Acts 19:21-41
Today's Passage: Acts 19:21-41
Idolatry has been and always will be an issue for the human race. It may not look like it did in the 1st century with literal crafted idols placed for people to worship, but that doesn’t mean idolatry isn’t happening. From money, to relationships, to status, to personal comfort, we will find something to glorify or something in which we seek solace.
Paul had clearly disrupted the city of Ephesus with his continual gospel message that included a strong persuasion away from the worship of idols. This message was not new because God has always warned His people about the dangers of idolatry and strongly commanded them to not worship manmade images, but it must have hit Ephesus hard considering the climate of the culture at that time.
The issue blew up into a full-fledged riot in the city streets as the citizens of the city chanted to the god Artemis and demanded the protection of the temple. Paul was likely not safe, but he remained there anyway.
This is where the tension applies:
We may not be able to fix the hearts of people who long to worship something or someone who isn’t even able to give provision for their needs or satisfy completely, but it doesn’t mean our hearts should be calloused to the false worship all around us.
As Christians (like Paul did), we should fight against it in every aspect possible. Preach against it and for the gospel of Jesus. Persuade and implore people to turn to a greater God who alone is able to care for and love them. Call out sin and command people to repent, all the while keeping in mind that broken people do broken things and lost people will always act like lost people.
Their idolatry should fuel our evangelism.
Does it do that to you? Do you have a zeal about you that hates false worship but also keeps your heart soft towards people?
Is there any area of your life that is marked by idolatry that you need to repent of today?
Does your evangelism stay alive and motivated by the lack of understanding and knowledge in the lost world?
Written By: Drew Dukes
Idolatry has been and always will be an issue for the human race. It may not look like it did in the 1st century with literal crafted idols placed for people to worship, but that doesn’t mean idolatry isn’t happening. From money, to relationships, to status, to personal comfort, we will find something to glorify or something in which we seek solace.
Paul had clearly disrupted the city of Ephesus with his continual gospel message that included a strong persuasion away from the worship of idols. This message was not new because God has always warned His people about the dangers of idolatry and strongly commanded them to not worship manmade images, but it must have hit Ephesus hard considering the climate of the culture at that time.
The issue blew up into a full-fledged riot in the city streets as the citizens of the city chanted to the god Artemis and demanded the protection of the temple. Paul was likely not safe, but he remained there anyway.
This is where the tension applies:
1. We should be broken at the idolatry all around us.
2. We must understand that there will always be idolatry all around us.
We may not be able to fix the hearts of people who long to worship something or someone who isn’t even able to give provision for their needs or satisfy completely, but it doesn’t mean our hearts should be calloused to the false worship all around us.
As Christians (like Paul did), we should fight against it in every aspect possible. Preach against it and for the gospel of Jesus. Persuade and implore people to turn to a greater God who alone is able to care for and love them. Call out sin and command people to repent, all the while keeping in mind that broken people do broken things and lost people will always act like lost people.
Their idolatry should fuel our evangelism.
Does it do that to you? Do you have a zeal about you that hates false worship but also keeps your heart soft towards people?
Is there any area of your life that is marked by idolatry that you need to repent of today?
Does your evangelism stay alive and motivated by the lack of understanding and knowledge in the lost world?
Written By: Drew Dukes
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