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Mike McInnis

The Idol Gods #892

Mike McInnis • November, 2 2021 • Audio
19 Articles 1,627 Sermons
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Mike McInnis
Mike McInnis • November, 2 2021
19 articles 1,627 sermons

In his sermon "The Idol Gods," Mike McInnis addresses the pervasive nature of idolatry in contemporary society, positing that idolatry extends beyond physical objects to include any conception of God that is manipulated by human desire. He argues that unregenerate individuals create gods that conform to their own preferences, leading to their inability to recognize the true God, who is sovereign and beyond human comprehension. Through Scripture references such as Job 10:2, 1 Samuel 15:22, and Isaiah 45:22, McInnis illustrates that true worship is not characterized by mere rituals or sacrifices, but by obedience to God’s commands. This sermon emphasizes the doctrinal significance of recognizing the distinct nature of God, highlighting the need for worship that acknowledges His sovereignty and the independence of His will, ultimately calling listeners to reject fabricated idols in favor of submitting to the one true God.

Key Quotes

“The real error of idolatry is not found in the fashioning of a piece of wood, stone, or metal, but in the mind which believes it can shape and fashion God according to its own design.”

“Men will go to great lengths of service and devotion to those gods which they fashion, and will often defend them even unto death.”

“Our God is in the heavens. He hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”

“Do you worship the one true and living God? His name is above every name.”

What does the Bible say about idolatry?

The Bible warns against idolatry, emphasizing that true worship must be directed to the one true God.

Idolatry, according to Scripture, is not merely about bowing down to statues; it involves the heart's inclination to fashion a God based on personal desires and understanding. This is evident in the way people create 'idol gods' that agree with their own values and desires, often neglecting the true nature of God as revealed in the Bible. As Job stated, the true God cannot be limited or fashioned by man’s perspective, which is a critical distinction between the true God and the idols we create in our minds. The act of worship should be directed only to God, who is supreme and sovereign over all creation.

Job 10:2-3, Isaiah 45:5-6, Samuel 15:22

How do we know God is true?

We know God is true through His self-revelation in Scripture and the reality of creation around us.

The certainty of God's truth is foundational to the Christian faith and is affirmed through both special revelation in the Bible and general revelation in nature. Isaiah 45:5-6 emphasizes that there is no other God besides Him, asserting His uniqueness and sovereignty. This truth is backed by the consistent and coherent nature of God's revelation in Scripture that presents a God who is unchanging and omniscient, in contrast to the idols formed by human hands that cannot provide wisdom or truth. Believers find security in the steadfastness of God’s promises, knowing that the reality of their faith is grounded in a true and living God.

Isaiah 45:5-6, Romans 1:20

Why is obeying God important?

Obeying God is vital because it reflects our submission to His authority and understanding of His holiness.

Obedience to God is not merely about performing religious duties; it is a demonstration of our recognition of His ultimate authority and sovereignty. As highlighted in 1 Samuel 15:22, God desires obedience over sacrifice. This means that our adherence to His commandments stems from a relationship that values His holiness and righteousness over our own self-made religious practices or idolatrous attempts to appease Him. Genuine obedience is indicative of faith in God’s character and requires us to acknowledge that He establishes the terms of acceptable worship. This is foundational for living a life that honors God’s sovereignty and truth.

1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 51:16-17

What is the danger of making God in our image?

Making God in our image leads to idolatry and distorts our understanding of His true nature.

When we attempt to shape God according to our preferences or understanding, we engage in a form of idolatry that diminishes the truth of His character. This practice is rooted in a desire for control and comfort, where we conceptualize God in a way that aligns with our desires and moral frameworks. However, as the sermon points out, the true God cannot be confined to our limitations or expectations and instead invites us to recognize His sovereignty in all aspects of life. This danger is that we may end up worshiping a false god that cannot provide true redemption or satisfaction for our souls, as they differ fundamentally from the living God who demands true worship and obedience.

