The Out of Rhythm Life: Idolatry
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME - Idols take us out of rhythm. The gospel keeps us in rhythm
TEXT - Matthew 6:19-21
OUTLINE
A brief idolatry diagnostic:
1. What do I worship?
* Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
* What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.
~ Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods.
2. Is the thing I worship worthy of worship?
* Isaiah 44:13-17
* Daniel 3:17 - "We want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
* Possible idols: comfort, freedom, independence, approval, affirmation, identity, control, power, success, influence
3. How is God better?
* John 2:13-19
* Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
NEXT STEPS:
1. Ask the diagnostic questions.
2. Preach the gospel to yourself every day.
3. Throw out your idols.
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Seven Practices of a Life in Rhythm
DAILY DEVOTION (Acts 2:42, 46) Scripture is the very Word of God. Through it, He equips us with all we need to learn about Him and live a life pleasing to Him.
PRAYER (Acts 2:42) One of the most important elements in any relationship is communication. Prayer is just that: engaging God in a conversation, sharing our hearts with Him, and spending time listening to His voice, both individually and in community.
REPENTANCE (Acts 2:37-39) With the help of the Spirit we take inventory of our lives, humbly and honestly confess our sin, and turn away from our sin toward God in surrender. Through Jesus’ offer of forgiveness, we receive true freedom.
SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY (Acts 2:44-45) Giving demonstrates our dependence on God. In His generosity toward us, God desires that we, too, are generous and will use our resources as a tangible way to partner with Him in His work in the world.
SERVE THE COMMUNITY (Acts 2:44-45) We are called and equipped by the Holy Spirit to share God’s love by participating in the ministry of Jesus. He has given us agency with Him to fearlessly influence our society and the world.
SHARE YOUR STORY (Acts 2:14-36) The greatest gift we can ever give someone who doesn’t yet know Jesus is an introduction to Him. Sharing our life stories is the most powerful way to show the transforming power and salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
WORSHIP (Acts 2:26-28, 46-47) As children of God, it is important to consistently set aside time to remember what God has done, to thank Him for it, and to put Him on display as we give Him the glory. In all circumstances, we are called to practice God-centered worship.