Idolatry

When created things take the Creator’s place in our hearts.

First Mention in Scripture

Original Word: עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה (avodah zarah) / εἰδωλολατρία (eidōlolatria)

Reference: Exodus 20:3–4

Meaning: Avodah zarah: foreign worship, service to another god. Eidōlolatria: the worship or service of idols.

In the Ten Commandments, God commands His people to have no other gods before Him and to make no idols, guarding their worship for Him alone.

Idolatry is the act of giving ultimate devotion, trust, or love to something other than God.

In Scripture, idols can be carved images, false gods, or anything we treat as more important than the Lord.

Idolatry distorts our worship, enslaves our hearts, and leads us away from the life God intended.

The gospel calls us to turn from idols to the living God, finding in Him our true joy, security, and hope.

The Nature of Idolatry

Idolatry is not only about statues or pagan rituals — it is a matter of the heart. Anything we depend on more than God for meaning, security, or identity becomes an idol.

It replaces the worship we owe to God with misplaced trust in created things.

Idolatry in Israel’s History

From the golden calf at Sinai to the worship of Baal, Israel repeatedly turned from the living God to idols, despite His warnings and deliverance.

The prophets confronted this sin, calling the people to repent and return to the Lord.

Idolatry in the New Testament

Paul and the apostles warned that idolatry extends beyond pagan temples — it includes greed, covetousness, and any rival to God in our hearts.

Believers are called to flee idolatry and worship God in spirit and truth.

Turning from Idols to the Living God

Through the gospel, God frees us from the power and pull of idols. In Christ, we find the only true object of worship who satisfies the soul.

When we treasure God above all else, idols lose their grip on our hearts.

Scripture References

Idolatry is forbidden by God, who commands, 'You shall have no other gods before me' (Exodus 20:3). Scripture says idols are worthless (Jeremiah 2:5), those who make them become like them (Psalm 115:8), and that we must flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). God calls His people to worship Him alone, the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

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