Emergence

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Idolatry: Part One

• Passage Deuteronomy 5
• Speaker Ryan Baitzel
• Category Idolatry: Roots
• Series Idolatry: Roots

Missional Community Questions:

Emergence Sermon Focus:

How many of the 10 commandments can you remember? Why are the 10 commandments important? The 10 commandments were how the Israelites where governed. What govern the U.S.? What govern you? Which is the first commandment? Why is it first?

Ryan said: “All sin in some way or another when we trace it down to the roots that is an idol.” And “People don’t have sex problems, money problems, drug problems, or alcohol problems; people have idolatry problems”. Do you agree or disagree with those statements?  What are some examples that might prove that correct? Are there any exceptions? In your life, what kind of “problems” can you identify with?

What makes God, God?  What are His essential characteristics or descriptors? What makes a god a god?  What in your life has the potential to become god?  How do you avoid good things becoming ultimate things?

Why is it so hard to recognize the idols of the heart? (our hearts are so deceptive)

What is something, if it was removed from your life, your heart would ache? Could this be the sign of a hidden idol? Why or why not?  Is it a good thing that could become the ultimate?

Read 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)  Why would anyone rejoice in their sufferings? What would be a gift of suffering? (is it can expose our idols)

What are some functional saviors?

Why do people turn towards functional saviors?

Here are the penetrating questions Ryan discussed in his sermon:

          What am I most afraid of?

          What do I long for most passionately?

          Where do I run for comfort?

          What do I complain about most? (you only complain about what you care most about)

          What angers you?

          What do you brag about?

          Who’s approval are you seeking?

When your idol or idols are exposed, will you to choose to love them more than Jesus? How can you increase your love for Jesus while learning to love your idol less? Anything practical this week?

What does it cost us when we love our idols more than we love Jesus?

(1. identity, 2. Function, 3. Position. 4. Joy) Which one of these would be the greatest loss in your life?  Which one can you live without (if any)?

Ryan hinted to the fact that you are the person you are because of what you worship. So what kind of person are you? What kind of person would you like to be? How do you make those changes in your life?

Why would false Gods have no problem sharing your affection?

What did Ryan mean when he said : Idolatry truly is a worship problem?

How can you better recognize Jesus as king of your life and Lord over your decisions?

What is the solution to idolatry? (is correctly focusing your worship)