“The Who of Worship, Part 3” (Ready to Worship S11E3)

February 7, 2020

Ready to Worship Season 11, Episode 3 for Friday, February 7, 2020

This season on Ready to Worship we are investigating worship by asking the questions – who, what, when, where, why, and how. In this lesson, our focus will again be on the WHO of worship.
So far in our studies, we have noticed that we are not to worship Mary (Lk. 11:27-28), Peter (Acts 11:25-26), angels (Rev. 22:8-9), or the creation (Rom. 1: 22-25). In this lesson, we are going to notice that we are not to worship idols. The Ten Commandments clearly stated that God’s people were not to make a graven image or to bow down to one (Ex. 20:4-5). Yet, God’s people repeatedly did both. No doubt, you recall the golden calves that Aaron and Jeroboam made (Ex. 32; 1 Kings 12). Although calves could be offerings in worship, they were never to be objects of worship. Perhaps, you also remember the brazen serpent that Moses made (Num. 21). When it was made, it was not an idol. However, it later became one and had to be destroyed (2 Kings 18:4). You might say that the Old Serpent (Satan) used the brazen serpent to turn men’s hearts from God.
As you know, idolatry was as prevalent in New Testament times as it was in Old Testament times. When Paul came to the city of Athens, he found it wholly given to idolatry (Acts 17:16). Historians tell us that there were more idols than individuals in the city. As he did on other occasions, Paul tried to get them to turn from worshipping dead idols to the living God (Acts 14:15; 1 Thess. 1:9). Perhaps, you are thinking, that was then, this is now; or maybe, that was them, this is us. We tend to think that idolatry isn’t a problem now. We tend to think that it isn’t a problem for us. However, when we properly understand idolatry, I believe that we will find that it is. As you recall, Paul defined covetousness as idolatry (Col. 3:5; Mt.. 6:24). As we have already seen, he had been to Athens. He had seen idols of all shapes and sizes. He knew what idolatry was, and he called covetousness as he saw it. I believe that you will agree that this form of idolatry is alive and well today. To the idol of covetousness, we might add the adoration that many individuals give to actors, actresses, musicians, athletes, and sports teams. Although these idols are living and not inanimate, they have been fashioned (surgery, airbrushing) and adorned like the idols of the Old Testament. For sure, they are followed with the same fanaticism.
As we get ready to worship this week, let’s make sure that we have the who of worship correct. God alone is worthy of worship.