LIFE Posts - Surrendering our idols, part 1
Last week we discussed how God places trust in us to obey Him – which means that we respond to His trust in us by living how He has called us to. This week we look more deeply at placing God first in our lives by surrendering everything to Him. We continue to use the Freedom curriculum from Church of the Highlands, AL and Celebration Church, TX as a framework.
It sounds obvious, but since God is Lord of all, we are to make Him Lord over everything in our life. As noted, this means we must surrender everything to Him. There is a fundamental truth that anything we refuse to surrender to God becomes our responsibility to maintain – since if something is more important to us than God and His Will are, He will not bless it.
Luke 14:33 (TPT) 14:33 Likewise, unless you surrender all to me, giving up all you possess, you cannot be one of my disciples. [1]
Matthew 10:37 (TPT) 10:37 “Whoever loves father or mother or son or daughter more than me is not fit to be my disciple. [2]
Luke 14:27 (TPT) 14:27 And anyone who comes to me must be willing to share my cross and experience it as his own, or he cannot be considered to be my disciple. [3]
In the three passages above, Jesus makes some high-contrast statements about three areas of surrender to God: Our possessions (things), our relationships, and ourselves. Jesus’ statements make it clear, no-thing and no-one is to be a higher priority for us than Him.
We see a similar prioritization of God over everything else in Exodus.
Exodus 20:2–5 (AMP2015) 20:2 “I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before Me. 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself any idol, or any likeness (form, manifestation) of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth [as an object to worship]. 20:5 You shall not worship them nor serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely mine], visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers on the children [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, [Is 42:8; 48:11] [4]
Here we see in the 1st and 2nd commandments that that God is to be absolutely first in priority, as well as a clear prohibition against the worship of idols. Paul helps connect this prohibition to personal sin in Colossians 3:5
Colossians 3:5 (AMP2015) 3:5 So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God]. [5] (bold text mine)
We understand then, that choosing to sin – choosing to disobey the Will of God – “amounts to idolatry.” Such choices are selfish and self-centered in nature, ultimately elevating our desires above God and His desires. Though we don’t often think of it in such stark terms, we need to do so because hearing that we’re breaking the first and second commandments can be shocking, and it becomes even more stark when we realize that we’re doing so by worshiping self, our things, or other people in these choices.
Said differently, an idol can be “anything that replaces the one, true God. … Idol worship robs God of the glory that is rightfully His, and that is something He will not tolerate (Isaiah 42:8).”[6] Over the next three weeks we’ll look at each of these three areas Jesus called us to surrender in the scriptures above. We start this week with the focus on our things or material possessions.
Our things
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5 - 7), Jesus gives guidance on earthly material things:
Matthew 6:19–21 (AMP2015) 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; 6:21 for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also. [7]
Jesus tells us to not store up treasures – material things – in this earthly life in verse 19 and further points out that what we treasure is “where our heart is.” The Greek word for heart in verse 21 is kardia, which “refers primarily to the heart as the center of the human will, mind, emotion, and soul or spirit.”[8] Later Jesus uses this same Greek word for heart in Matthew 22:37.
Matthew 22:37 (AMP2015) 22:37 And Jesus replied to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ [Deut 6:5] [9] (bold text mine)
If we submit ourselves to just these two scriptures, we come to a glaring realization: Our hearts are either treasuring (worshipping/loving) God, or they’re treasuring (worshipping) some earthly thing.
Webster’s says that materialism is “a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress … [or] a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things.”[10] Michael J. Wilkins writes:
Materialism is a rampant cancer that is now a worldwide temptation, which consequently produces untold worry in people as to how they will be able to maintain the kind of lifestyle they require.
The idol of materialism. There are several reasons why people accumulate “treasure” on earth.
• Security. We want to know that we are taken care of, so what brings us the greatest security of life and soul is to have material security.
• Personal worth, esteem, and value. Material possessions and wealth often indicate that people are successful in what they have done with their lives. We feel good about ourselves if we dress, drive, dine, and decorate well.
• Power. With wealth and material success, we believe that we can have and get and be what we want. Wealth gives us control over our own fate and over other people.
• Independence. With wealth I can be my own “god” and not rely on anyone else.
• Pleasure. With wealth we can indulge our every fantasy, whether it is the exotic vacation, the luxurious wedding, the finest dining, or the most decadent home.
