8/1/2021 - Unknown Gods and Idols - Acts 17:16-34

Can you believe "American Idol" has been on the air for almost 20 years? But you might already know that. People love to cheer for their favorites and indeed it seems every year there is one special underdog with a gripping and emotional human interest story. For those watching, the show is a simple escape from the pressures of everyday life. 

We don’t often realize that our personal idols actually create those pressures. The root of our problems come when we worship the wrong things or people. Truly there is nothing new under the sun. Paul encountered this 2000 years ago when he entered the famed city of Athens. Known for its philosophical and religious influence the city was drowning in idols. Paul is moved with compassion and shares the gospel. 

We were made to worship. 

The focus of our worship will determine the meaning of our lives. Sometimes our idols are not so easy to identify. Good things can become idols when elevated to first importance in your life. This includes your spouse, your children, career and personal goals. All are good things but things that were never meant to receive your worship. And here’s why - they can never be satisfied. When Jesus uttered on the cross, “It is finished,” He meant all of it is finished, your striving for perfection, your search for meaning, your questions about eternal life. 

Everybody worships something. 

How do you know what it is for you? Here’s the question... What is it in my life; if I lost that thing it would cause me to say, “My life is no longer worth living.” Whatever that thing is, it has just been exposed as the deepest desire of your heart. The gospel of Jesus invites you to make an exchange. Exchange whatever you're worshiping for the worship of a God who loves you and sacrificed immeasurably for you. Do you know what happens when you make this exchange? You begin to enjoy the good things in ways you never have before because they are no longer the best things. They no longer own your emotional and psychological well being. Giving your highest devotion to Jesus moves you from enslavement to freedom!