technology and screens – allowing devices, apps, and endless scrolling to shape affections more than Scripture (Psalm 119:37) • Self-image and social media acclaim – living for likes, followers, and personal branding rather than the glory of Christ (Galatians 1:10) • Entertainment and pleasure – binge culture, gaming, and sports that crowd out worship and service (1 Corinthians 10:7) • Sexual freedom and romance – elevating desire over God’s design for purity and marriage (Ephesians 5:3) • Power, politics, and nationalism – looking to human systems for ultimate hope and identity instead of the King of kings (Psalm 146:3-5) • Knowledge and education – trusting human reason over divine revelation (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Occult and alternative spiritualities – horoscopes, crystals, manifesting, and other demonic counterfeits (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) • Tradition and empty religion – rituals without heart-level obedience (Mark 7:6-8) Scriptural Echoes That Expose Idolatry • “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) • “Put to death…greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5) • “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14) • “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) Choosing Repentance Over Stubbornness • Compare your calendar and bank statement with God’s priorities—repent where they clash. • Replace endless scrolling with intentional time in the Word; let Scripture rewire desires. • Fast periodically from entertainment or social media to break hidden dependencies. • Practice generous giving to dethrone materialism and affirm God as Provider. • Invite trusted believers to speak truth when any good thing begins to dethrone the Lord. • Cultivate daily worship—adoration fixes the heart on the only One worthy. |
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