…
The pursuit of material wealth is a feeble attempt to fill the dark void that can only be filled by a good eye fixed on Jesus as our sole Master and Provider. We will all do well to ask ourselves frequently, “What is the most valuable thing in my life?” And then we should evaluate where we have spent our time, what we have invested our life pursuing, and where we have spent our money. Good accounting—whether of time, relationships, or money—is a good gauge of our values.[11]
In his book Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church, Charles Quarles says, “[materialsm] is false religion at its worst. It honors created things more than the Creator and makes idols of the blessings of God that should have prompted thanks to Him.”[12]
Getting specific
When we look at the broad-brush view of materialism, as described above, we can agree rather easily that it is wrong. It can be eye opening, however, when we ask ourselves (and the Holy Spirit for revelation) – is there some thing that I haven’t surrendered to God because it is an idol? Going through Wilkins’ list of reasons for treasuring earthly things lets us ask:
- Do I find security in material things, such as money, a job, an inheritance, etc.? Do I place more trust in these things than I do God?
- Do I find my identity and self-worth in the things that I have? Do I view obtaining some specific thing as making life better or even worth living for? Is my identity more tied to things such as wealth, status, job, etc. than being a child of God is? Does my Sunday morning have me claim being a Christian as a first statement about myself, but then on Sunday afternoon my first claim of identity is being a fan of my favorite sports team?
- Do I view myself as powerless if I don’t have the things above (money, job, etc.), but powerful if I do have them? Do I strive for control over my life vs. surrendering control to God? Do I have pride in my possessions and the status they may project? Do I focus on getting “more” to be able to “not need anyone or anything from anyone?”
- How do I spend my money or use the resources that I do have? Do I primarily focus on what I can get for myself? How much do I give?
This line of questioning isn’t to bring condemnation – rather, it is to spur us all to invite the Holy Spirit to help us take inventory of our hearts, giving Him free access to our hearts to bring His kind and loving conviction. The Bible gives us examples of prayer for God to inspect our hearts and reveal that which isn’t right so it can be submitted to Him for cleansing and healing.
Sometimes what He reveals will be something we are already aware of and need His help to give up, such as perhaps feeling more secure with a big bank account balance than in our trust that God will provide for us. Building our relationship with Him grows our understanding of Him, which causes our trust in Him to swell regardless of circumstances. Other times, however, what He may reveal is something we’re blind to. As a personal testimony to this, a couple of years ago my job role was changed from a people leader to an individual contributor. I had been a people leader for over 20 years and did not seek or want this change – it was forced on me. Through this transition, God revealed to me something that I was blind to – I had placed and derived a tremendous source of identity in my people leadership role. If I was told that I placed my primary identity in my job prior to the experience, I wouldn’t have believed it to be true. In God’s kindness He used this situation to reveal to me something that was out of order, something I needed to repent of that I was blind to.
I want to re-iterate the fact that deepening our relationship with God is part of our ongoing sanctification. The enemy will try to come and bring condemnation, saying that we’re not worthy or rejected by Jesus. Those are lies that must be rejected. Through our submitting ourselves to His Holy Spirit for revelation, our Lord draws near to us and shows us the things to submit to Him through repentance so that we can be more like Him. Every facet that He reveals to bring to Him for cleansing should result in joy – so reject the condemnation that the enemy offers instead of accepting the joy of God’s revelation so that we can be closer to Him!
Application/Questions/Journal your thoughts
- Spend time going through the “Getting Specific” list of questions, asking the Holy Spirit for revelation and understanding. I encourage you to do this while journalling, and to go through the list slowly. If you receive revelation on a specific question, stop and meditate on that point instead of continuing through the list.
- We talked about the truth that God trusts us last week. We must remember this always, since doing so encourages us – God knows every single facet about us, and by saving us and filling us with His Holy Spirit, He has enabled us to be perfected in Christ. Said differently – every bit of revelation about things we need to repent of, even the idols we have placed ahead of God, is evidence of His Grace and Love for us – which gives us more reason to be thankful and joyful. Meditate on this, asking the Holy Spirit for revelation – share with a brother or sister in Christ.
