How do we know the doctrine of idolatry is important?

Idolatry is addressed extensively in Scripture, notably in the first two commandments, where God commands His people to have no other gods before Him and to not make graven images (Exodus 20:3-5). The importance of this doctrine lies in understanding that anything we elevate above God can become a rival to Him in our hearts. The text warns us that those who practice idolatry are deemed as hating God, which shows how seriously this sin is regarded in relation to our covenant with the Lord.

Moreover, as the sermon discussed, the idolatry displayed by the Israelites with the golden calf is a historical lesson on quickly shifting our worship from the true God to tangible objects or concepts. Paul reinforces this in Colossians 3:5 by equating covetousness with idolatry, expanding our understanding of what constitutes an idol. Thus, the doctrine of idolatry is crucial because it highlights the necessity of pure devotion to God and examines the subtlety with which we may allow other things to take precedence in our lives.