Beyond the Weekend

January 28 | Counterfeit Gods

January 28, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

Read: Exodus 20:3
Listen:
Exodus 20

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The Ten Commandments speak to the two most important relationships in the life of every Israelite. Commandments 1–5 are about their relationship with God. Commandments 6–10 are about their relationship with each other. But in a real way, “You shall not covet” (#10) is tied closely to “You shall have no other gods before me” (#1). When an Israelite elevates whatever he is coveting, he gives “IT” the place that rightfully belongs only to God. “IT” is elevated to a position it should have never had.

Author and pastor Tim Keller, in his book Counterfeit Gods, says we do the same thing. He writes, “If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning, then I’ll know I have value, then I’ll feel significant and secure.” But we don’t stop there. Watch this video clip below as Pastor Jeff Manion explains where we next take this thought.

Coveting will always lead to idolatry. We need to be convinced that the thing we desire will never do the thing we want it to do. An object or achievement can never do what only God can do.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Think about the phrase Pastor Jeff Manion used, “Because then…” When was the last time you desired something and justified its acquisition with that phrase? Maybe it’s a thing, an experience or a return to how things used to be. Confess those times when you’ve placed “IT” in the place that belongs only to God. Thank him for his forgiveness and restoration.


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.

Today’s reading is Matthew 19.

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