Romans 1:22-23, Isaiah 40:18-20

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

100%
Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. While it would seem odd
in our society to see someone prostrate themselves before some
statue or totem pole, idolatry is still very prevalent, perhaps
even more so than in ancient times. For the real error of
idolatry is not found in the fashioning of a piece of wood,
stone, or metal, but in the mind which believes it can shape and
fashion God according to its own design, and in giving misplaced
devotion to ideas which the flesh delights in. The natural man
is a religious creature and is not opposed to having a God as
long as he maintains control over that God. However, an unregenerate
man will not seek out the true God, and even worse, cannot discern
that the gods that he chooses are no gods at all. He cannot
deliver his soul, nor say, is there not a lie in my right hand?
Men will go to great lengths of service and devotion to those
gods which they fashion, and will often defend them even unto
death. Men are most comfortable with
a God who can be defined and understood. As long as there
are limitations and definable parameters which encompass His
actions, then He poses no real threat to their happiness. It
is amazing that the God of most men and women somehow always
seems to think like they do. The things that they want are
the very things God seems to want them to have. As astounding
as it may seem, God even adopts their value system. There are
prevailing notions about the nature of God that are seemingly
universal among most of mankind. The idol gods will value the
good deeds that men have done and will weigh them in a balance
against any sins they may have committed, in essence overlooking
their sin. How often have we heard someone
say with great satisfaction, well, I just try to do the best
I can. Speaking of the true God, Job
said, thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity. The idol
gods will allow men to make sacrifices or do penance, or extend extra
devotion to religious things to pay for their bad deeds, the
equivalent of make-up work after a missed assignment. And Samuel
said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to
obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of
rams. David, referring to the Lord, said, For thou desirest
not sacrifice, else would I give it. Thou delightest not in burnt
offering. The idol gods will always be
where their followers want them to be, and will be at the beck
and call of those worshippers. Job tells us of the true and
living God when he said, Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I cannot perceive him, on the left hand, where
he doth work, but I cannot behold him. He hideth himself on the
right hand, that I cannot see him, but he knoweth the way that
I take. The idol gods will always be
limited by the free will of men. Unless men allow them to work,
they will not be able to do anything. David said, our God is in the
heavens. He hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. We must bow
down before the true and living God, who is not fashioned in
any way by the hands or ideas of men. He has no limitations. He answers to no one. He sets
all things in motion. He needs no advice, and asks
none. He will only be worshipped according
to the dictates that he sets down. He will determine the severity
of punishment to be meted out for sin. He will set the bounds
of our habitation. He has no obligation to show
any form of mercy to any of His creation. He will dictate the
provision and terms of any means of redemption for men. He will
determine the revelation of truth that He gives to men. For thus
saith the Lord that created the heavens, God himself that formed
the earth and made it, he hath established it, he created it
not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited. I am the Lord,
and there is none else. I have not spoken in secret in
a dark place of the earth, I said not unto the seed of Jacob, seek
ye me in vain. I, the Lord, speak righteousness.
I declare things that are right. Assemble yourselves and come,
draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations. They
have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image,
and pray unto a God that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them
near. Yea, let them take counsel together
who hath declared this from ancient time. Who hath told it from that
time? Have not I the Lord? And there
is no God else beside me, a just God and a Savior. There is none
beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved,
all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is none
else. Do you worship the one true and
living God? His name is above every name.
At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. For a free CD containing 15 of
these radio broadcasts, send an email to forthepoor at windstream.net
Mike McInnis
About Mike McInnis
Mike McInnis is an elder at Grace Chapel in O'Brien Florida. He is also editor of the Grace Gazette.
Broadcaster:
Grace Chapel
Theology:
#Original Sin #Grace #Soteriology
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Same Scripture

Idolatry J. C. Philpot · 1 John 5:21
My dearest idol must be thrown down! Alexander Smellie · Ezekiel 14:4; Ezekiel 20:16
Flee From Idolatry Todd Nibert · 1 Corinthians 10:14
Idolatry! J. C. Ryle · 1 Corinthians 10:14; 3 John
Do men make their own gods? C. H. Spurgeon · Jeremiah 16:20

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Suggested for You

Idolatry J.C. Philpot · Feb 25, 2010 · 1 John 5:21
My dearest idol must be thrown down! Alexander Smellie · Aug 13, 2015 · Ezekiel 14:4; Ezekiel 20:16
Flee From Idolatry Todd Nibert · Dec 1, 2024 · 1 Corinthians 10:14
Idolatry! J.C. Ryle · Mar 10, 2017 · 1 Corinthians 10:14; 3 John
Do men make their own gods? Charles Spurgeon · Jan 7, 2010 · Jeremiah 16:20
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