Objects of Worship

Theme: The Problem of Idolatry

Scriptures:

• Deuteronomy 5:7-9
• 1 John 5:19-21
• 1 Corinthians 10:14
• Colossians 3:1-5

Notes and questions

B1 Objectives: (From the Fusion D6 Sunday School Lesson book)

C1 Know: God gives us all things to enjoy, but we must avoid allowing anything other than God to become an object of worship and purpose for living.

C2 Think: Be guided by the awareness that God is the only one worthy of my worship.

C3 Do: Worship God alone, avoiding any kind of idolatry.

B2 Idolatry

C1 What is idolatry?

C2 Name some popular gods. (This could be anything. It all comes down to: In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them. (2 Corinthians 4:4, WEB). People believe they are god, or at least act like it, but they are slaves of sin. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. (2 Peter 2:19, ESV2011). This is where all of us live until we are convicted by the Holy Spirit and believe the Gospel.

C3 In light of the above, what laws do most people follow? (The laws of that god). What law did Adam follow? What law did Cain follow? What law did the Lord Jesus follow?

B3 Deuteronomy 5:7-9,

C1 You must not have any other gods besides me. (Deuteronomy 5:7, NET)

D1 Are there are other gods? (Yes. As above there is the god (prince) of this world. False gods, that is, what claims to be a god but is not).

D2 Are Christians atheists?

E1 Statement

F1 But aren’t we all atheists in regards to every religion and every god claim ever proposed except for one particular religion’s god claim, Christianity’s Yahweh? Aren’t we all atheists in regards to Islam’s Allah and Mohammad, Mormon claims of Joseph Smith, Hindu claims of Shiva and Ganesh, Shinto’s claims, Wicca’s claims? Source

F2 “I contend we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.” Thought to have been said by Stephen F. Roberts

E2 Answer

F1 The definition of atheism is that there are NO gods. I believe in God, therefore, I am not an atheist.

F2 See: Do Atheists Believe in Just One Less God Than Christians? This article is by J. Warner Wallace.

C2 You must not make for yourself an image of anything in heaven above, on earth below, or in the waters beneath. (Deuteronomy 5:8, NET).

D1 Give some examples of images? What can be an image?

D2 Examples, Thor, Zeus, and Kim Jong Un

C3 You must not worship or serve them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. I punish the sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons for the sin of the fathers who reject me, (Deuteronomy 5:9, NET). If we worship anything else, what are we doing with Yahweh?

B4 1 John 5:19-21,

C1 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies [under the sway of] the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:19-21, NKJV)

C2 What are the only two kingdoms in the universe? (The kingdom of the devil and the Kingdom of God).

D1 But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house [divided] against a house falls. “If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. (Luke 11:17-18, NKJV)

D2 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. (Luke 11:20, NKJV)

C3 How do we know that Yahweh, who is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, is the one and only God?

D1 The are many sources discussing this.

E1 Cosmological argument  

E2 Axiological argument

E3 Teleological argument

E4 Transcendental argument  

E5 William Lane Craig’s view

D2 Basic argument

E1 A man named Jesus existed. He is referred to by enemies (Romans and Jews) and friends (the four Gospels).

E2 The Gospels are the most reasonably accurate eyewitness accounts. See here.

E3 Jesus is God.

F1 He says He is God, “I Am” for which the Jews wanted to kill Him (Exodus 3:14 with John 8:54-59).

F2 He healed instantly (Mark 1:42, etc.).

F3 He prophesied the future (Matthew 17:22-23, etc.).

F4 He controlled the weather (Mark 4:39, etc.).

F5 He cast out demons (Mark 5:1-18, etc.).

F6 He knew secret thoughts (Mark 2:8, etc.).

F7 He raised the dead (Mark 5:21-43, etc.).

F8 He died and was raised from the dead (John 20:24-29, 1 Corinthians 15:6, etc.).

F9 He had the testimony from God the Father (Luke 9:34-36, etc.)

F10 For more see here.

E4 Jesus verified that the Bible is the word of God.

