Idolatry is the decision to elevate anyone or anything above God through worship, honor, service, or adoration. From the context of Scripture, it not only refers to worshiping physical idols but also the internal exaltation of the human heart toward ambition, desires, and negative influences that take our eyes off the beauty of God as our heavenly Father.
At its core, idolatry is the focus or exaltation on anything that takes precedence over our devotion to God. A prime example of God’s command to flee idolatry is Exodus 20:3-4, where He instructs Israel to worship only Him as the “one true and living God, having no other gods before Him.” This warning reflects the serious nature with which God views the negative influence of idolatry. It can cause dysfunction in our allegiance and distort our spiritual understanding. Idolatry is a direct limitation to the pure worship that God invites us to as His children. As Christians, to take part in idolatry means we place “things, circumstances, false beliefs, and opinions above our relationship with God. According to Scripture, this practice corrupts the covenant relationship between God and us.
The negative influence of idolatry often operates subtly in our lives through pride, self-centeredness, greed, materialism, a love for possessions, and barriers to genuine relationships with God and others. We are encouraged to live in repentance and intention by surrendering anything that tries to take God’s place of authority. Our worship must be for God alone. When we tear down the places of misfocused worship in our hearts, we can experience the fullness of true freedom and emotional healing.
Questions to Ask:
Do you have any “if onlys” in your life? (e.g., If only ___ would happen, all would be okay.)
What do you spend the most of your time and money on? (Our greatest investments often reveal the idols in our hearts)
Do any areas of your life seem out of your control?
What areas in your life control you?
Do you have any areas where life has not met your expectations?
List your “should’s” and “ought to’s” about life, yourself, others, and God.
What do you fear losing?
Describe the things/people you think you cannot live without.
Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by idolatry?
Connected Influences: Idolatry of appearance, clothes, education, status, food, intellectualism, ministry, money, power, position, possessions, social status, sports, spouse, and family.
Scriptural Truth:
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. 2 Why let the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.” (Psalm 115:1-3)
“Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. 9 But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” (Jonah 2:8-9)
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)
“And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone.” (Acts 17:29)
“So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.” (1 Corinthians 10:14)
How to Pray for Breakthrough from Idolatry:
You may pray aloud, using each step below:
REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"
RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."
"Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”
"Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"
REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”
Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).
RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"
What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)
You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.
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