Just because you don’t bow down to golden calves or carve wooden statues doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to idolatry. The truth is, the most dangerous idols aren’t the ones we put on shelves - they’re the ones we harbor in our hearts. As Luther said, whatever your heart clings to and relies on - that is your god. And as Tim Keller often reminds us, idols are often good things we’ve turned into ultimate things - identity, success, control, approval, comfort - things we trust more than God to give us meaning, worth, or security. The First Commandment isn’t just a warning against false gods out there; it’s a mirror held up to the false gods within. So, how do we spot them? How do we uncover the things we’re most tempted to love, trust, and fear more than God? That’s where we’re headed - into the deep work of the heart and the freedom God offers us when we worship Him above all other things.

Exodus 20:1-6

1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before Me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate Me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

For Adult Homes and Groups

Reread Exodus 20:1-6. Use the questions below to find out what other gods you are tempted to trust in and worship, over and above God.

1. What do I most fear losing, or what would feel unbearable to live without?

2. Where do I turn - mentally, emotionally, or physically - for comfort, security, or identity when life gets hard?

3. What do I sacrifice time, energy, or relationships for in pursuit of success, approval, or control? Ask for God’s forgiveness and seek His help to turn your heart from these idols and fix your eyes on Jesus.

For Families with Kids

1. Read and memorize the 1st Commandment: “You shall have no other gods.”

2. Read and memorize Luther’s explanation of the 1st Commandment: 

“We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.”

3. The “gods” our God commands us not to worship are not just literal gods from other religions. They include anything we fear, love, and put our trust in more than Him. What are things in your lives that you might put more trust in than Jesus Himself?

4. We can even make gods out of good things. What good things has God blessed you with that you find yourself loving at times more than Jesus?

5. Pray together as a family. Thank the Lord for all that He is, everything He’s given you (be creative!), and ask for His help to fear, love, and trust in Him above anything else.