The One True God
Daniel 3:8-18

Idolatry is alive and well in our day, for an idol is anything that captures your loyalty, your affections; it is anything or anyone to whom you look for your satisfaction, provision and future hope.

1. Living in a foreign land comes with a constant temptation to idolatry.

Nebuchadnezzar did not call the Jewish exiles to stop worshipping their God. He simply called upon them to include his.

2. Why is this such a big deal?

2.1 Idolatry is a reflection of ungratefulness. (Ps 100:3)

2.2 Idolatry is senseless. (Is 40:21)

2.3 Idolatry condemns us. (Malachi 2:2)

2.4 Idolatry dilutes and weakens every aspect of the Christian life.

2.5 Idolatry is direct rebellion against God’s command. (Exodus 20:1-6)

3. Idols are constantly making promises they cannot keep. (3:15)

3.1 They are nothing more than human creations (Is 40:18ff; 46:6-7)

(Compare with God, the Creator, who gives us all things in himself.)

3.2 They reduce those who worship them to nothing (Is 42:17; 44:18-20)

(Compare to God, who transforms us into all that he created us to be.)

3.3 The cannot deliver their threats (Daniel 3:15, 27)

God keeps all his promises (Is 40:28; 43:11-13; 46:11b)

All sufficiency flows from God (Is 43:1-3a)

God’s wrath is all consuming, and no hand will deliver from it. (Is 40:23-24)

4. The remedy for idolatry is to constantly remember that there is one True God.

4.1 Acknowledge him as he is revealed in the Scriptures

4.2 Set your heart upon that which he reveals.

4.3 Guard your heart against ingratitude and a demanding spirit.

4.4 Constantly renew your awe and worship and love for God. (Ps 16:8; 25:15)