Heart Idols in GospelTheological Context 1 God made

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Heart Idols in Gospel/Theological Context 1. God made us to glorify Him and be

Heart Idols in Gospel/Theological Context 1. God made us to glorify Him and be satisfied in Him. (Rev. 4: 11, I Cor. 10: 31) 2. Sin causes us to seek satisfaction apart from God by serving ourselves or something other than God. (Rom. 1: 25, Rom. 3: 23) 3. The Gospel teaches us and empowers us to once again treasure and serve God. (Titus 2: 11 -15, II Cor. 5: 14 -15)

Heart Idols in Gospel/Theological Context 4. But. . . the Gospel does not completely

Heart Idols in Gospel/Theological Context 4. But. . . the Gospel does not completely eliminate the presence of sin prior to our glorification. (I John 1: 8 -10, I John 3: 2 -3, Rom. 8: 29) 5. Thankfully, we have. . . • The promise of power over sin. (Rom. 6) • The promise of blessing in obedience. Discussion Question: What are some of the specific promises in the Bible to obedient believers?

Heart Idols in Gospel/Theological Context 6. But. . . we still sin. Why? !?

Heart Idols in Gospel/Theological Context 6. But. . . we still sin. Why? !? It is one thing to know THAT the presence of sin remains. It is another thing to understand WHY we continue to sin. What is it about me that seems so driven to live contrary to what I know is right. . . especially in light of the power and promises of the Gospel? Enter. . . heart idols.

Biblical Foundations for Heart Idols • Foundations for Idols – Exodus 20: 3 -4

Biblical Foundations for Heart Idols • Foundations for Idols – Exodus 20: 3 -4 Key Point: God has no rivals; and He expects those who believe in Him to neither allow nor create rivals. • Old Testament Foundation for Heart Idols – Ezekiel 14: 1 -8 • Paul Tripp Quote

Biblical Foundations for Heart Idols • Paul – • Ephesians 5: 5 – Paul

Biblical Foundations for Heart Idols • Paul – • Ephesians 5: 5 – Paul connects consistently immoral, impure and covetous behavior (demonstrating a lack of faith) with idolatry. • Colossians 3: 5 – In urging true believers to walk as true believers, Paul connects greedy, selfish sinful behavior with idolatry. • John – I John 5: 21 • David Powlison Quote

Definitions of Heart Idols • Ken Sande (author of The Peacemaker) – “In biblical

Definitions of Heart Idols • Ken Sande (author of The Peacemaker) – “In biblical terms, an idol is something other than God that we set our hearts on (Luke 12: 29, I Cor. 10: 6), that motivates us (I Cor. 4: 5), that masters us or rules us (Ps. 119: 133), or that we serve (Matt. 6: 24). ” • Paul Tripp – “An idol of the heart is anything that rules me other than God. ” • Resolving Everyday Conflict – “Anything other than God that we trust to make us happy or secure. ”

Definitions of Heart Idols • David Powlison Definitions (from Idols of the Heart and

Definitions of Heart Idols • David Powlison Definitions (from Idols of the Heart and Vanity Fair) • Working Definition – Heart idols are treasure choices, other than God, that fuel behaviors that are contrary to godliness and that actually oppose true joy.

Early Examination for Heart Idols • Discussion Question: Give examples of heart idols (not

Early Examination for Heart Idols • Discussion Question: Give examples of heart idols (not necessarily your own). • Application Question: What do you suspect are your heart idols? Try to list at least three. • Discussion Question: What other lies do you think our idols tell us?

Concluding Thoughts: 1. Don’t believe the first like of heart idols. . . heart

Concluding Thoughts: 1. Don’t believe the first like of heart idols. . . heart idols do, indeed, exist. 2. The reality of heart idols helps explain the motivating “why” behind our seeming eagerness to engage in continuing sin.

Concluding Thoughts: 3. A Simple Heart Idol Progression: • • Worship – “Worship motivates

Concluding Thoughts: 3. A Simple Heart Idol Progression: • • Worship – “Worship motivates human activity. ” Worship + Treasures – We worship what we value. . . or what we want. (Matt. 6: 21) Worship, Treasures and Behavior – “We do what we do because we want what we want. ” When our behavior choices consistently run contrary to what God commands, it is likely that we have allowed something to supplant God on the throne of our heart. . . a heart idol is ruling where only God belongs.

Concluding Thoughts: 4. A Possible Prayer for the Next Few Weeks: Dear Lord, As

Concluding Thoughts: 4. A Possible Prayer for the Next Few Weeks: Dear Lord, As I begin to understand the motivations beneath my attitudes and actions that forget You and are an offense to Your holiness, please reveal to me my own heart idols (Ps. 19: 11 -14). Help me not to pretend they do not exist or hide them, but soften my heart and give me grace to face them biblically. . . To the end that You alone would be the object of my worship, service and joy.