Print

EZEKIEL 14:1-6

"IDOLATRY"

Intro: An idol is a representative of an ideal or master passion which,
       when possessed or worshipped, shows acknowledgment as that person's
       god.

I. "THESE MEN HAVE SET UP IDOLS IN THEIR HEARTS."
        A. This is where idolatry begins.
                1. Most people would deny vehemently the accusation of
                   idolatry.
                        a. We live in an enlightened age. 
                        b. No man burns candles before a statue.
                        c. I have no altars in my home.
                2. But God is looking in your heart - what does He see
                   enthroned there?
        B. The Bible considers the heart as the core of a man's existence.
                1. "Keep your heart with all diligence..."
                2. "For out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders,
                   adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
                   blasphemies."
                        a. "God looks at the heart."
                        b. Does God see any of these idols there?
        C. "Search me O God and know my heart."
                1. Important prayer because "the heart is deceitful and
                   desperately wicked, who can know it."
                2. What is the greatest passion of your hearts?
                        a. What has top priority in your life?
                        b. What is your magnificent obsession?
                        c. What do you build your schedule around?
                3. People used to burn incense before a little idol they
                   called 
                        Molech - (god of pleasure..

II. GOD SAID, "THROUGH THEIR IDOLS THEY ARE ESTRANGED FROM ME."
        A. This is always the effect of idolatry.
                1. God soon becomes as a stranger to you.
                2. Jesus said, "no man can serve two masters."  You cannot
                   serve God and mammon.
                3. There is only one real master in your life.
                        a. Who is it?
                        b. What is it?
        B. In effect, God said to Ezekiel, "Why should I help them?
                1. They have all these little idols in their hearts, yet
                   they come to hear My word.
                2. Why should I speak to them?

III. GOD'S BASIC WORD TO THEM - "REPENT."
        A. If you want to hear from God, repent.
                1. If you desire restored fellowship with God, repent.
                2. To repent is to change.
                3. There is a sorrow that is not repentance.
                4. But godly sorrow will lead to repentance.
                5. In true repentance you don't go right back doing the
                   same old thing.
        B. Same call that Jesus gave to church at Ephesus.