F1 Called Old Testament Scriptures (Luke 24:25-27, Matthew 4:1-11) Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Luke 24:25-27, NKJV)

F2 Other sources here, here, and here.

C4 Keep yourselves from idols,

D1 Why would any Christian slip and have idols?

D2 The word keep is φυλάσσω phulasso. It means to keep a watch out for, be observant.

B5 1 Corinthians 10:14,

C1 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 10:14, NKJV)

C2 Read the context. 1 Corinthians 10:11-22.

C3 What idolatry is Paul referring to?

C4 Things that are dedicated to an idol are not to be eaten.

B6 Colossians 3:1-5,

C1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ [who is] our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:1-5, NKJV)

C2 What is our main desire to be?

C3 How do we put to death our members?

D1 Clarke’s commentary has this note: Mortify, therefore, your members] νεκρωσατε.  Put them to death: the verb is used metaphorically to signify, to deprive a thing of its power, to destroy its strength.  Use no member of your body to sin against God; keep all under dominion; and never permit the beast to run away with the man.  To gratify any sensual appetite is to give it the very food and nourishment by which it lives, thrives, and is active.  However the body may suffer by excessive sensual indulgences, the appetite increases with the indulgence.  Deny yourselves, and let reason rule; and the animal will not get the ascendency over the rational man.

D2 The first four things listed of what we are to put to death deal mainly with sexual thoughts and sins.

C4 The word for coveteous is πλεονεξία pleonexia. It means a want, lust, desire, for material things especially money.

D1 Why is covetousness dangerous?

D2 Where does covetousness come from? (Mark 7:22 (out of the heart)).

D3 The Lord Jesus speaks this warning: Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:13-15, NKJV)

D4 How is covetousness an idol?

D5 What type of people must we be especially careful of? But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, [and] bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3, NKJV).

E1 Can you name any false prophets?

E2 Concerning false teachers

F1 They teach heresies. What is our protection? (Know the truth, which comes from reading and studying the Bible).

F2 How do they deny the Lord that bought them?

F3 Will any follow them?

F4 The way of truth is Christianity. How will these false teachers blaspheme the way of truth?

F5 What is one of their main allurements?

B7 How can we avoid worshipping idols?

B8 If we see that we have fallen into the trap of worshipping anything except Yahweh, what are we to do?

B9 Be encouraged

C1 If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up. (Psalms 94:18, NKJV)

C2 Hold me up, and I shall be safe, And I shall observe Your statutes continually. (Psalms 119:117, NKJV)

C3 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift [you] as wheat. “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to [Me,] strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32, NKJV)

C4 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present [you] faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise,[ Be] glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25, NKJV)

B10 Next week:

C1 The Lure of Materialism

C2 Theme: Honoring God with Our Treasure

C3 Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 8:10-18

Colossians 3:1-5

1 John 2:15-16

Luke 12:13-34

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Matthew 6:24-33

Doing My Part

Doing my part

Theme: Living with integrity

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Objectives:

Know: Paul encouraged the Thessalonians believers to be active and industrious, never getting tired of doing good.

Think: Maintain the mindset of a productive contributor.

Do: Do what is good and right at every opportunity.

Notes and questions:

B1 Outline

C1 Concerning prayer 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

C2 Concerning work 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

C3 Concerning blessing 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

B2 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

C1 What 2 things does Paul prayer for?

D1 Success for the Gospel

D2 Delivered from enemies of the Gospel

C2 Since there are people, institutions, governments, etc. that want to stop the Gospel from being preached, what should we do?

C3 How does the Lord show His faithfulness?

C4 Whom do we rely on?

C5 Who does the we in 2 Thessalonians 3:4 refer to? Why does this we have authority? (Paul is an apostle. There are no apostles today).

C6 The word direct in 2 Thessalonians 3:5 refers to moving something down the path the shortest, most direct, possible way.

D1 What is Paul praying for God to do for them?

D2 How do you explain the love of God?

C7 The word steadfast is also translated patience. The word refers to endurance under trial. Most will endure if all is well and easy, but God’s grace is needed to endure when times are difficult. How does God help us? Can you think of an example in your life?

B2 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15,

C1 The words keep away means avoid.

