What is Idolatry?

Question: What is idolatry?

Answer: The word "idolatry" is a little difficult to totally pin point, as far as meaning and etymology. One resident idea in the Greek word appears to be that of service. Let me, therefore, use another definitional approach. Paul wrote that among the matters to be put to death is, "and covetousness, which is idolatry" Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

Read Colossians 3:5

"Covetousness" is excessive and spiritually forbidden desire (epithumeo, from epi, upon, and thumos, passion). Hence, idolatry involves forbidden desire. When fully studied, idolatry is, simply stated, any desire or service that is placed before God " But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. " Matthew 6:33

Man has a long history of blatant idolatry. Ancient Mesopotamia had a pantheon (collection of idol gods) of over 1500 gods. The Egyptians worshipped a god with the head of a jackal and the body of a man named Anubis. The Athenians had more gods than people (Acts 17: 16-31). Idolatry is especially reprehensible in that it denies God's rightful place and belittles man.

Warnings against idolatry. The scriptures are replete with warnings against idolatry. "Little children, keep yourselves from idols," wrote John (I Jn. 5: 21). A number of the Christians at Corinth had been idolaters (I Cor. 6: 9-11). The Bible says "idolaters…shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone…" (Rev. 21: 8, see also I Cor. 6: 9). One does not have to physically worship a graven image to be guilty of idolatry. The Bible mentions "setting up their idols in their heart" (Ezek. 14: 3). America has a plenteous pantheon of idols. Riches, hero worship, pleasure, human praise, and the worship of self are too common (Matt. 6: 24; Acts 12: 21-23; 2 Tim. 3: 4; Jn. 12: 42, 43; 2 Tim. 3: 2). The admonition to God's people of old was, "Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols…" (Ezek. 14: 6). Such is a timely warning for us today as well.