1. The False Gods We Serve (S)

2. Idolatry in the World Today Religions like Hinduism and Buddhism have thousands of gods and idols God’s people can serve him and idols at the same time (2 Kings 17:33,41; Zeph. 1:5) Serving false gods brings sorrow (Psa. 16:4) False gods can be carried with us (Amos 5:26)

3. Idolatry in the Bible “Idolatry – 1. worship of idols. 2. excessive admiration of, devotion to, or reverence for some person or thing (WNWD, 722) Idols as an outward object of wood or stone (Ex. 20:2-5; Isa. 44:9-20; Jer. 10:1-5; Acts 17:16; Rom. 1:23; Rev. 9:20) Idols as an inward desire of the heart (Ezek. 14:1-5)

4. The False Gods We Serve The god of materialism (Mt. 6:21,24,33; Col. 3:5) – job, money, possessions, clothes The god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4) - lust The god of self (Rom. 16:18; Phil. 3:19; 2 Tim. 3:2) – education, achievements, body The god of pleasure & entertainment (Lk. 8:14; 2 Tim. 3:4; Jas. 4:1) – hobbies, sports

5. How Do We Know We Are Serving False Gods? Do we use these things as tools to get through life or as masters to serve? (1 Tim. 6:6-10) Do we choose one of these over proper service to the Lord? (Mt. 19:20-22) Do we share what we have or horde it and hope in it? (Lk. 12:13-21; 1 Tim. 6:17-19)

6. The Christian and False Gods “Make no mention … of other gods” (Ex. 23:13; 34:14) “Choose you this day” (Josh. 24:15) “His spirit was provoked … full of idols (Acts 17:16) “Neither be idolaters … flee idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:7,14) “Turn unto God from idols” (1 Thess. 1:9) “Guard yourselves from idols” (1 Jn. 5:21)

7. The Christian and False Gods No Idolaters In Heaven (Revelation 21:8; 22:15)