D1 Whom are we to avoid?

D2 Why?

C2 Aren't we to love, not judge, instead of avoiding?

C3 We are to avoid

D1 Those with doctrinal errors. These would be major doctrines as the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Second Coming, Salvation, and Scripture.

D2 Believers who will not repent: "And if your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have won your brother. But if he does not hear, take along with you one or two more, so that 'BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY WORD MAY BE ESTABLISHED.' But if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the assembly. But if he refuses even to hear the assembly, let him be to you as a heathen and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 [EMTV]

D3 False teachers: Now I urge you, brothers, to look out for those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. (Romans 16:17 [EMTV])

D4 Those who sin willfully: I wrote to you in my epistle not to associate with fornicators. Yet I certainly did not mean with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to leave this world! But now I have written to you not to associate with anyone named a brother, who is a fornicator, or covetous person, or an idolater, or abusive person, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God will judge. Therefore "PUT AWAY THE EVIL PERSON FROM YOURSELVES." (I Corinthians 5:9-13 [EMTV]

D5 Those who are willfully disobedient: But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother living in idleness, and not according to the tradition which they received from us. (II Thessalonians 3:6 [EMTV]

D6 Those who are divisive: But avoid foolish disputes and genealogies, and strifes and legal fights; for they are unprofitable and futile. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person has been perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:9-11 [EMTV])

C4 Why would some not be willing to work? What are these people doing?

C5 What is the command of God for those unwilling to work?

D1 The idea of quietness is that they stop being nosy.

D2 They are to eat their own food, not the food of others

C6 How do we apply this today?

C7 If we are not to associate with a Christian who is disobedient, what is to be our attitude and motivation? (And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count [him] as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)

C8 What are some principles of compassion and generosity?

D1 But do not forget the doing of good and generosity, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:16 [EMTV])

D2 Widows, widowers, orphans

E1 Honor widows who are really widows. (I Timothy 5:3 [EMTV])

E2 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27 [EMTV]

D3 What is the attitude in being generous?

D4 Ray Steadman has this comment: Send out your bread on the face of the waters, for you shall find it in many days. (Ecclesiastes 11:1 [LITV] Think about the implications of that verse.  Ray Steadman once said, “The idea expressed here is one of openhanded generosity. Give freely, wisely, and generously to the needs of those about. This phrase, ‘Cast your bread upon the waters,’ was a proverb in Israel for what looked like wasteful expenditure. No one would take good bread and throw it in the river. But here we are enjoined to do that very thing. This is not encouraging us to be spendthrifts, to thoughtlessly and carelessly give away our money, spending it like a drunken sailor. What is meant is, be willing to take a chance where a real need is evident.”

D5 “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”— John Bunyan

D6 Is generosity just money and other material things?

D7“Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”

— John Wesley, Letters of John Wesley

B3 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18,

C1 What is the significance of the phrase Lord of Peace?

D1 Some things about God and peace.

E1 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (Romans 16:20 [EMTV])

E2 Finally brothers, farewell. Restore yourselves, comfort yourselves, be in agreement, be at peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (II Corinthians 13:11 [EMTV]

E3 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:9 [EMTV])

E4 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 5:23 [EMTV]

E5 Now may the God of peace, who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the everlasting covenant, (Hebrews 13:20 [EMTV]

E6 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 [MKJV]

E7 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, of those preaching the gospel of good things!" (Romans 10:15 [EMTV])

E8 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (I Corinthians 14:33 [EMTV]

E9 If He is the God of Peace, what should we be doing?

D2 How far can we be at peace?

E1 If possible, as much as depends on you, keeping peace with all men. (Romans 12:18 [EMTV]

E2  Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to be peaceable, gentle, demonstrating all meekness to all men. (Titus 3:1-2 [EMTV])

C2 Why don’t we see peace in the world?

B4 Next week:

C1 Objects of Worship

C2 Theme: The Problem of Idolatry

C3 Scriptures:

D1 Deuteronomy 5:7-9

D2 1 John 5:19-21

D3 1 Corinthians 10:14

D4 Colossians 3:1-5