Sermon Guide

Grace and Truth: Idol-Making
February 9, 2025
Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME – There are no gods like GOD.
TEXT – Exodus 32:1-14

Truth #1: We are idol factories.

  • Exodus 32:1
  • What is an idol? It is anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give. Timothy Keller

Truth #2: Idols are worthless. 

  • Exodus 32:2-8
  • Isaiah 44:1-23

Truth #3: There are no gods like GOD.

  • Exodus 32:9-14
  • This is what the Lord says – Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Isaiah 44:6-7a

NEXT STEPS

  • Are you growing in grace and truth?
  • What have you substituted for God? 

SPIRITUAL SELF ASSESSMENT

**These are for your own reflection – no one will see these answers.**

In 2025, we aspire to grow in grace and truth. To measure our growth, we will assess spiritual health and spiritual maturity.

  • Spiritual maturity describes the stage of development. (For example: toddler, teenager, adult).
  • Spiritual health measures well-being at every stage. (For example: toddlers and teenagers can be strong and fit.)
Spiritual Maturity Assessment

CHAIR 1: I am a seeker, curious about Jesus. (Seeker)
What do I trust more than I trust Jesus?

CHAIR 2: I am a believer who follows Jesus. (New Believer)
What gets in the way of my following Jesus?

CHAIR 3: I am a committed follower who serves others. (Worker)
What do I value more than discipling another person?

CHAIR 4: I am a follower of Jesus who disciples others. (Reproducer)
What would I rather do than advance God’s kingdom?

Spiritual Health Assessment

Two very practical places to identify idol-making tendencies in your life is your calendar and your bank statement. Where you spend your time and money reveals what you value most. 

Do I invest quality time in growing my relationship with God? 

YES ____

NO____

Identify one thing that takes priority over time with God.

Do I invest my finances and other resources in growing God’s kingdom?

YES____

NO____

Identify one investment that takes priority over growing God’s kingdom:

(For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21)