Review: Acts 19: 17-20 The “fear of the Lord” fills the Ephesian church Christians (old & new) openly repent of their sins Christians who still have ties to the occult burn their scrolls in a public bonfire worth $2.9 million
This sparks a riot within the town. Acts 19: 23-41 The Christian resistance to idol worship in Ephesus impacts the local economy. This sparks a riot within the town.
Just like with the Pharisee Gamaliel in Acts 5, God works through the non-believing city clerk to calm the riot and provide protection to the Christians living within that city.
1 Peter 3: 15-16 15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
It was very clear to the Ephesians, whether they were believers in Jesus Christ or not, that believing in His Gospel led to radical changes in their values & their way of living.
“These men who have caused trouble all over Acts 17:6 “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here”
Temple of Artemis in Ephesus
has practically vanished. Idolatry was totally defeated, right? This one pillar is all that remains of the once marvelous “Temple of Artemis” in Ephesus. Idol worship in the civilized world has practically vanished. Idolatry was totally defeated, right?
In every place that Paul preached the Gospel, he discerned and exposed the “idols” of that area. This led to great transformation and great resistance.
“[Paul] says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.” Act 19:26b “[Paul] says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.” -------------------------------- The Gospel’s challenge of the lordship of money & other gods produces violent feelings.
They’re good things that are turned into ultimate things.” “An idol is anything other than God that is more fundamental to your happiness, meaning in life, or identity. They’re not bad things. They’re good things that are turned into ultimate things.” - Timothy Keller
Power Approval Comfort Control Money Power Sex Work/Career Family/Children Possessions Independence Lack of Stress Freedom Affirmation Love Beauty Self-Discipline Technology Science Success Strength Influence
Discerning Your “Idols” 1.) What is my greatest nightmare? What do I worry about the most? 2.) What do I rely on for comfort? 3.) What makes me feel self-worth? Of what am I the proudest? 4.) What do I really want and expect out of life? What do I think would really make me happy?
“Under every behavioral sin, is the sin of idolatry and under every act of idolatry is a disbelief in the Gospel.” - Martin Luther
Idols are relentless “masters” in our life: Excessive focus & stress to get it Crippling anxiety over losing it Devastating despair in losing it Recklessly trying to replace it
Despite their “thrall” and violent claims on our heart & life, our idols never come through for us… We all chant, “Great is Artemis!” and get no response.
Misplacing our happiness, life’s purpose, and identity is the cause for the vast majority of these “disorders”: Depression Despair Hopelessness Suicide
is played out.” - H.G. Wells “The cold-blooded massacres of the defenseless, the return of deliberate and organized torture, mental torment, and fear to a world from which such things had seemed well nigh banished—has come near to breaking my spirit altogether… ‘Homo sapiens’ as he has been pleased to call himself, is played out.” - H.G. Wells
Two Jewish Philosophers discuss the “problem” with God and idolatry: 1.) God hates idols & must punish idolatry (viewing it as adultery) 2.) God loves people & wants reconciliation
Destroying Your Idols 1.) Repent of your idolatry & Renounce those “ways” 2.) Rejoice in Christ’s Sacrifice Rest in His Provision for you
“Hope of the World” To know You forever our everything. To love You forever You are our everything. All we need is You.