Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Idolatrous

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The unrenewed heart, in its natural state, is often characterized by idolatry, a condition that reflects humanity's tendency to worship and prioritize anything other than the one true God. This idolatrous inclination is a fundamental aspect of the fallen human condition, as described throughout Scripture.

Definition and Nature of Idolatry

Idolatry, in its essence, is the act of valuing or revering something more than God. It involves the elevation of created things—whether physical objects, ideas, or desires—above the Creator. The unrenewed heart is prone to this sin, as it seeks fulfillment and meaning apart from God. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 1:25, highlights this tendency: "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen."

Biblical Examples of Idolatry

The Bible provides numerous examples of idolatry, illustrating the pervasive nature of this sin. In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently fell into idol worship, despite God's clear commandments against it. The golden calf incident in Exodus 32 is a notable example, where the people of Israel, in Moses' absence, fashioned a calf from gold and declared, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" (Exodus 32:4).

In the New Testament, idolatry extends beyond physical idols to include any form of covetousness or misplaced devotion. Colossians 3:5 warns believers to "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." This passage underscores the broader understanding of idolatry as anything that takes precedence over God in one's life.

Consequences of Idolatry

The consequences of idolatry are severe, as it leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God. The prophet Isaiah describes the futility of idol worship, stating, "They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand." (Isaiah 44:18) Idolatry hardens the heart and darkens the understanding, preventing individuals from recognizing the truth of God's sovereignty and grace.

Furthermore, idolatry provokes God's righteous anger and judgment. In Deuteronomy 32:21, God declares, "They have provoked My jealousy by what is not God; they have enraged Me with their worthless idols." The unrenewed heart's idolatrous nature incurs divine wrath, as it stands in direct opposition to God's rightful place as the sole object of worship.

The Remedy for Idolatry

The remedy for the idolatrous heart is found in the transformative power of the Gospel. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, individuals receive a new heart and a renewed spirit. Ezekiel 36:26 promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This divine transformation enables believers to worship God in spirit and truth, forsaking all idols and acknowledging Him as Lord of all.

In summary, the unrenewed heart is inherently idolatrous, seeking fulfillment in anything other than God. This condition is addressed and remedied through the redemptive work of Christ, who alone can renew the heart and restore true worship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 14:3,4
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

First Sunday after Epiphany
... between the outward priesthood of dazzling character and the ... command of God"and without
spirit and heart. ... not only continues unchanged and unrenewed in its ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday after epiphany.htm