Probing for Idols

Last weekend, Pastor Kenny Stokes’ sermon was entitled “Keep Yourselves From Idols: Part 2” from 1 John 5:20–21. (See manuscript and audio.)

In the message, he posed 13 questions (or clusters of questions) to aid our search and identification of false “gods” within our hearts. His intent was to identify areas within our hearts where we may have elevated created things or gifts from God to be ultimate and godlike.

Kenny’s questions were drawn from a sermon preached by the English Puritan pastor David Clarkson (1621–1686) entitled “Soul Idolatry Excludes Men Out of Heaven” (The Works of David Clarkson, Vol 11, The Banner of Truth Trust).

Several who heard the sermon have asked for the questions in order to use them personally or for small group discussion and interaction.

1. What do you most highly value?
2. By default, what do you think about?
3. What is your highest goal?
4. To what or whom are you most committed?
5. Who or what do you love the most?
6. Who or what do you trust the most?
7. Who or what do you fear the most?
8. Who or what do you hope in and hope for most?
9. Who or what do you desire the most? Or, what desire makes you most angry when you don't get it satisfied? Or what desire makes you despair when you don't get it satisfied?
10. Who or what do you most delight in—your greatest joy, treasure?
11. Who or what captures your greatest zeal?
12. To whom are you most thankful?  Or what are you most thankful for?
13. For whom or what great purpose do you work?

Ask the Spirit of God to reveal areas where you may have turned God's gifts into “gods.” These idols will fail us, forsake us, and lead us into misery and away from Christ. Then pray for God to enable you to value, love, trust, fear, hope in, desire, and delight in him alone through Jesus Christ—not in any created thing—for your joy and his glory.