FALSE GODS, FIERCE WOES (1)
APRIL 23, 2025
TEXT: Daniel 3:7-26; Exodus 20:3
KEY VERSE: Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3
We live in a world where false gods are being exalted, worshipped, and obeyed. These false idols have captivated the hearts of countless people, leading them away from the truth and into darkness. From materialism to secularism, these new gods lure us with promises of freedom and fulfilment, but they ultimately deliver only emptiness and despair. Today, we must confront the wiles of these false gods and return to the only true source of life, love, and hope: the one, true God.
When we say ‘false gods,’ we mean anything that takes the place of God in our lives. It could be money, possessions, or even our jobs or careers. These things can become our gods, consuming our thoughts, dictating our decisions, and driving our actions. Often, the enemy of our souls, Satan, disguises these idols as innocent pursuits or harmless distractions. But make no mistake – any allegiance to something other than the one true God is idolatry, plain and simple.
In our text of consideration, we see a powerful example of resisting new gods in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three young men refused to bow down and worship a golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar, even at the risk of their own lives. Their faith in the one true God was unshakeable, and their courage serves as a powerful example for us today. Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we too must resist the lure of new gods in our own lives. We may be surrounded by temptations and distractions, but we have a choice. We can choose to worship the one true God, who alone is worthy of our devotion, or we can succumb to the false promises of idols and false gods. Let us make the right choice and stand firm in our faith, just as these three young men did, trusting that God will never abandon us. It’s easy to become distracted and forget what truly matters; our allegiance is to Jesus Christ and Him alone. In a world filled with false gods vying for our attention, we must cling to the truth that sets us free and stands the test of time. Choose to reject the false gods and embrace the Holy, the eternal, the only true God, and find peace in His presence.
In this first part of our series, we have seen that false gods are plentiful and deceptive, but we can resist their pull by looking to the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In the next part, we will delve deeper into the woes and dangers of serving these false gods and how we can guard our hearts against their influence. Until then, God is the only One worthy of our devotion and praise, and may He be your guide and strength as we journey together. Amen.
SEARCH LIGHT: To avoid falling victim to false gods, we must actively nurture our relationship with God, making Him a priority in our lives.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I have allowed false gods to steal my attention and my heart. Help me to refocus my priorities and to put You first in all that I do.
BIBLE READING:
2 Chronicles 3-5, 2 Corinthians 13.
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
