Sermon on Idolatry | The Futility of Idolatry
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon Outlines
INTRODUCTION: Isaiah 10:10-14
1. The Kingdom of Judah had trusted in its idols for protection.
2. Sennacherib points out that he had defeated all the kingdoms with greater idols than Judah.
1) He defeated Babylon and Egypt.
2) He defeated Syria and then Samaria.
3) One by one they all fell and only the city of Jerusalem was left.
4) Jerusalem was saved only because her king (Hezekiah) trusted in Jehovah.
5) Sennacherib’s army was destroyed by the power of Jehovah. 2 Kings 19:32-37
3. This hour we will point out the futility of idolatry.
4. I recognize today that most lessons you hear on this subject focus on the idolatry of the heart that manifests itself in covetousness. (Colossians 3:5; Ezekiel 14:7)
5. This lesson will focus on idolatry proper.
1) You have neighbors that are idolaters.
2) Your children go to school with idolaters.
3) Immigration from the Far East has skyrocketed in recent years.
4) Religions such as New Age are alive and active.
5) Saints are still being venerated.
DISCUSSION: (Discussion of this sermon on idolatry.)
I. IDOLATRY DESCRIBED. Exodus 20:3-5
1. Having a god before Jehovah. Israel committed this sin. Exodus 32:1ff.
2. It may involve making an image or likeness. Must not to be blessed. Leviticus 26:1
3. May involve worshipping sun, moon & stars. Deuteronomy 4:15-19
4. Involves bowing down or serving them. Exodus 23:24
5. Description of the idolatries of Judah. Ezekiel 8:5-18
II. IDOLATRY IS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH.
1. There is only one God.
1) Jehovah offers His deeds as proof. Deuteronomy 4:32-35
2) Elijah’s point on Matthew Carmel. 1 Kings 18:20-22,29,36-39
3) Jehovah’s testimony. I know no other god. Isaiah 44:6-8
4) Jehovah offers prophecy as proof. Isaiah 42:8-9; Deuteronomy 18:20-22
5) Isaiah 44:28-45:5 cf. Ezra 4:1-4
6) John 17:3
2. Jehovah is the only source of truth.
1) With His resurrection to confirm His words Jesus says, “Thy word is truth.” John 17:17.
2) All the earth to be silent before Jehovah. Habakkuk 2:18-20
3) The gods of Babylon vs. Jehovah. Daniel 2:26-28;
3. The Folly of Idolatry. Isaiah 44:9-20; cf. Jeremiah 10:23
Finally, in this sermon on idolatry…
III. IDOLATERS ARE COMMANDED TO REPENT. Acts 17:30-31
1. Because you have neglected the one true God.
2. Because there is a Day of Judgment coming.
3. The resurrection is the proof.
CONCLUSION: (Ending of this sermon on idolatry.)
1. When we worship Jehovah we may be sure that He is the one true God.
2. We may be sure that He is the only source of truth.
3. The church has the responsibility to teach the world of God’s command to repent of idolatry.