Scripture of the week
Psalm 139:23–24 (NET 2nd ed.) 139:23 Examine me, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns. 139:24 See if there is any idolatrous tendency in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. [13]
Psalm 26:2 (NET 2nd ed.) 26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me. Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives. [14]
Psalm 51:10 (NET 2nd ed.) 51:10 Create for me a pure heart, O God. Renew a resolute spirit within me. [15]
Lamentations 3:40 (NET 2nd ed.) 3:40 Let us carefully examine our ways, and let us return to the Lord. [16]
Romans 2:4 (NET 2nd ed.) 2:4 Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? [17]
1 John 1:9 (NET 2nd ed.) 1:9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. [18]
Weekly prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your Love – You know everything about me and died for me even though I was a sinner. Thank You that You’ve filled me with Your Holy Spirit, and that through Him I can be further cleansed and made more like You each day! I give You full access to my life – reveal to me today what You want me to submit to You, so that it can be sanctified. Thank You – I love You – Amen!
Freedom Facet
In today’s world, it is all too easy to become distracted by worldly ways – especially the chasing after material things. Evaluating our hearts by asking the Lord’s assistance to do so is critical for our awareness of where we’ve placed material things ahead of God. This awareness is God’s plan and desire for us – so that we can be further sanctified and made like Jesus. The devil, our enemy, doesn’t want this for us and will bring both temptations to stray as well as condemnation when we’re made aware of the idolatry in our lives. Relying on the Holy Spirit is the way – by walking after Him instead of our flesh – we walk in victory.
Jesus's Freedom is for those who call Him Lord - those who believe in Him. If you’ve not yet accepted Christ Jesus as Your Lord, and would like to, say the following prayer aloud.
Lord Jesus, I confess and realize that I am a sinner, and without You, I am lost and separated from God. Thank You for going to the cross and dying for my sins – I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins, and I thank you and receive the forgiveness of my sins Your Word says is now mine! Holy Spirit, I thank You that You now reside within me. I lay down my will for Yours and ask for Your daily guidance and direction to make me more and more like You. Amen!
The Bible tells us that if we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God resurrected Jesus from the dead, we are saved for eternity. If you’ve just accepted Jesus as Lord, know that heaven is celebrating right now (Luke 15:10)! Rejoice because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and now have begun the process of sanctification becoming like Him. Keep coming back, as we explore Freedom facets and what our Identity in Christ truly is. Share this joyous news with a brother or sister in Christ and get connected in your local church! LIFE is yours!
Small Group Invitations - Week of May 31, 2026
Below are invitations to just a couple of Men's Small Groups that are happening this week, both a part of Celebration Church, Georgetown, Texas. If these don't work for you, or if you're not a Celebration Church, TX attendee - regardless of the church you attend - being a part of small group is immensely important! If you're not involved in one, I pray that you find one that works for your schedule and you get plugged in. Being connected in the local church will bless you immeasurably!
Tuesday Morning Men's Fellowship Group: 6am - 7am at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, Texas. Join us for a time of fellowship where we'll discuss the message from the Pastors on Sunday, the newsletter contents, or whatever is going on in the lives of the brothers meeting.
Friday Morning Celebration Men: We're in between on-campus semesters, so we'll be meeting at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, Texas from 6:30am - 8:am. We conclude at 8am so people can get to work.
[1] Simmons, Brian, trans. 2017. The Passion Translation. BroadStreet Publishing.
[2] Simmons, Brian, trans. 2017. The Passion Translation. BroadStreet Publishing.
[3] Simmons, Brian, trans. 2017. The Passion Translation. BroadStreet Publishing.
[4] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[5] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[6] Got Questions Ministries. 2002–2013. Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[7] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[8] Renn, Stephen D., ed. 2005. “Heart.” In Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts, 478. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.
[9] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[10] Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2003. In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary., Eleventh ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
[11] Wilkins, Michael J. 2004. Matthew. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
[12] Quarles, Charles L. 2011. Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic.
[13] Biblical Studies Press. 2019. The NET Bible. Second Edition. Denmark: Thomas Nelson.
[14] Biblical Studies Press. 2019. The NET Bible. Second Edition. Denmark: Thomas Nelson.
[15] Biblical Studies Press. 2019. The NET Bible. Second Edition. Denmark: Thomas Nelson.
[16] Biblical Studies Press. 2019. The NET Bible. Second Edition. Denmark: Thomas Nelson.
[17] Biblical Studies Press. 2019. The NET Bible. Second Edition. Denmark: Thomas Nelson.