Date: May 28
HINDRANCES TO PRAYER 9:
Ezekiel 14: 3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their
iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?
Ezekiel 14: 3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?
An idol is anything that takes the place of God, anything that is the supreme object of our affection. God alone has the right to the supreme place in our hearts, not our spouse, children, reputation, business, money or anything else. Every single one of us worships idols. Maybe we don’t all bow down before a a little golden calf or other obvious false gods, but we certainly struggle with putting our desires before God. Idols in the heart will become a stumbling block to our prayers.
What Is an Idol? Idols are the thing(s) that distract you from the glorious, ever-living God. They are what captures your affection and passion away from Him. Idols are what consume you instead of you being consumed by God.
Living Practices: But maybe it’s what you see when you walk down the hallway in your house. Examples of
idolatry today could include (but certainly would not be limited to): pursuing money, unhealthy admiration for certain people, or even things like elevating exercise and diet over time with God. If you’re a Christian, the simple explanation for idol worship is anything you elevate above God or give to God’s rightful place in your life. Modern day idols are less tangible and more thoughts, habits, and attitudes
Romans 1:23 (NLT) “And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols.”
What Does God Say About Idols? The Bible clearly reveals God’s stance on idolatry: it is sin.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Isaiah 45:5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: Idolatry is denying His sovereignty and honoring other gods as God because an idol is anything that takes the place God should rightly hold in our hearts and lives.
What Is An Idol According To The Bible?
God speaks to Ezekiel and says, “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?” (Ezekiel 14:3)
What is an idol? And idol is something you love in your heart and makes you fall into sin.
But it’s also more than that…
Idols are anything that present a challenge to God’s sovereignty or to which you turn to answers of meaning, fulfillment, and purpose instead of God.It’s time to identify idols that may be present in your life and get rid of them.First Things FirstBefore we get too deep into this, I want to ask you to remove your expectations.
I’m sure you’ve heard the sermons on loving your kids too much or your clean house or even your marriage.But it’s also true that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17).
And God doesn’t give good and perfect gifts to us and expect us not to love them, delight in them, and use them. Not at all! God wants the number one position in our lives. Let’s give Him that position, and have all our prayers answered (Matthew 6: 33)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I regret having an idol in my heart which became a stumbling block to my prayers, forgive me Lord. Create an open door for me in Jesus name.
Amen,
Further Reading: Genesis 29-31