Freedom From Idolatry Sermon Guide
Click Here For A Printable Version of the Freedom From Idolatry Sermon Guide
In this message, Pastor Mick explored the concept of idolatry and our journey to freedom from it. He emphasized how idolatry arises from our fears and insecurities, and how redirecting our worship to God is key to experiencing true freedom.
Key Scriptures From The Sermon:
- “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21
- “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” — Colossians 1:15
- “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
Key Points From The Sermon:
- Idolatry is divine honor paid to any created object
- Idolatry arises from the human desire for control rooted in fear
- We often make idols of success, wealth, pleasure, security, and power
- Idolatry makes us slaves to the things we idolize
- Freedom from idolatry comes through redirecting our worship to God
- Jesus is the fountain of life for all our deepest needs
- The process of dealing with idols involves confession, repentance, replacement, and restoration
Table Questions:
These are questions based on the Scriptures and sermon to help you put the teaching into practice. They can be used in discipleship, Lifegroup, as a family, or with whoever is around your table this week.
- What stood out to you most from Pastor Mick’s message on idolatry? How has it changed your understanding of idolatry in your own life?
- Reflect on the five categories of idols mentioned in the sermon (success, wealth, pleasure, security, power). Which of these do you find yourself most prone to idolize? Why do you think that is?
- Pastor Mick mentioned that idolatry arises from our fears and insecurities. Can you identify a fear or insecurity in your life that might be driving you towards idolatry?
- How have you experienced being “enslaved” to an idol in your life? How did it affect your relationship with God and others?
- The sermon emphasized that Jesus is the true source of satisfaction for all our deepest needs (purpose, provision, pleasure, protection, power, presence). Which of these do you find most challenging to trust God for? How can you grow in this area?
- Share a time when you experienced God’s provision or protection in a way that strengthened your faith and reduced your tendency towards idolatry.
- Pastor Mick shared about praying the Lord’s Prayer multiple times a day to “rewire” his thinking. What spiritual disciplines or practices could you implement to help redirect your worship away from idols and towards God?
- Reflect on the process of dealing with idols: confession, repentance, replacement, and restoration. Which of these steps do you find most challenging? How can you engage more fully in this process?
- How does understanding idolatry as a universal human tendency (rather than just “worshiping statues”) change your perspective on your own struggles and those of others?
- What practical steps can you take this week to “keep yourself from idols” and more fully trust in God as the source of all you need?
To go deeper in getting free from idolatry, check out our Freedom Prayer Guide on this topic. It is located at https://antiochwaco.com/series/journey-to-freedom/