1 John 5 v21
1. The Biblical Definition of Idolatry
Idolatry is giving ultimate love, loyalty, trust, fear, or worship to anything or anyone other than the one true God.
– Exodus 20:3–4
– Romans 1:25
Here are two things to note:
a. Idolatry may be external, worshiping an image, bowing before a relic, burning incense to a statue.
b. Idolatry may be internal, loving, fearing, or trusting in something more than God.
2. The Categories of Idolatry
From Genesis to Revelation, we find idolatry in at least five main forms:
2.1 Physical Idolatry:
Worshiping visible images or objects.
Examples: The golden calf (Exodus 32), Baal worship (1 Kings 18), worship of sun, moon, and stars (Deuteronomy 4:19).
2.2 Spiritual or Heart Idolatry:
When greed, lust, ambition, or pride dethrone God in the heart.
Colossians 3:5 ”…covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Isaiah 14:13–14 — Lucifer’s pride sought God’s throne.
2.3 Cultural and Religious Idolatry:
Blending the worship of the true God with pagan elements.
2 Kings 17:33 “So they feared the LORD but also served
their own gods.
2.4 Relational Idolatry:
Placing love for people above love for God.
Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother… he cannot be my disciple.”
2.5 Idolatry of the Self:
Self-will in place of God’s will (James 4:13–16).
Romans 1:25 ”…worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator…”
3. The Bible’s Warnings about Idolatry
Why such severity in Scripture?
Because idolatry is spiritual adultery against our covenant Lord.
It robs God of His glory. Isaiah 42:8: “My glory I give to no other.”
It corrupts the soul. Psalm 115:8: “Those who make them become like them.”
It provokes God’s jealousy. Exodus 34:14: “For the LORD… is a jealous God.”
It brings judgement: 2 Kings 17:7–18; Revelation 21:8.
4. The Modern Faces of Idolatry
4.1 Money and Materialism:
Matthew 6:24 “You cannot serve God and money.”
4.2 Success and Achievement:
Jeremiah 9:23 “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom…”
4.3 Relationships:
Galatians 1:10 “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
4.4 Self and Identity:
Judges 21:25 “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
4.5 Pleasure and Entertainment:
2 Timothy 3:4 “Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
4.6 Control and Power:
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”
5. Shunning All Idolatry, even the Subtle Kinds
5.1 Bibliolatry:Worshiping the Bible Instead of the God of the Bible.
5.2 Doctrinolatry:
Worshiping Doctrine Instead of the God Revealed Through Doctrine.
5.3 Preachidolatry:
Worshiping Preachers Instead of the Chief Shepherd.
5.4 Sermonolatry:
Worshiping Sermons Instead of Worshiping God Through the Word.
5.5 Ministryolatry: When Ministry Becomes an Idol.
a. Biblical Order in Ministry.
b. When Ministry Replaces the Master.
6. Remedies against Idolatry
6.1 Heart Examination:
Psalm 139:23–24 “Search me, O God…”
6.2 Scripture Saturation:
Psalm 119:11 “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
6.3 Surrender and Simplicity:
1 Timothy 6:7–8 “If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
6.4 Redirect Worship to God:
Matthew 22:37 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…”
Starve your idols by feeding on Christ.
6.5 Fellowship with God’s People:
Hebrews 3:13 “Exhort one another every day… that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
Applications
a. For Believers:
Exhortation: Be watchful, for idols creep in by degrees.
Direction: Mortify every competitor to Christ’s throne. Keep short accounts with God.
b. For Hypocrites:
Reproof: You name Christ but bow to your own gods.
Warning: Galatians 5:21 “Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
c. For the Unconverted:
Invitation: 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10 — Turn from idols to serve the living God.
Encouragement: God promises to wash the idolater clean if he repents (Ezekiel 36:25–27).
Conclusion
Let us end where John ends:
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
Guard your heart as a fortress for Christ. Cast out every rival. Let the confession of Psalm 73:25–26 be yours: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”