Bowing Down to the Statue

The Sin of Idolatry

• Daniel 3:1-7, 15• The first two commandments God gave to

Israel condemn idolatry (Exodus 20:3-6).• Staying away from idolatry is not just an Old

Testament commandment (1 John 5:21; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 10:14).

• Idols are not only physical; worshipping the God of our minds is idolatry too.

The God of the Bible

God loves, but God also punishes.

• God has shown His love for us since man was created.– Genesis 1:26-31; Exodus 20:6; Psalm 8:3-8– John 3:16; Romans 5:8

• God loves all of mankind, but He will punish those who do not obey Him.– Exodus 20:5; Numbers 20:9-12– Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

God is compassionate and merciful, but God is also jealous.

• God’s compassion is seen throughout the Bible.– Genesis 19:15-16; Jeremiah 12:14-15– Acts 2; James 5:11

• God also wants man to give only Him the worship and reverence He deserves.– Exodus 20:5; 32:1-10– Romans 1:18-19; 24-25

The God of the Bible

God is forgiving, but God is also just.

• If we confess our sins, humble our hearts and repent, we know that God will forgive us.– 2 Samuel 12:13– Luke 15:11-32; 1 John 1:9

• God is also the only righteous and just judge in the universe.– 2 Samuel 12:14– John 5:30; 1 Peter 2:23

The God of the Bible

• Daniel 3:8-12, 16-18• Our reaction to idolatry today must be the

same as Shadrach’s, Meshach’s, and Abed-nego’s reaction – fleeing (1 Corinthians 10:14).

• The only true image we have of God is painted throughout the Bible. This is the God we are to worship and serve.

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